It has been confirmed that the UK’s first theatre convention will take place at the Shoreditch Town Hall on the 3rd and 4th November.
Announcing the news, UK General Manager, James Yeoburn, said of the convention: “StageCon presents a really exciting opportunity for fans from across the UK and the EU to come together in London to celebrate the magic of theatre. Those attending can expect to enjoy a diverse programme of 100+ hours of events and performances from everyone’s favourite artists, theatre makers and shows – from the West End to London’s Fringe and beyond.”
Representing all sides to theatre from musicals, plays,opera and dance, StageCon will celebrate and feature not only those on stage but also those who are involved in making and shaping theatre productions.
Guests are set to include (subject to their professional commitments): Christina Bennington, Cameron Blakely, Samantha Bond, Sharon D Clarke, Louise Dearman, Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Carrie Hope Fletcher, David Hunter, Debbie Kurrup, Scott Paige, Steph Parry, Stuart Matthew Price, Caroline Sheen, Cherrelle Skeete, Charlotte Wakefield and Michael Xavier.
Events that visitors can expect over the course of the weekend will include a range of live performances, sing-a-longs, discussions, cast reunions, panels, games, exclusive previews, workshops, meet and greets, and showcases. Meanwhile, a ‘Village’ of stalls sharing and selling a range of goods, merchandise and theatrical services will be housed within a ‘back stage experience’ specially crafted in the basement of the venue. Vendors and exhibitors already confirmed include The National Theatre Bookshop, Zeat Art, SIMG Records, WhatsOnStage, The Royal Theatrical Fund, Theatrical Rights Worldwide and MX Academy. Shaftesbury Avenue staple The Theatre Café is confirmed to operate a pop-up out of Shoreditch Town Hall’s on-site café.
A portion of the proceeds from entry fees (set at £80 per day or £150 for the weekend) are set to go to The Royal Theatrical Fund (RTF), which supports all who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry but have now fallen on hard times. RTF’s President, Robert Lindsay, said, “We are all delighted that The Royal Theatrical Fund is the chosen charity for StageCon and are looking forward to being involved with this new and exciting opportunity for the theatre community. It is important that we let those in our industry know about the range of assistance we provide, including benefits advice and help with financial problems. We are a friendly and confidential first port of call for all involved in show business, not just performers.”
StageCon will take place at the Shoreditch Town Hall on the 3rd and 4th November. For more information visit: http://stagecon.co.uk/