Converse to Host 44th Annual South Carolina Theatre Association Conference
Hundreds of theatre students and teachers from high schools, colleges and community theatres from across South Carolina will descend upon Converse College to take part in the 44th Annual South Carolina Theatre Association Conference on Nov. 12-14. The convention, which is open to the public and requires registration, will feature 22 high school productions, three community theatre productions and a series of master classes throughout the weekend in such diverse topics as: scene painting, creating a light lab, relaxation techniques, character makeup, auditioning for film and TV, playwriting, and stage combat. Actress Jill Lawrence, a member of the hit TV series Law & Order, will serve as the keynote speaker and lead several master classes throughout the weekend. On-site registration is available in the main lobby of Wilson Hall during Friday, Nov. 12 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturday, Nov. 13 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The registration fee is $55 for adults and $45 for students. This includes admission to all events.
The convention will open with the Theatre/Converse Production of The Autumn Ghost Radio Hour Presents: “Oh, Horrors” by Converse theatre faculty member Brent Glenn, on Friday night at 8:15 pm in the Hazel B. Abbott Theatre. According to Glenn, the conference provides students the chance to be a part of the collaborative artistic community that is thriving at Converse. “It is indeed great fun to be able to perform the Radio Hour for college and high school students across the state. It is also a great opportunity to show students the unique nature of our highly collaborative program here at Converse and the wonderful synergy that develops when creative artists from dance, acting, writing and music come together.”
In addition to Lawrence, the conference will also host featured guest Linda Eisen from Coastal Talent, a professional talent agency that represents actors who have appeared in principle roles in feature films, TV, as well as in industrial films. Eisen will lead a discussion about acting as a profession on Saturday at 1:30 pm in the Barnett Room at the Montgomery Student Center. Topics will include agent representation, acting opportunities in the southeast (theatre, film, television) how to present yourself for representation, what makes a good headshot and how to market your talents. Space is limited for this session.
About Jill Lawrence
Jill Marie Lawrence is an actress who is known for playing Defense Attorney Cleo Conrad in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She also appeared as Evelyn Jasper in the Law & Order episode “Merger,” and as an unnamed nurse in the episode “Dazzled.” Lawrence appeared in the 2002 movie, City by the Sea, staring Robert DeNiro, Frances McDormand and other well-known movie actors.