Welcome to the Theatre and Drama community! We’re so happy you’re here and we want you take full advantage of the opportunities our new platform provides. Please read over the code of conduct so we can continue to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. Thank you for your dedication to the Popular Culture Association!

Call For Proposals:  Sessions, Short Performances, Panels, Papers

Come join some of the finest academics in theatre and drama and some of the finest working professionals in theatre and drama in Atlanta, 2026. 

We are considering proposals for sessions organized around a theme, special panels, and/or individual papers. Sessions are scheduled in 1½ hour slots, typically with four papers or speakers per standard session. Presentations should not exceed 15 minutes.

As always, proposals addressing any topic in theatre and drama are welcome. The topics may include discussions of performance and/or script and/or criticism.  We are also especially eager to receive proposals concerning papers or panels on any aspect of drama and theatre (production, design, history, theory, criticism, individual artists, performance, writing, pedagogy) as they function within Popular and/or American culture.

Single papers are welcomed, but panels involving 3-4 papers on a particular theme are encouraged. Performance pieces are very welcome. Please remember that only one presentation per person is allowed; do not submit to more than one area chair. Titles of papers should be descriptive and no more than ten words in length.

Working professionals, scholars, educators, and students are all encouraged to submit. 

Proposals which consider the diversity of theatre and drama in relation to popular culture are welcomed. Possible themes for papers/panels include but are not restricted to: 

adaptations, social and political change, propaganda, public information, advertising, vaudeville, burlesque, puppetry, performance art, drama for education, theatre history, theatre aesthetics, gender issues, identify issues, stages, comedy, or any aspect of theatrical production. 

Interested individuals are asked to submit an abstract of no more than 250 words (including presentation title) and complete contact information (name, institutional affiliation, mail and e-mail addresses, and contact telephone number) to  http://conference.pcaaca.org . 

Panel proposals of 4 speakers are encouraged.   Each presenter should submit an individual abstract, noting that the submission is for inclusion on a specific panel.  The panel chair should email the area co-chairs, providing the following information:

Panel Title 

Name and contact information for the Panel Chair 

Titles of each paper 

Contact information for each presenter 

Discussion panels of 4-6 participants are also encouraged.  Please contact the area co-chairs with a topic of discussion, a list of participants, and contact information for each.

All presenters (papers or discussions) must be members of the PCA and must register for the conference. 

Please send all inquiries to area co-chairs: 

Thomas Fuschetto 

South Texas College 

McAllen, TX  78501 

(956) 872-3487 

tomf@southtexascollege.edu

(I schedule, moderate, and attempt to communicate connections of our work) 

AND/OR 

Dr. Eric Wiley 

University of Texas—Rio Grande Valley 

eric.wiley@utrgv.edu

Important Dates to Remember:

• Database opens for Submissions - Sept. 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Begins - Sept. 1, 2025
• Deadline for Paper Proposals - Nov. 30, 2025
• Travel Grant Applications Due - Dec. 15, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Ends for Presenters - Dec. 31, 2025
• Regular Registration Begins for Presenters - Jan. 1, 2026 
• Travel Grant Decisions / Notifications - Jan. 31, 2026
• Regular Registration Ends for Presenters - Jan. 31, 2026
• Late Registration Starts for Presenters - Feb. 1, 2026
• Preliminary Program draft available - Feb. 6, 2026

Those Presenters Not Registered by Feb. 15 Will be Dropped from the Program

CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA - April 8-11, 2026