Renaissance Theaterworks Hosts National Statera Theatre Conference In Milwaukee

Milwaukee's only professional theater company dedicated to improving gender parity in the arts, Renaissance Theaterworks (RTW), partners with the Statera Foundation to bring the National Statera Conference (StateraConIII) to Milwaukee this October 4 - 7, 2018 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's main campus.

Formed in 2014, the Statera Foundation is a nonprofit organization that strives to expand employment opportunities, improve salary and remove barriers for women-identifying theatre professionals through unique programming and conferences. "Our goal is to bring people who identify as women into full and equal participation in the American Theatre," says Sarah Greenman, Statera's Creative Director. "Renaissance Theaterworks' founders recognized gender imbalance within their own profession when they were founded back in 1993. We just thought they were the perfect fit for us." RTW continues to be a local leader of gender parity in the theater by promoting the work of women onstage and off.

Now in its third rendition, the Statera Conference for gender parity is a unique opportunity to meet with theatre professionals from all over the country for three days of networking, learning, listening, socializing, experience-sharing, theatre-going and more. The Statera Conference is all about nourishing an environment of gender balance through the lens of intersectionality.

RTW's Artistic Director, Suzan Fete recalls her experience from attending the 2016 Statera Conference in Colorado. "The energy in the room was something I've never experienced at a conference before. I truly felt connected to these women. I had a sense of peace and empowerment knowing there was a network of people passionate about gender equality in the arts, just like me." Fete is serving as the StateraConIII Chair along with RTW Managing Director, Lisa Rasmussen, who's serving as the conference Co-Chair. Rasmussen states, "RTW is truly privileged to have the opportunity to host the National Statera Conference right here in our home. Our missions align so well and we hope this conference will generate positive action and change for women in the performing arts."

Statera's National Conference is open to all theater professionals, practitioners, students and enthusiasts. All are welcome and encouraged to register. StateraConIII will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 4 - 7, 2018 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's main campus Peck School of the Arts (2400 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211). For more information, please visit www.staterafoundation.org/conference.