La MaMa Umbria Symposium
Application Deadline: May 2, 2025
Eligibility: UNCSA alumni from the Class of 2024 and earlier (undergraduate and graduate degree programs).
For over 30 years, the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at UNCSA has partnered with cultural organizations, fostering new programs in arts and cultural research, the development of new work, arts education, and career development for artists and cultural leaders.
This summer, the Kenan Institute for the Arts is collaborating again with La MaMa Umbria International by sponsoring up to six UNCSA Alumni to attend one of three creative symposiums in Italy designed for artists to work with internationally renowned theatre professionals whose work is shaping the contemporary performing arts ecosystem.
This years’ symposium faculty includes: Stefanie Batten Bland, Liesl Tommy, Simon McBurney, Dan Hurlin, Wesley Ruzibiza, Milo Rau, and Dael Orlandersmith.
Founded in 1990 by legendary theatre pioneer, Ellen Stewart, La MaMa Umbria International is dedicated to artistic experimentation, research, and learning. Housed in a former monastery just outside Spoleto, Italy, the center is less than two hours from Rome. Hundreds of artists have found Umbria to be a space that is beautiful, spiritually enriching, welcoming, and open to bold artistic experiments.
Kenan Institute Sponsored Opportunity for UNCSA Alumni
The Kenan Institute sponsored opportunity at La MaMa Umbria is open to UNCSA alumni from undergraduate and graduate degree programs from 2024 and earlier – specifically those whose creative process reflects a commitment to directing and writing for the stage, which may include movement-based process and other forms of devised performance.
UNCSA Alumni may choose to apply to one of the three symposium sessions. Selection will be made in consultation with a panel including UNCSA faculty, industry partners, and staff from the Kenan Institute for the Arts based on the following questions and criteria:
- Why is the Symposium appropriate for you at this time?
- How might this experience help you as an artist?
Artists with an interest in or experience with global perspectives to performance and storytelling, as illustrated in their body of work or emerging area of focus, may benefit most from this experience.
During each of the three 10-day symposium sessions, artists will take workshops with distinguished, internationally renowned theatre makers, visit Spoleto, and experience other Umbrian cultural sites.
Please read more below regarding the symposium for Directors (two sessions offered) and Playwrights (one session offered ), including links to the La MaMa Umbria International site to apply.
- Physical Theatre Perspectives with Stefanie Batten Bland
- The Art of Curiosity with Liesl Tommy
- Seminar with Simon McBurney
Learn more and apply before May 2, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for this Kenan Institute sponsored activity, UNCSA Alumni must include mention of their Alumni status in the “How did you learn about the La MaMa Umbria International programs?” field the application page, i.e.: UNCSA School of Drama Class of XX.
- The Power of Puppets with Dan Hurlin
- Spatial Design and Narrative with Wesley Ruzibiza
- Seminar with Milo Rau
Learn more and apply before May 2, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for this Kenan Institute sponsored activity, UNCSA Alumni must include mention of their Alumni status in the “How did you learn about the La MaMa Umbria International programs?” field the application page, i.e.: UNCSA School of Drama Class of XX.
- During the 10-day Program, playwrights will participate in workshops with Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award-winning playwright Dael Orlandersmith. Dael will initiate opportunities for approaches to writing plays and facilitate an international group of writers for 10 days of writing, reading, discussing, and sharing with colleagues.
Learn more and apply before May 2, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for this Kenan Institute sponsored activity, UNCSA Alumni must include mention of their Alumni status in the “How did you learn about the La MaMa Umbria International programs?” field the application page, i.e.: UNCSA School of Drama Class of XX.
La MaMa Umbria program fee, accommodation in shared rooms at La MaMa's historic villa, nutritious home-cooked meals during the symposium, international airfare, and local transport are included thanks to the generous support of the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at UNCSA. Confirmed participants will be responsible for booking and securing all their travel logistics. La MaMa Umbria staff will organize group visits to Spoleto and other Umbrian cultural sites.
May 2: Application deadline for the Kenan Institute sponsored opportunity at La MaMa Umbria
May 6: Notification to all applicants
May 17: Confirmation of participation
May 24: All travel must be booked for reimbursement by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts
For questions or additional information contact:
La MaMa Umbria International: David Diamond at ddjdstar@gmail.com
Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts: kenanarts@uncsa.edu