BroadwayCon 2018 kicks off its third annual weekend of insightful panels, photo and autograph sessions, show previews, performances and more January 26. The three-day Broadway extravaganza takes place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center for its second consecutive year. This is your chance to learn about Broadway from every angel—onstage, backstage, the business, and beyond. We’ve highlighted some of the not-to-miss programs to help you get the most out of convention:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
11AM
Dancing Through Life: The Transition from Dancer to Choreographer
This panel features a discussion with Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo (A Bronx Tale, On Your Feet!, Jersey Boys), JoAnn Hunter (School of Rock, Disaster!), Lorin Latarro (Waitress), and Josh Bergasse (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, On the Town) who all started out as Broadway dancers before becoming some of the most sought-after choreographers in the business.
12PM
Waitress: From Bakery to Broadway
Get a taste of some of Broadway’s more niche jobs, like a Broadway baker. Waitress’ pie consultant Stacy Donnelly joins cast member Stephanie Torns and prop master Christopher DeLuise to talk about creating the authenticity behind Joe’s Pie Diner.
1PM
Auditioning for College Theatre Programs
Whether you’re a student aspiring to study at a college theatre program, a parent trying to guide your child, or a teacher trying to prepare pupils for auditions, this session with some of the heads of musical theatre programs at Penn State Univerisyt and Pace University, and the creative director at The Professional Conservatory of Musical Theatre at NYFA.
2PM
What Does a Director Do?
Tony-winning director-choreographer Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes, Nice Work If You Can Get It) and Tony nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel (Hand to God) discuss the craft of directing.
4:30PM
Opening Ceremony
Enough said.
5PM
In The Heights Reunion
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Javier Muñoz. Karen Olivo. Olga Merediz. Janet Dacal. Alex Lacamoire. Do not miss the Carnaval del 10-Year Reunion.
7PM
Show Spotlight: Frozen
Catch a sneak peek from Disney’s upcoming musical, featuring songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Broadway’s Olaf, Greg Hildreth.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
10AM
BroadwayCon Feud
Start the day with some Broadway games. Former If/Then castmates Jenn Colella and James Snyder reunite to host!
11AM
Show Spotlight: Dear Evan Hansen
Broadway’s newest Evan, Noah Galvin, hits the stage with the Tony-winning book writer Steven Levenson to talk about stepping into the now-iconic role.
We’re Here to Say It’s For All of Us: Broadway Accessibility
BroadwayCon is also for the important discussions about the industry, including representation and accessibility. Don’t miss this powerful session with leaders in the business.
12PM
Show Spotlight: SpongeBob SquarePants The Broadway Musical
Make it the “best day ever” and come to see the production’s principals Ethan Slater, Danny Skinner, and Gavin Lee with director Tina Landau and music supervisor (and Pulitzer winner) Tom Kitt.
1PM
Cosplay Fashion Show
To participate, fill out the survey here by January 25.
2PM
Singalong
Belt out your favorite showtunes with other people who actually know the words.
3PM
BroadwayCon Star to Be 2018
Watch as the 10 finalists compete for the crown of Broadway’s next big star.
4PM
Building Theatre Community in Your Home Town
BroadwayCon is also about spreading the art of theatre after convention closes. Find out how you can strengthen your town’s ties to Broadway.
4:30PM
The Evolution of the Broadway Musical Heroine
Catering to all different attendees, BroadwayCon also specializes in deep dives into theatre history. This lecture examines how things have changed for Broadway’s leading ladies. What’s the different between a Rodgers + Hammerstein heroine and a Sondheim heroine? And where are we now?
7PM
BroadwayCon Blizzard Party Line
Who knows who will show up on FaceTime as BroadwayCon calls the biggest names in theatre.
SUNDAY JANUARY 28
11AM
Journey to the Island: A Celebration of Ahrens and Flaherty.
Lynn Ahrens joins cast members from her current Broadway musicals Christy Altomare, Alex Newell, and Hailey Kilgore to talk Anastasia and Once On This Island.
Green Model Making Class
For those interested in the design of Broadway, learn to make a 3D model of your scenic design from professional Donyale Werle. Attendance is limited to the first 40-50 people to arrive, so don’t be late.
12PM
Fun Home Kids
Meet the kids who put the “fun” in Fun Home. From the original Sydney Lucas to replacement Gabriella Pizzolo and more.
Show Spotlight: Come From Away
Tony-winning director Christopher Ashley, Tony-nominated writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and the cast of Come From Away hit the mainstage to talk about what makes this show a smash.
1PM
After Anatevka
Playbill’s Ruthie Fierberg moderates this Q&A with Broadway actor-turned-author Alexandra Silber about how she turned her time in Fiddler on the Roof into a novel about the next chapter for Tevye’s daughter, Hodel.
3:30PM
BroadwayCon First Look
Take a look at Broadway’s upcoming shows before they become hits!
5PM
Closing Ceremony
So long. Farewell.
