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.

Online Workshops

The online courses, AATE offers, are synchronous and asynchronous professional development through online interactive sessions with experts in the field.

Theatre Leadership Institute

This program is designed specifically to bring established leaders in the field of professional theatre and theatre education together with emerging leaders in the field to create a shared understanding of what is required to move the field forward into the next generation. By joining the leaders of the present with those of the future, AATE aims to ensure a vital and vibrant field of theatre for students, artists, and audiences of tomorrow.

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.