There are two ways to participate in the KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE Arts Leadership program: in-person at your Regional Festival, or virtually via Zoom. (The latter option is intended for students who are not able to attend their Regional Festival)

ASPIRE Regional Festival 2025

Students interested in the world of arts leadership are encouraged to register for this program. Whether you hope to become an artistic leader or you are curious about how theaters operate, ASPIRE is a fantastic festival opportunity, and 2025 offers us the opportunity to connect both virtually and in-person with fellow theater artists and leaders from across the country. ASPIRE Arts Leadership programming will include workshops and discussions curated by all of KCACTF’s ASPIRE Regional Coordinators, National ASPIRE Chair Stefanie Sertich and the National ASPIRE team.

The ASPIRE program is an opportunity for students at all levels of experience who are interested in theatre arts leadership. Enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who are at least part-time at the time of the creation/completion of the project may apply. We encourage applications from students of color, women, and members of other groups that are consistently underrepresented in the field. Others may also apply.

Applicants for the ASPIRE Arts Leadership Program are evaluated based on potential and interest to:

• Create and articulate an artistic or administrative vision.
• Lead and inspire others.
• Collaborate with all members of a team.
• Engage within the community at large.
• Think outside the box and innovate.
• Articulate the theatre’s role and relevance in global diversity and current events.

To join Region II’s ASPIRE cohort please register here by December 16th.

To see this year’s creative pitch instructions click here

A week of opportunities at the national festival

One student from each Region nationally (as well as a small number of participants from the virtual cohort) will be selected to attend the National Festival in April, where they will join selected participants from other regions in a dynamic, week-long program exploring leadership in the performing arts. Participants will take part in special sessions examining equity, diversity and inclusion in our field — while gaining multiple perspectives on the full range of performing arts leadership challenges. The experience will provide valuable professional networking opportunities as well.

Virtual Conference:

KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE Arts Leadership Program 2025 will include a virtual option, in addition to in-person, to participate in the program. Once registered, you will be provided with access to a library of videos to watch to help you prepare for your presentation. It is required that you watch (Curt’s Video) and select two others that interest you for your pitch.

The Virtual Conference will include ASPIRE workshops on Saturday March 1st, Sunday March 2nd. Pitches will be Saturday March 8th. Time is TBD. These will be led by the ASPIRE Managers- Kelvin Dinkins Jr (Executive Director, Harvard/ART), Khady Kamara (Executive Director, Perelman Arts Center), Jill Anderson, Emika Abe and Vicki Nolan (Managing Director, Yale Rep).

Regional Coordinators will plan additional in-person events, workshops, and sessions to help students refine their presentations at Regional Festivals.

Presentations will be on zoom after each region has concluded their festival. Regional ASPIRE coordinators will check-in and debrief with each regional cohort at each regional festival.

• Virtual Registration Link: https://airtable.com/apphJDOFnmb6xnoGw/shrA3SAMJTWaF3w1E

What to know more? Check out the links below:

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/pre-professional-artist-training/kcactf/artsleadership/

https://lort.org/aspire-leadership-fellows-program