INSIDER SESSIONS
SCNPF’s “Insider Sessions” are professional development workshops and masterclasses for those in the industry, including established professionals, emerging and early-career artists, and theatre students. All sessions are led by experienced arts leaders and luminaries and provide a seminar-environment where discussion is highly encouraged.
Early-bird price of $100 gives you admission to all six Insider sessions.
$100 Insider Session price does not include VIP tickets to staged readings and is not tax-deductible. In July we will open individual tickets for Insider Sessions at $30 per session.
INSIDER SESSION SCHEDULE FOR THE 2025 FESTIVAL
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10:00am Coffee and Meet Up
Start off Saturday with a coffee and tea gathering designed to bring together theatre folx from across the spectrum. Meet and mingle and have a good time before a day full of the most exciting new theater happening in the country!
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11:30am Secrets from a Casting Director
Merri Sugarman’s Broadway casting credits include School of Rock, Spamalot, Jersey Boys, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jesus Christ Superstar, It Shoulda Been You, Miss Saigon, A Bronx Tale and Ain’t Too Proud. Hear her stories and learn how an actor goes from a dream to a TONY win by being cast in the biggest Broadway show.
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12:30pm Stage to Screen
Join a leading star of the Broadway stage and TV Screen as they lead an insightful panel on their journey from the stage to the screen and share insights on the differing acting styles required.
Celia Keenan Bolger (TONY winner for To Kill a Mockingbird and series regular on "the Gilded Ages") will share her experiences bringing complex characters to life on stage and screen, the nuances of navigating their craft, and how they connect with audiences through authentic performances. They'll talk about the different acting styles required for plays, musicals, and television/film. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with a theater legend and gain a deeper appreciation for the skills required to succeed on both stage and screen. Spots are limited to sixty people—reserve your spot today!
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4:30 Voice Over and Video Games
Join a multifaceted talent behind some of the most iconic voices, as they share their journey from musical theater stages to the dynamic world of voiceover work.
In this exclusive session, they will delve into their transition from live performance to voicing unforgettable characters, the unique challenges and rewards of voice acting, and the creative process behind bringing an animated character to life. Whether you're a fan, a budding voice artist, or simply curious about the evolving intersection of theater and vo work, this is a rare opportunity to learn from an industry trailblazer.
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6:00pm Writing your Play or Pilot
Join an award-winning composer, lyricist, and writer for an inspiring panel on the art and craft of writing for the stage. Learn to weave heartfelt stories with compelling music and lyrics and how to develop original works, collaborating with creative teams, and find your unique voice as a writer. This session is a must for aspiring playwrights, composers, and anyone passionate about storytelling. Discover the creative process behind some of today’s most innovative theater and leave inspired to bring your own ideas to life.
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9:30pm Broadway Karaoke Night: Sing Your Heart Out
Ready to steal the spotlight? Join us for an unforgettable Broadway Karaoke Night, where YOU take center stage! Belt out show-stopping tunes alongside fellow theater lovers. Whether you’re channeling Elphaba, Alexander Hamilton, or the Phantom of the Opera, this is your chance to shine and sing your Broadway favorites. With a lively atmosphere, surprise guest appearances, and plenty of iconic hits, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Bring your voice and your love for all things Broadway!
THE 2025 STAGED READINGS
A new Magic-Musical with book by John van der Put and West Hyler, and music and lyrics by Matt Schatz. Expect jaw-dropping tricks, over-the-top characters, and an outrageous story full of the best magic tricks ever put onstage.
Thursday, August 7 at 7 PM, Friday, August 8 at 7 PM at Gunter Theatre. View full show details here.
A new Musical with music by Michael Kooman and Book & Lyrics by Christopher Dimond. The Break will speak to all of us who had a long-term relationship that affected our lives, but maybe wasn’t “the one” for the rest of our life.
Friday, August 8,at 8pm, Saturday, August 9 at 8pm at The Warehouse Theatre. View full show details here.
A new play by Rachel Bonds. This new play explores how our bodies struggle to carry psychic wounds, and the danger of leaving those wounds unattended.
Saturday, August 9 at 2:00 PM at Centre Stage. View full show details here.
A new play by Aurin Squire. My Favorite Sociopath is a show that explores the way media seeks to divide and enrage audiences in order to get the most eyes on a story and profoundly relevant now in the social media age.
Sunday, August 10 at 12:00 PM at The Warehouse Theatre. View full show details here.
A new play for families by Lyra Nalan. The Drought Girl is one tale about two unlikely friendships, told from three perspectives.
Sunday, August 10 at 3 PM at South Carolina Children’s Theatre. View full show details here.
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Hotel Information
SCNPF has great discounts at several hotels on Main Street. All are within walking distance of every SCNPF event. The Insider Sessions will be held ath Downtown Hyatt.
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Travel Information
Traveling to Greenville is incredibly easy. The Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) airport has been named one of the two best airports in the country.
There are 6 non-stop flights from NYC to GSP every day. United flies EWR-GSP, Delta and American fly LGA-GSP.
There is a non-stop flight from LAX to GSP on Breeze airways.
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SCNPF Party for Insiders
All full-package insider ticket holders are invited to attend an SCNPF bash on Saturday, August 10, following the evening performance. The party will be located in the Westin Poinsett.