Programs and Events

National Conference

AATE's National Conference is the keystone of its programming and has occurred annually since 1937. Held in a different city each year, the conference is a haven for theatre artists, playwrights, youth theatre directors, education directors, theatre education scholars, teachers, and students from around the world to exchange ideas and best practices in the field of theatre and education. As AATE programming has grown over the years, conference is not the only place where AATE members gather throughout the year. Check out other AATE events where theatre artists and educators gather to inspire one another. 

Symposium Series

The AATE Symposium Series is a 3 day conference that has been held annually since 2013. It is held in a different city and with a different partnering organization each year. Each Symposia focuses on a different, specific topic each year.

Theatre In Our Schools

AATE's Theatre in our Schools (TIOS) project is a chance for us to celebrate and promote the art of theatre and to remind us that theatre is essential in people's lives. This campaign promotes theatre for youth at all levels all across America by making the public aware of the positive impact that theatre has on students. TIOS mini-conferences are regional professional development events with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions designed to elevate standards in theatre education and to raise awareness of the importance of theatre in schools and schools in theatres.

AATE Awards

The AATE Awards honor exceptional individuals as well as organizations for the high quality work they perform in the field of theatre with and for young audiences. Recipients represent the best of our field and inspire others with the outstanding work, commitment, and dedication that make us proud to count them among our colleagues and allies. The AATE Awards are presented annually at the National Conference.

Leaders of Color Institute

AATE’s Leaders of Color Institute (LOCI) is a space for artists, teachers, arts professionals, administrators, and anyone who wants to learn from and interact with leaders in the field.

This dedicated space only for people of color will provide professional development opportunities that include peer exchange, artistic vision, and leadership skill development.

Playwrights In Our Schools

The Playwrights In Our Schools program seeks to bring playwrights into schools and bring schools into the process of developing new plays.