Program areas at Theatre Network of Texas
Tnt provided three paid internships during the summer of 2023 that were filled by students who met the pre-requisite of having completed at least their sophomore year of college. Tnt organizational members applied to serve as hosts for the program and students applied to be interviewed. 6 host theatres were chosen from member theatres. 8 student applicants were selected to attend the tnt texfest in victoria, tx as guests of tnt and to participate in an interview process by the host theatres during the the festival. The selected interns worked at two different theatres for five weeks each, making the program a ten week residency per student. Tnt held an orientation and debriefing - before and after the internship, respectively at the tnt offices in fort worth. Tnt paid the salary and payroll taxes for each student while the theatres provided housing and mentoring. Students were expected to experience all aspects of running a Theatre, which includes designing sets, costumes or lights, to attending board meetings, teaching classes and participating in rehearsal, etc. The program provides invaluable training and contact for students and much needed summer assistance for the theatres.
Other activities which fulfill Theatre Network of Texas' mission to support and serve are: creating and maintenance of an online listing of Texas theatres, development and maintenance of the company website, posting job opportunities, audition, class performance and other topics of interest to the theatrical community of Texas, distribution of an e-newsletter - Theatre news in Texas, which highlights upcoming activities, member benefits and member accomplishments from across the state the management of a script library with over 3,000 titles - offering perusal scripts, free of charge, to members. Partnering with companies to offer discounts on services and products to members. Offering onsite and virtual assistance to members including filing for incorporation and 501c 3 status and offering training to board members, etc.
Education / networking / festivals: tnt hosted texfest - an annual performance festival in victoria, tx. This included workshops, quad meetings, the yearly membership meeting and performances by 7 companies from across the state. The 27th annual youth conference was held in deer park, tx. Students participated in workshops, social events and presented their own productions for evaluation by a qualified theatrical professional who suggested improvements and recognized their success on stage and as a group. 12 companies from across the state attended. Tnt also held its 7th annual fort worth fringe festival - with attendance surpassing initial goals.