Theatre Jam 2025: A Day of Creativity and Collaboration

On November 14, 2025, Erie 1 BOCES Arts in Education, in partnership with Second Generation Theatre, proudly presented the inaugural Theatre Jam event. More than 180 high school theatre students from across Western New York, representing nine school districts, were in attendance for the day-long conference packed with creativity, talent, and performance arts.

Held at the Erie 1 BOCES Education Campus in West Seneca, the event immersed students in hands-on workshops led by professional teaching artists, performers, and designers from the region’s vibrant theatre community. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including audition techniques, stage combat, costume design, storytelling, and Broadway choreography. Beyond the workshops, Theatre Jam offered students valuable networking opportunities with local theatre organizations such as Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Alleyway Theatre, Theatre of Youth, MusicalFare Theatre, and more.

Throughout the day, students explored all facets of theatre production, both on stage and behind the scenes, while connecting with peers who share their passion for theatre. The event began with an opening circle, followed by workshop sessions and a closing reflection. Students left the conference inspired new skills and friends from throughout the local high school theatre community.

Erie 1 BOCES thanks all teaching artists, volunteers, and partner organizations who made this event possible. Theatre Jam 2025 was a testament to the power of collaboration and the passion of our regional theatre community. Organizers are already looking forward to offering this event to high schoolers again next fall!

Sponsors:

Second Generation Theatre, Erie 1 BOCES Educational Foundation, and Erie 1 BOCES Arts in Education services.

Tabling Organizations:

Alleyway Theatre, Bellissima Productions, Buffalo Comedy Collective, Kenan Center Taylor Theatre, MusicalFare Theatre, Shake on the Lake,  Shea’s Performing Arts Center,  SUNY Niagara, Theatre of Youth, University at Buffalo

Participating School Districts:

Amherst CSD, Buffalo Public SD, Cheektowaga CSD, Genesee Valley CSD, Grand Island CSD, Lackawanna CSD, Sweet Home CSD, Tonawanda CSD, West Seneca CSD

News

Watch Ch.7's video feature by WKBW-TV reporter Taylor Epps