Event Line Up
September 23 · 10am – September 24 · 5pm
A weekend of workshops and panels tailored to empower and enhance the careers of solo performers in particular. This event has information that can benefit all performers.
This weekend event includes career training from industry professionals that is designed to give a boost to solo performers. Workshops and panels will cover areas especially tailored to solo artists such as creating a solo show, marketing, teamwork, touring, and career development. Attendees will be able to attend 8 offerings including an interview with LAWTF co-founder, workshops, and panels.
Tuition for the weekend is $99 Early Bird (ending September 1st), $125 General Admission, or $75 per day. Workshops will take place at Theatre 68 in North Hollywood. Purchase your tickets at Eventbrite.
Founded in 1993 by Adilah Barnes and Miriam Reed, the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival holds the distinction of being the oldest Annual Solo Festival in Los Angeles celebrating powerful women performers. A critically-acclaimed international festival, LAWTF has produced close to 700 extraordinary solo artists from around the globe. These multicultural and multi-disciplined performers represent diverse disciplines such as theatre, dance, storytelling, performance art, performance poetry, spoken word, mime, music, and song.
All in all, this is the most information you will find about the production of solo performances at one time in one place. Come out, support, and enjoy!
EMPOWERMENT WEEK-END SCHEDULE LINE-UP
FRIDAY
A Conversation with Adilah Barnes (7 pm – 8 pm)
LAWTF Co-Founder Adilah Barnes whose award-winning career on stage and in film and television has spanned over 50 years, will speak on her journey as a solo artist. She toured 40 states and 3 continents, which allowed her to purchase her own home. She will also speak on LAWTF’s 10th Annual EMPOWERMENT Week-end and underscore the Festival’s 30-year history as the longest-running Solo Festival in Los Angeles.
SATURDAY
Stories Imagined – From Thought to Pen (10 am – 11:30 am) (workshop)
Wherever you are at in your solo theatre journey, whatever level of experience, even if you are just curious because the idea of creating a solo show has been dancing around in your head, this workshop will meet you where you are and use techniques to guide you to the next level. All that is required to attend is a willingness to explore, a pen and paper or a laptop, and an openness to share with others. This workshop offers a safe and supportive space to develop material for new stage works. So join other creatives in a welcoming space for personal expression and flowing creative juices.
Mounting A Show with Your Dream Team (11:30 am – 1 pm) (panel)
This informative panel will address topics that include creating a professional team needed for the success of a solo show that aligns with your vision, shines, and ultimately attracts appreciative audiences. This panel will also focus on the nuts and bolts of producing and launching a solo show that includes selecting a producer and director, negotiating fees and contracts, utilizing lighting and sound to create mood, developing a Marketing and PR team, and learning how to do it all on a shoestring budget.
LUNCH BREAK: 1 pm – 1:30 pm
On the Road with a Suitcase and a Story! (1:30 pm – 3 pm)(workshop)
This informative workshop is designed for those who are ready to hit the road with their solo show. Topics include how to identify one’s market, address booking, fees, contracts, Marketing/PR, technical riders, technical rehearsals and crew, travel, lodging, working with presenters, and more!
Diversity and Inclusion: Theatre For All (3 pm – 4:30 pm) (panel)
This panel will address the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a safe space for everyone, especially at this pivotal time in our society. This panel discussion includes bringing together diverse voices and the responsibility we all have to represent and include those of different cultures, abilities, and communities.
Raffle: 4:30 pm – 4:45 pm
LAWTF will offer exciting prizes and conclude with time to briefly socialize. For those who wish to participate, tickets are 3 for $5 and 8 for $10.
SUNDAY
Creative Fundraising – A Guide to Successful Grant Writing (10 am – 11:30 am) (workshop)
This workshop will focus on how to research and approach grant writing to secure funding from government grantors, corporate sponsors, and foundations. Also covered will be how to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity, ways to receive individual funding through fiscal receivers, and other ways to finance yourself as an artist. There will be opportunities to practice grant writing and explore common prompts including eligibility, budget, narrative, and more. (Martin, Ben, Brenda, Lee/ Karen for corporate)
Artists as Activists (11:30 am – 1 pm) (panel)
This panel explores how solo performers can proactively intersect art with activism. As creatives, our voices have the opportunity and responsibility to create a space for dialogue between the artist and the audience. Additionally, this panel will address union and professional advocacy.
LUNCH BREAK 1 PM – 1:30 PM
Wholistic Self-Care: Taking Care of You (1:30 pm – 3 pm) (workshop)
This well-being workshop focuses on artist self-care including finding balance, meditation, diet, journaling, exercise, yoga, therapy, setting boundaries, and more. This safe and supportive space provides a place for artists to come together and give voice to their challenges, opportunities, and proven ways of taking care of themselves.
Empowered Women: Taking The Reins of Your Career (3 pm – 4:30 pm) (panel)
This exciting panel of professional women will share their creative process, vision, and artistic autonomy through their individual journeys as working solo performers. The panel will cover topics that include how to make a living doing what you love; the lessons and blessings along the way to one’s solo career; utilizing skills in the solo world beyond actors as directors, producers, teaching artists, authors, and more.
Raffle: 4:30 pm – 4:45 pm