Broadway's Mercedes Herrero and Charlotte d'Amboise Appear at #VTA2016 Conference

Virginia Theatre Association will again host a Who's Who of Virginia's theatre community, including Broadway's Mercedes Herrero (University of Virginia and Yale Drama, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Laramie Project); Charlotte d'Amboise (Pippin, Chicago, A Chorus LIne) Theatre/Tech Visionary Natasha Tsakos, Google Live Event Strategist Jason Fahlstrom, and many others, when Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) returns to Norfolk for its #VTA2016: Creative Acts Annual Conference, today, October 26, through October 30, 2016, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel.

VTA is thrilled to bring back its annual awards program, now called the Ginny Awards, and will this year honor Signature Theatre's Eric Schaeffer for Innovative Excellence, Robert Chapel, recently retired from the University of Virginia for Lifetime Achievement, and Northern Virginia theatre educator Mike Hudson for Distinguished Service. The President's Reception Saturdaynight, October 29th will celebrate the winners. Tickets are available for purchase on the VTA website.

The conference is sponsored by Disney Theatrical Group, Music Theatre International, Pepsi, Barbizon Lighting, artsii, VisitNorfolk and others.

The October gathering will feature Virginia theatre's most creative acts as part of #VTA2016: CreatIcon, including performances, keynote addresses, and panel discussions by state & national theatre leaders. The conference features live performances of Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy from Norfolk State University and a modern take on Oliver Twist from Virginia Stage Company. Patrick Mullins will speak at a special Friday lunch about Virginia Stage's innovative collaborations during a year locked out of its theatre under construction. NYC's Patrick DeGennaro and Lina Koutrakos will bring their Manhattan sing-slong style to VTA's Piano Bar Thursday and Fridaynights. More than fifty college, university, intensives and job recruiters and commercial vendors will be on hand at VTA2016's Expo. The gathering features festivals for theatre lovers of all ages; College and SETC Pre-Screen Auditions; and more than 100 master classes, workshops, and all-conference events.

DAY PASSES ARE AVAILABLE for Friday and Saturday Sessions for $30 and a limited number of single session passes are available for $5. Friday lunch tickets are available for $20; Saturday President's Reception tickets are $25. For information, visit virginiatheatre.org or call the VTA office at 434.845.7529.

VTA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to connect, create, develop, nurture and advocate for, theatre people of all ages, at every level, from every corner of Virginia. This year's conference in Norfolk will include nationally renowned guest speakers, presentations, workshops, book signings, performances and much more. The 2016 VTA Conference will again be held in Norfolk. To learn more about the conference, or for membership information, visit www.virginiatheatre.org.