ASTR Annual Conference

The ASTR Annual Conference, organized by the American Society for Theatre Research, is set to take place at the Omni Providence Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. This event is pivotal in promoting scholarly discourse within the theatre research community, and the conference will span four days, from Thursday through Sunday. The focus of this year's conference is to create a supportive platform for under-represented groups, making it essential for the selected Program Chairs to prioritize inclusion and diversity throughout the planning process.

The 2027 Program Chairs will play a crucial role in shaping the conference by developing the theme, curating sessions, and gathering scholars, artists, and educators to form a Conference Program Committee. Their responsibilities include drafting a compelling conference theme, reviewing applications for plenary and working sessions, and possibly curating other events such as performances and community excursions.

The conference planning will officially commence in the summer of 2026, with Program Chairs expected to participate actively in meetings and preparations, ensuring that the programming reflects current trends and discussions in the field of theatre research. Moreover, selected Program Chairs will have their conference registration fees covered for both the year leading to the conference and the year of the conference itself, reinforcing ASTR's commitment to supporting its members.

The Conference Program Selection Committee will carefully evaluate applications based on relevant experience and the potential impact of the proposed themes, with a clear focus on fostering an inclusive environment. The process for selecting the Program Chairs is designed to ensure a high standard of quality and relevance in the conference offerings.