Dragon Con 2023: Theater and Performing Arts Lovers Schedule
Atlanta, GA – September 1 through September 5, 2022
As you may have noticed, I am a huge supporter of the Dragon Con Theater and Musical Lovers fan community. They were established as an unofficial gathering of Dragon Con attendees who love theater, musicals, and the performing arts. Their goal is to create a community of fellow thespians and fans at the convention.
They have been running discussion panels on their YouTube channel, and they continue the discussion on their Facebook group and Instagram account.
This year, they have coordinated with various tracks across Dragon Con to present discussion panels and meetups for the community. If you get the chance and want to celebrate the vast riches of the performing arts, I recommend visiting with them.
As always, Dragon Con schedules are tentative until the convention ends on Monday. Even then, things are a bit suspect. Be sure to check the Dragon Con app or the Daily Dragon fliers at the information booths for the most up-to-date information.
The Schedule
5:30p: Group Meetup!
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M103-M105
The Theater Nerds are coming! Learn how you can support the idea of a Theater Track at Dragon Con, meet new friends, play theater adjacent games, win prizes, get your badge ribbon, and a raffle ticket!
10:00a: The Magic of Disney on Broadway
Virtual Panel – YouTube
Our panel of Disney enthusiasts present a joy-filled exploration of the spellbinding fusion of Disney’s beloved characters and the electrifying energy of Broadway. We discuss how the music, choreography, and stagecraft transport you to Agrabah, the African savannah, and beyond, where we can bask in the pure joy of the extraordinary journeys where dreams come true. Don’t miss the chance to be whisked away on a magical adventure where Disney and Broadway collide in an explosion of wonder!
10:00a: Revolting Children: Matilda’s Musical Magic on Stage & Screen
Marriott Marquis, Atrium Level, A707
Step into a world of enchantment as our panel takes you on a rollicking adventure through the transformation of Matilda from page to stage, and back to the silver screen!. Expect laughter, mischief, and a dash of music in this captivating discussion you won’t want to miss!
Host Track: Young Adult Literature
11:30a: The Beat Goes On: The Rise of TV Musicals
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M302-M303
Uncover the enchanting world of musical TV shows like Zoey, Glee, Galavant, Schmigadoon, and more. How do they revolutionize music and storytelling on TV? Even normal genre shows get into the act! Let’s explore their impact and the genre’s future in our discussion!
Host Track: American Sci-Fi & Fantasy Media
4:00p: Theater & Nerddom: Is Theater Pop Culture?
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M103-M105
Let’s ignite the ultimate debate: Is Theater a bona fide member of Pop Culture? Join our panel of nerds as we unravel the threads of the stage and geekdom. Get ready for a geek-tastic exploration of whether the Bard can meet superheroes, and the footlights can shine as bright as lightsabers!
Host Track: American Sci-Fi Classics
7:00p: Sing-Along – Heading Back to Washington Heights: In the Heights
Courtland Grand, Macon Room
Step into the lively streets and vibrant culture of the neighborhood as we come together to sing, dance, and rediscover the heartwarming and unforgettable melodies that have made this musical a cherished favorite.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction
8:30p: Science Fiction in the World of Theater
Hyatt, Embassy AB
Science Fiction & Theater, two things as different as they get, right? Wrong! Rocky Horror, Metropolis, and Return to the Forbidden Planet are just a few examples of when scifi and theater merge. We talk about the shows we love, the ones we want to do, and why you should give them a chance.
Host Track: Science Fiction Literature
11:30p: 50 Years of Rocky Horror (The Show! Damnit Janet!)
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M103-M105
Once upon a time, Richard O’Brien had a brainwave: blend B-horror humor, schlocky dialogue, muscle flicks, and 50s rock ‘n’ roll into a musical. Enter Rocky Horror Show! Grab heels, corset, fishnets and channel your inner Transylvanian, while we celebrate 50 years of cult classic show!
Host Track: American Sci-Fi Classics
10:00a: Shakespearean Comedy: Love, Mistaken Identities, & Social Satire
Virtual Panel – YouTube
Indulge in an enchanting journey into the world of Shakespearean comedy. Join us as we unravel the delightful tapestry of love, mistaken identities, and social satire found in Shakespeare’s comedic masterpieces. From the uproarious antics of mischievous characters to the witty wordplay that fills the air, we’ll explore the timeless shows that have delighted audiences for centuries. Whether you’re a lover of Shakespeare or new to his comedies, this panel promises an engaging exploration of his unparalleled ability to make us laugh and reflect on the follies of human nature. Come and immerse yourself in the mirth and merriment of Shakespearean comedy!
1:00p: When Fandom Meets Footlights: A Theatrical Journey into Geek Culture
Hyatt, Hanover FG
Geeky productions have taken the stage by storm! Beetlejuice, Back to the Future, and Heathers are just a few examples of the biggest named fan fueled shows! And there’s plenty more that operate off-off-Broadway! Lets talk about about the magic, mischief, and musicality of genre-specific theater!
Host Track: Filk Singing
2:30p: The Road To Hadestown: Mythology in a Post-Apocalyptic World
Westin, Chastain FG
Welcome to Hadestown, an award-winning musical that intertwines mythology and a post-apocalyptic world. Two young dreamers live in a world of famine and death. and this story tells of their hell-raising journey to the underworld and back and their struggle to live in a world that is at its end.
Host Track: Apocalypse Rising
2:30p: Thespians of the Final Frontier
Hilton, Galleria 2-3
Some would believe that any crossovers with Star Trek & theater would be highly illogical. Au contraire! From Shakespeare to fandom theater, Klingon Opera & cat poetry, Trekkies and Thespians overlap more than you might think. Resistance is futile, make sure you are there for a panel like no other!
Host Track: Trek Track
5:30p: Sing-Along – 35th Anniversary of Phantom of the Opera
Hilton, Grand Ballroom East
It’s been 35 years since we first heard the music of the night, but the Phantom is a beloved show and a permanent part of the theater world. We’ve been wishing we could hear your voice again so we’ve put together a selection of our favorite songs to sing together before the Phantom takes flight.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction
10:00a: Stagecraft Secrets: The Art of Writing for the Theater
Virtual Panel – YouTube
In this captivating panel, dive into the world of playwrights and their craft as we explore the intricate interplay of words, emotions, and imagination that bring stories to life on stage. Whether you’re an aspiring dramatist or a theater enthusiast, this panel offers a unique glimpse into the magic that transforms words into unforgettable theatrical experiences.
10:00a: History & Theater: American History told from the Stage
Courtland Grand, Macon Room
Broadway has never shied away from exploring history. Just look at Hamilton, 1776, Hair, Newsies, Allegiance, Parade, and Ragtime to name a few. We’ll discuss how theater lets modern audiences process historical events and how it addresses, skews, and sometimes, even changes historical perspectives.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction
3:00p: Photoshoot – Broadway, Musicals, Theater & Performance
Hilton Steps B
RSVP is recommended at the Facebook Event Link.
5:30p: Cross-Casting: Breaking the Walls of Gender & Race in Theater
Hyatt, Hanover AB
From Hamilton, 1776, to Six and beyond, gender and racial blind casting become more and more normal in todays theater world. Lets talk about this trend & how it helps make the theater world more dynamic and inclusive.
Host Track: Diversity in Speculative Fiction & Literature Fandom
10:00a: Willkommen to the Kit Kat Club: Celebrating the Legacy of Cabaret
Virtual Panel – YouTube
Step into the enchanting world of Cabaret as we celebrate the theatrical brilliance of John Kander’s iconic musical and its transition to the silver screen in the 1972 movie adaptation. Join us for a captivating discussion that delves into the history, cultural impact, and enduring allure of this unforgettable production. From its electrifying beginnings on stage to its transformation into a cinematic masterpiece, we’ll explore the essence of Cabaret and its profound influence on the world of performing arts.
11:30a: Behind the Mask: The History, Myths and Legends of the Phantom of the Opera
Courtland Grand, Macon Room
The longest-running show in Broadway history, and a global sensation, the story of The Phantom of the Opera was built on actual history. Our Phantom enthusiasts will discuss the real events, the legends, and stories from the show that have inspired pop culture for half a century.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction
Creative Criticality 