Well done, team TIOS Illinois! Thank you for a truly successful conference! Read the testimonial below:

"What a wonderful variety of sessions! I really appreciated the thought that went into making sure there was something for everyone!"

"The breakout sessions were my favorite! It was interesting for me to watch other teachers participating with students in divers environmnets - great student involvement!"

"It was great networking with other theatre teachers. I admire how unique and informative theatrical strangers are to other people!"

"All great information and it renewed my enthusiasm!"

Theatre In Our Schools Mini-Conference 2010 - in association with Illinois Theatre Association

ITA President Tim Ortmann wearing a mask he won from Maskmaker David Knezz	One of the day's many workshops
Lunch, and time to catch up on the day's events	The TIOS IL Planning Committee

More about the conference held at Northwestern University
Theme: NOW MORE THAN EVER: VITAL ARTS IN TRYING TIMES

We know that we are all dealing with challenges as budgets are cut and programs trimmed. But it is vital that we stay energized and inspired to create and teach art with our students. We all believe art isn't an extravagance or indulgence, but rather a necessity that must be kept at the core of education. Check out conference highlights and schedule.

Participants spent the day with fellow teachers, artists, and theatre administrators experiencing hands-on workshops, observing master teachers demonstrate their work, discussing your own practice, and keeping our arts education community strong!

Theatre In Our Schools Illinois Mini-Conference 2010
Hosted by Northwestern University, Norris Center
1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Sunday, March 14, 2010 - 10am - 4pm CST


 Conference Highlights included:

• Keynote speaker Arnold Aprill, Founding and Creative Director of Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE)
• Master teachers at work with both elementary and middle level kids
• Breakout sessions addressing the needs of 21st century learners, arts assessment, and grant writing
• Workshop sessions that allowed participants to get involved with improv and learn how to make Shakespeare accessible to your students
• Expert session leaders included:
  • Frank Baiocchi (Polk Bros Foundation) and Kristin Gaspar - creating lasting financial support for your program
  • Lisa Bany-Winters (Play On Ltd) - Master Class with Elementary Students
  • Betsy Driver (Oak Grove School, Oak Grove District 68) & Amy Markos (Washburne School, Winnetka School District 36) - 21st century learning in arts education
  • Linda Gates & Dawn Mora (both from Northwestern University's Theatre Department) - Shakespeare
  • Rachel Jamieson, (Franklin Fine Arts Center, Chicago Public Schools) - master class with middle school students
  • Emily Lansana (Theater and Literary Arts Curriculum Supervisor, Office of Arts Education, CPS), Arnold Aprill (Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education), & Paige Lunde (National Education Task Force Arts Committee, Wilmette Junior High School, Wilmette District 39) - arts assessment
  • Tim Stoltenberg (Second City) - The Power of Improvisation
  • Scott Shallenbarger, Laban Technique Master Session with High School Students
• Networking and idea sharing about Round Tables
• Lunch and raffle!