TCG to Host 2017 National Conference in Portland

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, proudly announces that the 27th annual TCG National Conference will take place in Portland, OR from June 8 to 10, 2017. The TCG National Conference provides the largest forum for the national theatre community to assemble for artistic and intellectual exchange. The multi-day event draws hundreds of theatre professionals from around the world for meetings, speeches, performances, and opportunities to explore the local theatre community.

"Portland's reputation as a unique hub of innovation and culture is most certainly manifested by its vibrant theatre community," said Teresa Eyring, executive director of TCG. "We look forward to working with our local host committee to share that vibrancy and create a transformative conference experience."

The Portland-area Host Theatres contributing to the planning for the National Conference currently include: Artists Repertory Theatre, Bag & Baggage Productions, Miracle Theatre Group, Oregon Children's Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Profile Theatre Company, Portland Playhouse, and Third Rail Repertory Theatre.

"The Portland theatre community is thriving like never before, and we are so excited to be selected as the 2017 host city for the TCG National Conference," said Cynthia Fuhrman, C.O.O. of Portland Center Stage. "As the largest annual gathering of theatre professionals in the U.S., the theatre makers coming to Portland next June will be welcomed by their theatrical colleagues on the Portland Host Committee, who are prepared to offer an exciting conference experience. Portland is rightfully known for our food, wine, craft beer, and stunning outdoor environment; we're excited to also show off our amazing arts scene. We are all grateful to TCG for the opportunity to work with them on this event, and looking forward to the year ahead to plan for an remarkable conference."

"We are honored that TCG has selected Portland as the host city for the 2017 TCG National Conference," said Jeff Miller, president & CEO of Travel Portland. "Portland has a well-established network of venues and theatre companies and an increasingly dynamic and diverse small theatre scene. There's really something for everyone. Breathtaking countryside surrounds a city noted for its architecture, historical sites, cultural activities, sustainability principles, exceptional cuisine, and friendly livability."

Through its convenings, TCG continues to serve as a connector for theatres to share best practices and new business and artistic models with one another. TCG presents plenary speakers, breakout sessions, workshops, and performances throughout the National Conference. Past keynote speakers have included leading artists and thinkers, such as Mona Eltahawy, Seth Godin, Jane McGonigal, Julie Taymor, and Baratunde Thurston.

TCG's 2016 National Conference in Washington DC from June 23-25 is called Theatre Nation, a theme inspired by the possibilities of gathering over 1,000 theatre people in our nation's capital during an election year. Programming highlights include:

· Actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith sharing her new groundbreaking approach to audience engagement;

· Over 175 theatre people journeying to Capitol Hill for advocacy opportunities with Members of Congress and their staffs;

· The Global Pre-Conference: Finding Home: Migration, Exile, and Belonging, featuring workshops, conversations, and performances about global theatre practice;

· Two cohorts meeting for the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Institute supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and supported and hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts; and

· Workshops led by artists and thought-leaders from the theatre field and beyond, including: Oskar Eustis, Kirsty Hoyle, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Elaine Grogan Luttrull, Lisa Mount, Kameron Steele, Lance Weiler, and Kinan Valdez.

For over 50 years, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the U.S. theatre, has existed to strengthen, nurture, and promote the professional not-for-profit theatre. TCG's constituency has grown from a handful of groundbreaking theatres to nearly 700 member theatres and affiliate organizations and more than 12,000 individuals nationwide. TCG offers its members networking and knowledge-building opportunities through conferences, events, research and communications; awards grants, approximately $2 million per year, to theatre companies and individual artists; advocates on the federal level; and serves as the U.S. Center of the International Theatre Institute, connecting its constituents to the global theatre community. TCG is North America's largest independent publisher of dramatic literature, with 14 Pulitzer Prizes for Best Play on the TCG booklist. It also publishes the award-winning American Theatre magazine and ARTSEARCH, the essential source for a career in the arts. In all of its endeavors, TCG seeks to increase the organizational efficiency of its member theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field and promote a larger public understanding of, and appreciation for, the theatre. www.tcg.org.

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