The Association of Community Theatre Inc is delighted to open registration for our 13th Stagecraft conference at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney on the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026.
The conference held every two years for performers, creatives and administrators is sponsored by Marsh Insurance – ACT’s partner in our community theatre insurance policies.
The keynote speaker is the legendary New Zealand actor singer Jay Laga’aia who will speak on the importance of community theatre and lead a four-hour acting workshop.
Other topics in the conference include a four-hour lighting design workshop, how to use Artificial Intelligence to design your set, directing, make-up, English accents, Shakespeare and heightened language and a musical theatre dance session.
ACT’s most popular seminar from 2024 returns – a masterclass in intimacy direction from Chloë Dallimore AM.
There are also important seminars for administrators including one on Child Protection in community theatre, copyright with representatives of leading agents, and tips on what technology to use to save time when running a community theatre. Lecturers are a combination of NIDA staff and community theatre experts.
Actor and psychologist Simon Ward will bring practical tips to help build wellbeing from rehearsal to closing night.
Legendary theatre makers Bob and Col Peet will run a seminar on making props beautiful.
Bob Peet OAM will speak at ACT’s conference dinner on his life in theatre, as well as entertainment from community theatres and inauguration of ACT’s new inductees into the Hall of Fame.
For members conference registration for the entire weekend including dinner, two lunches and morning teas is $190 – but if registration is completed before August 1 the 2024 fee of $175 applies.
The early bird discount also applies to member taking out one day options to the conference and conference only options.
Non-members of ACT are welcome to register for modest additional fees.
To register and download a conference brochure, CLICK HERE.
