ASPIRE Arts Leadership

The field of Arts Management and Administration encompasses a broad range of talents and responsibilities. At ACTF Region 6, we are committed to supporting students with an interest in these areas with events and opportunities that will strengthen their skills and marketability. This program is designed to cultivate a new generation of artistic and administrative leaders for the American Theater with a focus of engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and members of other groups that are consistently underrepresented in the field. This diverse national cohort of fellows assembled from all of ACTF’s eight regions will engage in topics concerning equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism as well as leadership skills building, investigation of institutional challenges, and professional networking opportunities. Program highlights include workshop and discussions by/with current professionals working in the areas of arts administration and management.

No previous experience with arts administration necessary.

ACTF Region 6

ASPIRE Arts Leadership 2026

February 21 & 22, 2026

FEBRUARY 21st, 2026 (Saturday) 

8:30-9:00 AM Welcome to ASPIRE! *All ASPIRE activities are in Room #203/4* 

Introductions (Guest, Coordinators, Students); Ice breaker activity; Review the schedule, general program (National & Regional), Creative Pitch intro.  

(ASPIRE alums intros if joining)

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM “All You Need is LORT” Workshop 

The League of Resident Theatres (LORT) is crucial to ASPIRE. Let’s learn about their history and mission. (Workshop led by VIP Guest)

9:40 – 10:50 AM Find Your Path: Navigating a Career in Theatre  

This workshop is an introduction to positions in the theatre outside of acting, directing, designing, and playwriting. We all know it takes more than just the actors on stage to bring a show to life. Navigating the world of theater post-graduation can feel overwhelming but knowing that there are multiple paths to finding your way may make it a little easier. Join us in this workshop to learn more about the many positions that exist in the theater that foster fulfilling and exciting careers! (Workshop led by VIP Guest) 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Resume & Interview Workshop with Sajal Javid

This interactive session will equip participants with practical tools to strengthen their resumes, cover letters, and interview readiness. Drawing from executive-level HR leadership and hiring experience, Sajal Javid will cover essential do’s and don’ts for resumes and cover letters, how to prepare effectively for interviews, and what employers actually look for when evaluating candidates. Participants will gain strategies to tell their story with clarity and confidence, anticipate interview questions, and position their skills for impact—leaving with actionable guidance they can apply immediately to their job search and career growth.

12:00 - 1:00 PM - Lunchbreak

1-2:00 PM “Mission/Vision/Values” Workshop - “Find your North Star; How Mission and Values make Theatre Happen” 

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own creative project? Have you ever wondered what skills one needs to run a theatre company? The ASPIRE Arts Leadership Program aims to boost the artistic voices of the next generation of theatre professionals. In an environment consisting mostly of your peers and led by leading theatre/arts professionals, we rise by lifting each other up through immersion in contemporary and future artistic leadership inspired by the regional theatre movement. Come and join us in the room where it happens. 

2:10 PM - 3 PM “The Creative Pitch” Workshop 

Through the lens of equitable and sustainable practices, the ASPIRE Arts Leadership program is dedicated to discussing and learning what the next 50 years of American theatre will look like. That means you! As the future stewards of the American theatre, what do you think needs to change or stay the same?  

Come and learn how to communicate your ideas through “The Creative Pitch”. This can include pitching a theatre company, a multi-disciplinary arts organization, a festival or a creative theatrical initiative.  We will discuss who your target audience is, your position and who are your creative collaborators, where does your creative project take place and how does this creative pitch align with your leadership aspirations?  

The Creative Pitch Guidelines 

3:00 - 4:15 PM Creative Pitch Brainstorming Session

Breakout Groups & Conversation

At the end of the session, students indicate whether they’d like to present & advance to Nationals. We create a sign-up sheet / presentation order accordingly & hold space for questions & comments.   

FEBRUARY 22nd, 2026 (Sunday) 

8:30 AM - 9:20 AM BOLD Workshop  

We honor the dignified voices, cultures, and creative traditions that define our region. By challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting fairness, and supporting respectful representation on and off stage. Through mentorship, collaboration, and student-driven leadership, we are actively working to cultivate the next generation of resilient, creative theater artists.

Together, we are building a stronger, more global theatrical community—grounded in our region’s past, engaged in the present, and boldly shaping the future.

Co-Led by BOLD Chair John Greer & Sajal Javid - Alley Theatre Policies & Recent Implementation)

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Careers Panel Room #203/4 

This workshop is an introduction to a variety of possible careers in the world of theatre management. A panel of guests will discuss their careers.   

Sajal Javid (Chief Human Resources and Culture Officer, Alley Theatre)

Michelle Bombe (new Exec Dir of a professional summer company, Hope College, MI)  

Katie Hahn (Director of Paramount Productions; MFA Texas Tech University Performance & Pedagogy) 

Brad Dell (Director and Producer of Shakespeare on the Lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens; current National Chair to ACTF; former R5 Chair)

Mallory Prucha (Associate Professor, Costume Design and Technology and Head of Design at Texas Tech University| ACTF National Vice-Chair for Design, Technology, and Management)

(Panel moderated by ASPIRE Coordinator).

10:45 - 11:30 AM: Workshop on Engaged Arts Leadership & Partnership Building with Prof. Mallory Prucha

11:30 AM -12:15 PM - Creative Pitch Practice Session

A chance to present and get feedback on your creative pitch!

12:15-1:15 PM Lunch Break 

1:15 PM – 3:15 PM – Creative Pitches & Interviews 

Students present their pitches, followed by one-on-one interviews with VIP guest and selectors Michelle Bombe and Brad Dell.

3:20 PM – 3:50 PM Debrief 

Next steps and wrap-up session with ASPIRE Coordinators.