Transregional Conferences

Proposals & Funding For IFTR Transregional Conferences

Introducing IFTR Transregional Conferences: Despite interest in globalisation and transnational research, much exchange takes place within regional or transregional paradigms. IFTR is therefore launching a new, transregional conference initiative, where the aim is to facilitate meetings of theatre scholars in areas that reflect particular geopolitical and cultural configurations. Given that such areas are likely to have an existing history of theatre collaboration and exchange, we envisage that a transregional conference will build on and enhance pre-existing networks and contacts.

Timing & Frequency: In order not to detract from the annual conference, a transregional conference should take place sometime between October and March and in a location distant from that of the scheduled annual IFTR conference. IFTR will offer support for up to two conferences within a four-year period. A transregional conference cannot be held in a World Congress year (next World Congress year, 2022).

Duration & Format: Transregional conferences should be shorter than the annual IFTR conferences, with a maximum of four days, ideally scheduled from Thursday afternoon to Sunday midday. They should consist of: one or two Keynotes, General Panels and New Scholars panels (or substitute New Scholars panels with professionalization workshops).

Participation: A transregional conference should aim to attract delegates from contiguous countries with a two- to three-hour flight as the maximum distance to be travelled. (Delegates from further afield are of course welcome to attend, though are not the primary addressees of such meetings).

Registration: All delegates must become members of IFTR before submitting their abstracts for consideration.

Funding: Subventions from 3000 to 5000 Euros can be applied for. The amount of funding allocated will be decided on a case-by-case basis, based on various factors, including the projected number of the participants. Because of shorter travel times, fewer days and hence reduced expense, IFTR’s bursary programme will not be offered.

Proposals: Proposals should address the qualities and relationships of the region and how the organisers plan to recruit delegates. A special emphasis should be placed on how the conference can facilitate the growth of the discipline by providing a forum for scholars in the region. Topics do not necessarily need to have a regional focus (since this might restrict the kind of scholarly issues that need to be explored) but should not overlap or compete with the theme of an annual IFTR conference.

Conference Languages: Since English is the language of the Federation, the proposal should adhere to hosting a conference with English as the main language, plus a possible local language, in keeping with IFTR’s Constitution.

Outcomes and final report: A final report, with numbers and affiliations of participants as well as the conference programme, will need to be submitted to IFTR’s Executive Committee for review and comment.

Proposal Submissions

Proposals to host a transregional conference should be submitted to

Elaine Aston, President (e.aston@lancaster.ac.uk), Bishnupriya Dutt, Vice President (bishnupriyapaul@gmail.com), & Milena Grass, Vice President (milena.grass@gmail.com),ideally 18 months prior to the proposed conference date.