WAA^LA 2025: Academy

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This registration system is for those only interested in attending the WAA Academy programs, Special Events, and Showcase Performances.

Onsite conference registration will open at 8am on Tuesday, September 2 at the JW Marriott for all other WAAlk Up registration needs.

WAA Academy is your launchpad for growth, connection, and impact—no matter where you are in your journey. These four compact intensives are designed to sharpen your skills and deepen your perspective in the areas that matter most: business, leadership, marketing, and social justice. Whether you're a longtime attendee or stepping into WAA for the first time, there’s a session to match your goals. From CONTRA-TIEMPO’s immersive exploration of art and activism to forward-thinking tracks that re-imagine leadership and marketing in today’s performing arts landscape.

Whether you're new to WAA, short on time, or in a role that doesn’t usually intersect with the broader WAA^LA experience, these sessions will provide a welcoming entry point into the community. It’s a chance to explore what WAA is all about while gaining practical tools for change and building meaningful connections across the field.

Performance Pass Discover the next great performance with access to three nights of showcases: Opening Night at The Novo, Night Two at USC’s Bovard Auditorium, Bing Theater, and Sanctuary Theater, and Sunset Showcases on Night Three at Grand Performances.

Afrofutures in the Arts | September 2, Tentatively: 9am to 3pm

This one-day symposium brings together Black artists, administrators, and leaders navigating the intersection of history and futurism in today’s cultural and political landscape. Sessions will examine how we balance past wisdom with the urgency of progress to shape new models. Through fellowship, connection, and hands-on learning, we will create strategies to strengthen our impact and visibility in our field. Together, we will cultivate a cohort of performing arts professionals, artists, and community leaders committed to advancing Black performance in the West, nationally, and abroad. This is a closed session available to Black-identifying participants. Click here to learn more about the impact and importance of affinity group and closed caucusing.

*Includes The Land You're On Lunch*

Movement for the Movement in Los Angeles | September 2, 8:30am to 12:15pm

Join CONTRA-TIEMPO to gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem of lasting powerful partnerships between artists and organizers at this offsite workshop at Community Coalition, a social justice space in South Los Angeles. See a part of the city that is often overlooked, but critical to understanding Los Angeles as one of the most vibrant centers of multi racial coalition building work in California and across our country. Open to all, participants travel to the site from WAA^LA HQ.

Marketing Workshop | September 2, Tentatively: 10am to 12:15pm

Two morning sessions, grant insights into selling the show: Seven Secrets to Selling Shows looks to a new resource – behavioral science – to seek marketing strategies, while Building Trust in Ticketing supports venues’ efforts to improve customer confidence.

Leadership Seminar | September 2, Tentatively: 1:30pm to 4:00pm

Two afternoon sessions pose essential questions in their exploration of what it takes to lead. What Does It Mean to Lead is an experience-driven session that aims to arm arts leaders with the tools to navigate the changing landscape. Bringing Humanity to Leadership looks to new and future human-centered leadership models to bring a sense of purpose and clarity.

WAA Awards Ceremony & Annual Luncheon | September 4, 12pm to 1:30pm

Since 1985, the annual WAA Awards have celebrated and recognized colleagues and organizations who have advanced the performing arts field and strengthened the WAA community — those who enrich, inspire, and energize our work and our industry.

WAA Organizational Service Awardees: Click here

WAA Individual Awardees: Click here

Herb-Roasted Chicken Breast (Default): Multi-grain Basmati Pilaf, Roasted Shallots and Mushrooms, Roasted Asparagus, Marsala Chicken Jus.
Contains: Gluten, Dairy
Grilled Vegetable Ravioli: Roasted Zucchini, Squash, Bell Peppers, Shaved Fennel and Heirloom Carrot Salad and Basil Cream Sauce.
Contains: Gluten, Dairy
Herb and Garlic Grilled Salmon: Tri-Color Quinoa, Spinach, Wild Mushroom Barley Pilaf, Baby Carrots, Porcini and Maitake Mushroom Cream
Contains: Gluten, Dairy
Mediterranean Salad: Assorted Baby Lettuces, Teardrop Tomatoes, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Citrus-Scented Chickpeas, Feta Cheese, Pine Nuts, Red Wine Oregon Vinaigrette. Vegetarian and Gluten Free.
Contains: Dairy, Tree Nuts (Pine)
We have take accessibility and dietary restriction notes in registration. We can make dietary and allergy accommodations for each meal preference. If we can't accommodate your restriction and your meal preference we will be in touch with you ahead of time.

2025 Attendee Agreement Read the 2025 Attendee Agreement. You are required to agree to the terms to participate in programming happening at WAA^LA

Refunds & Cancelations Read our Refund & Cancellation Policy

WAA^LA 2025: Academy

September 2, 2025
900 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, California
United States
90015

Upcoming Events

Presenting 101 October 15, November 19, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 22, May 20, June 17