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our programs

The O’Neill’s idyllic, expansive Waterford, CT campus hums year-round with activity - from our flagship summer conferences to our professional development and education programs.

summer conferences

NATIONAL PUPPETRY CONFERENCE

The National Puppetry Conference provides a meeting and creating ground for master artisans to pass their craft and ingenuity to new artists in the field of puppetry.

NATIONAL PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE

The National Playwrights Conference's process of public, script-in-hand staged readings pioneered the model for new play development, establishing an industry standard now seen in theaters around the world and continues innovating today.

NATIONAL MUSIC THEATER CONFERENCE

The National Music Theater Conference supports the development of all styles and genres of music theater, including operas and hybrid works.

CABARET & PERFORMANCE CONFERENCE

The Cabaret & Performance Conference reexamines, redefines, and revitalizes the cabaret art form for the 21st century using a definition of cabaret as “any kind of live performance in an intimate space that breaks the fourth wall.”

professional development

NATIONAL CRITICS INSTITUTE

A two-week workshop, designed for arts writers and critics looking to strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced industry.

A woman sings at a microphone.

CABARET FELLOWS

A dynamic opportunity for performers to refine their skills and stage presence with the guidance of an accomplished team of world-class professionals.

RESIDENCIES

The O'Neill offers an array of residencies—for partner organizations, alumni, and by invitation to independent artists.

education

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

Employing the signature “O’Neill process,” the festival provides professional-level support to develop original one-act plays written by middle and high school students.

Founded in 1970, NTI’s credit-earning theater intensives—taught by industry professionals and master teachers—train actors, singers, directors, dancers, designers, playwrights, and composers through six, semester-long programs.

A young boy sings at a microphone with a guitar.

CABARET JUNIOR FELLOWS

Offering select middle and high school students an opportunity for professional vocal instruction, movement, and hands-on artistic guidance in the art of performance.

Hear from playwrights, local community leaders, and national activists as they explore social issues through art in this community engagement series. Each evening will feature a brief performance followed by a conversation about the resonance of a work launched at the O’Neill within our local communities.

Plays to Progress

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