Renaissance Centre & Women’s Theatre Festival to host “Occupy the Stage” June 30-July 1

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts and the Women’s Theatre Festival (WTF) are hosting an around-the-clock 24-hour event called “Occupy the Stage” June 30-July 1. The event will take place from 7 p.m. Saturday, June 30, through 7 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Geared to women ages 16 and older, “Occupy the Stage” will feature “staged” readings from across the country, along with a host of workshops, such as “Marketing 101” and “How to Run a Lighting Board.” The event will also offer several discussion panels and devised theatre pieces, including local playwright and poet Debra Kaufman workshopping “The Illuminated Dresses.”

Founded in 2016 to create, produce and promote extraordinary theatre by women, the WTF encourages women to aspire to leadership roles in the theatrical field. During “Occupy the Stage,” WTF members can participate in a “VIP Track” that features the best theatrical practitioners in our area offering guidance on several specialized theater-related topics.

A new addition to this year’s event will be “Occupy Kids,” where children can enjoy activities tailored to them while their parents attend other parts of the “Occupy” event.

Occupy 2018 jumpstarts WTF’s long-term goal of creating a convention-type atmosphere that establishes the Triangle as a destination to celebrate women and gender equity in the theatrical field.

Tickets are $25 each and include admission to all “Occupy the Stage” activities.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their pajamas, a blanket and favorite camping gear and settle in for a full 24 hours of theatrical fun that celebrates the talents of women.

For more information, call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458.