Theatre Communications Group to Hold 2015 National Conference in Cleveland

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, proudly announces that the 25th annual TCG National Conference will take place in Cleveland from June 18 to 20, 2015. 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 and performances, as well as a chance to explore the local theatre community.

"We were impressed by Cleveland's diverse cultural scene and sense of community," said Teresa Eyring, executive director of TCG. "We're looking forward to working with the host committee to create a great Conference experience and share the Cleveland area's exciting theatre offerings."

The Cleveland-area Host Theatres contributing to the planning for the Conference currently include: Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Dobama Theatre and Great Lakes Theater.

"The Host Theatres are thrilled that TCG has selected Cleveland to host its National Conference, the largest annual convening of theatre professionals in the country," said Kevin S. Moore, managing director of Cleveland Play House The outpouring of enthusiasm and support from the Northeast Ohio theatre community for this effort was just outstanding, and was certainly a major selling point in attracting this important gathering to Cleveland. We look forward to working with TCG to stage an outstanding conference and to showcasing Cleveland theatre to our colleagues from around the country."

"Northeast Ohio's theatre scene is truly world-class," said David Gilbert, president & CEO of Positively Cleveland. "Cleveland is proud to host the 2015 TCG National Conference and looks forward to showcasing all that Northeast Ohio has to offer to the 1,200 expected TCG attendees. The 2015 conference is expected to have an economic impact of nearly $1 million over three days across our region."

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 Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy, author Seth Godin, playwright August Wilson and theatre director Julie Taymor.

TCG's 2014 National Conference in San Diego from June 19-21 is called Crossing Borders, inspired in part by a literal border crossing into Tijuana, Mexico for two Pre-Conferences (TCG's Diversity & Inclusion Institute and the International Artistic Collaboration Forum). The Conference will feature four border-crossing programmatic arcs-{Art | People}, {Conflict | Confluence}, {Survive | Thrive} and {Theatre | Technology}-to provide a deeper dive into key areas of inquiry. Speakers thus far include renowned game designer Jane McGonigal and theatre artists Taylor Mac. For more information and registration for this year's conference, visit http://www.tcg.org/events/conference/2014/about.cfm.

For over 50 years, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, has existed to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American 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 13 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.