Collegiate Arts Bridge
Heartland Performing Arts is committed to expanding access to meaningful educational opportunities within the performing arts. Through the Collegiate Arts Bridge at MAX, a 16 week program, the organization provides hands on, real world experience for emerging artists, agents, and presenters. This innovative program fills a critical gap in the performing arts conference industry by connecting the next generation of professionals with practical learning, mentorship, and industry exposure, strengthening the future of the arts through education and collaboration.
Thank you for your support of the 2026 inaugural Collegiate Arts Bridge!
Sarah McCarthy (Dandelion Artists), Fran Heller (BiCoastal Productions), Bill Smith (Riot Artists),
Bill Blagg Magic & Illusion, Liora Michelle (Songbirds of the Silver Screen), Wisconsin Presenters Network
PROGRAM
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled at a Midwest college or university and have junior, senior, or graduate standing in Fall 2027, with a degree program focused on the performing arts. Midwest states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.50
- Must attend:
- Class of 2027 Orientation Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, May 19, 2027, 2:00-3:30 p.m. CT
- Five virtual summer sessions on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. CT (dates announced in November 2026)
- The Midwest Arts XPO Conference in Milwaukee, WI: September 20-23, 2027
Application timeline:
Application opens March 1, 2027
Application closes March 31, 2027, by 11:59 p.m. CT
Class selection and notification will be by April 19, 2027
2027 Application opens March 1, 2027
2027 Syllabus available late November
SUMMER PROGRAM
Students will participate in an orientation meeting and five 90-minute online summer sessions featuring professionals from across the performing arts field . The sessions will include Presenting, Agent/Manager, Artists, Technical Production, and Conferencing.
Class of 2027 Orientation Online Meeting
Wednesday, May 19 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. CT
Behind the Curtain: The Good, The Bad & The Standing Ovation
Tianna Conway, Managing Director | Moraine Valley Fine & Performing Arts Center
Jim O’Connell, Associate Professor & Coordinator of Arts Management | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Kate Williams, Executive Director | Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center
John Hassig, Executive Director | Schauer Arts Center
Agent vs. Artist Manager: What Sets Them Apart?
Wednesday, July 8 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. CT
Laurel Canan, Artist Manager | Siegel Artist Management
Jennifer Morris, Artist Manager | Siegel Artist Management
Charley Ray, Agent | Action Entertainment Collaborative
Kevin Horton, Agent | William Morris Endeavor
The Startup Artist
Wednesday, August 12 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. CT
Jeremy Davis | equinoxjazz.com
Victor Haskins | victorhaskins.com
Barron Ryan | barronryan.com
Shana Tucker | shanatucker.com
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Tianna Conway is the Managing Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. Previously, she served as Director of Arts Events and Audience Engagement at Carthage College in Kenosha, where she founded the Office of Performing and Visual Arts and developed 35 student positions supporting programming, presenting, house management, box office, marketing, grant writing, outreach, and event production. With 22 years of experience, she has also held roles as Director of Education at the Schauer Arts Center, Box Office Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Assistant Director for the Office of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She mentors emerging arts managers and is a frequent guest speaker at universities and performing arts conferences. She is the founder and Program Coordinator of the Collegiate Arts Bridge. The program provides students with hands-on, real-world experience through professional mentorship, educational sessions, conference engagement, and exposure to the performing arts industry. Tianna holds a B.S. in Music Performance and an M.S.E. in Arts Management from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She served as Chair of the Wisconsin Presenters Network (2021- 2025) and is a founder and former Board Secretary and Vice President of Heartland Performing Arts, Inc., which launched the MAX in 2023.
Laurel Canan has 27 years of experience in the arts industry, with a background in programming, marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and nationwide arts advocacy. She has worked as a booking agent and served as the executive director of the Janesville Performing Arts Center in Wisconsin, where she helped launch the Center in 2004 and played a central role in securing $3.4 million for its restoration. Laurel’s leadership has been widely recognized, including Forward Janesville’s Woman of Excellence award, commendation from the Wisconsin State Assembly, and induction into the Rock County Arts Hall of Fame. She has served as a State Captain for Create Wisconsin and as a grant review panelist for several state arts councils. A frequent speaker and mentor at national conferences, Laurel has lectured on Arts Administration and Development at multiple universities and has taught Arts Administration programs at Viterbo University and Butler University. She has also guided numerous nonprofit arts organizations through strategic and fundraising planning. Laurel served on the board of Heartland Performing Arts, Inc. from 2022–2025, helping to launch the Midwest Arts XPO in 2023. She is the former president of NAPAMA and the Ohio Arts Professionals Network and co-chaired the 2016 Arts Midwest Conference. She holds an MPA from Ball State University.
Jim O’Connell is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Arts Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He holds an M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an A.B. in Drama and Government from Dartmouth College. He served New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, and Arizona State University Public Events. From 1992-2014, he was CEO of Wausau’s Performing Arts Foundation/Grand Theater Jim is a member of the Association of Arts Administration Educators and served as its treasurer from 2020 to 2024. He currently serves as board member and treasurer of Wisconsin Humanities.
Jillian Johnson Sanders is the Director of Conservatory Programming and Community Collaborations and a Lecturer for Lawrence University in Appleton WI. In this position, she is responsible for booking the Performing Arts Series concerts (including genres Classical, Jazz, World Music, New Music, and Dance) and other university events. She also manages the Box Office and ushers for Performing Arts events. In addition, she teaches an Introduction to Non-Profit Management class for undergraduate students. Before moving to Wisconsin, Jillian worked for several Arts organizations in and around Chicago IL including the Genesee Theater in Waukegan IL and the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystall Lake IL. With over 20 years of experience in the arts Jillian is experienced programmer, educator, and community collaborator. Jillian holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater and a Masters in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago IL.
Barron Ryan is an internationally renowned concert pianist, composer, and musical storyteller. He has released nine studio albums, published an illustrated storybook, and been named one of “Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021” by Smithsonian Magazine. Barron tours the country as a solo artist, half of the Ryan & Ryan father-son piano duo, and leader of a classical piano trio. He also enjoys work as a commissioned composer, and relishes fulfilling his artistic mission to ‘discover and present the beauty he’s uniquely positioned for.
Dennis Malak is the Director of Programming, Publicity, and Promotion for the Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). In addition to his current role, he also serves as the Director of Patron & Guest Services. Prior to this Dennis served as the Director of Operations/ Crew Chief for the Doudna from 2008 – 2021 where he coordinated all technical and planning aspects for the over 300 performances, events, and conferences held at the center each season. Dennis started working in the performing arts in the Chicagoland area at the age of14 and has worked in all aspects of the industry (apart from performing; you’re welcome) since. In addition to his current duties at EIU he has a degree in Political Science and has been a City Councilman for the City of Charleston since 2017.
Brianna Leider is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, pursuing minors in Spanish and Art. She firmly believes that the performing arts possess a magic unmatched by any other field, creating some of the most powerful human connections through shared stories and experiences. Some of her performance credits include The Rocky Horror Show (Usherette/Ensemble), Anastasia (Anya), Newsies (Katherine Plumber), and Oklahoma! (Laurey). Brianna was a member of the inaugural Collegiate Arts Bridge class of 2026, through which she expanded her understanding of the performing arts industry and explored career paths beyond performing. Reflecting on her experience, she encourages students to apply because “CAB opens doors to new connections, fresh perspectives, and career possibilities they may never have considered.”
Paul Bontrager will be completing his undergraduate degree in theater from Indiana State University in May of 2027. He has focused in Directing with credits Directing shows such as Fatherland by Stephen Sachs and Technical Direction with credits in shows such As Alice by Heart by Duncan Sheik while in University. He hopes to focus his professional year by combining his skills in both areas. He has worked for Stagedoor Manor as a professional scenic carpenter for two years. Paul was a student of the CAB program for the inaugural class of the program of 2026. He was delighted to work with the program as a graduated student.
MIDWEST ARTS XPO CONFERENCE | MILWAUKEE, WI
The Collegiate Arts Bridge 2027 conference schedule in PDF format will be available January 2027.
For more information and panelists (PDF format):
Understanding the Ecosystem Professional Development Session
Professional Development
Understanding the Ecosystem:
Why Every Corner of Arts Management Counts
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 | 9:00-10:15 a.m.
Understanding the Ecosystem: Why Every Corner of Arts Management Counts is a dynamic professional development session that brings the Collegiate Arts Bridge experience full circle. Open to all conference attendees, it explores the interconnected nature of arts management, from presenting and touring to audience engagement, funding, and community impact, showing how each role contributes to a thriving arts ecosystem. Grounded in the immersive summer program that pairs students with mentorship and hands on conference engagement, the session connects theory to practice. Participants will gain insight into how cross disciplinary collaboration strengthens the field and why every corner of arts management truly counts.
Interactive Volunteer Opportunities
Students will gain interactive, first hand experience at the conference by volunteering in leadership roles, including managing professional development sessions and ushering in the XPO Hall.
XPO Hall
In conjunction with XPO Hall ushering, the committee will identify pre-approved exhibitor booths students can learn and explore.
- Day 1 = Shadow (follow your advisor)
- Day 2 = Learn (sit in a booth)
- Day 3 = Explore (visit booths)
Showcasing
Students will witness behind the scenes with a room producer, and get firsthand experience on showcasing at a conference. Students will attend three night showcasing
Capstone / Project
Students will submit a project proposal by August, and is due to the committee by October.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-3 Credit Independent Study Option
Students can register for a 1-3 credit independent study through their college or university.
The 2027 Collegiate Arts Bridge program will take place May 19 to September 23 and will consist of minimum of 40-45 program hours. This does not include capstone project.
For the breakdown of hours of the 2027 program: Independent Study Hours (PDF)
Costs / Financial Assistance
The Collegiate Arts Bridge Program will include the costs for the summer virtual sessions, Midwest Arts XPO conference registration fee, and the Lunch and Learn session on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2027. Once accepted into the program, the Program Coordinator will register each student for the conference and Lunch and Learn session.
Cost of the Conference
Financial Assistance
Students are encouraged to apply for the URSCA (Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity) through their college/university.
Hotel Recommendation
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee | 333 W. Kilbourn Ave | Across the street from The Baird Center
Depending on travel, it is recommended to check-in on Monday, Sept. 20 and check-out on Thursday, Sept. 23
See Collegiate Arts Bridge schedule to plan your travels and hotel check-in/out.
Parking
It is encouraged to use SpotHero to find deals on local parking.
About Milwaukee
Information on the venue and Milwaukee food and attractions can be found here.
COLLEGIATE ARTS BRIDGE ALUMNI
CLASS OF 2026
Paul Bontrager
Indiana State University
My participation in the CAB program provided me with numerous new professional connections that I will be able to bring with me throughout my career. The MAX conference was a great experience, and my connections from the conference will boost me into my young professional career.
Elisa Gauntner
Baldwin Wallace University
This program gave me direct insight into the presenting world that no class, lecture, or workshop ever could. Experiences shape everything for young professionals, and this program was beautifully structured so it educated and prepared students to be in the room where it all happens.
Bri Leider
UW-Stevens Point
The CAB program challenged my idea of success as a performer and helped me see new ways to build a sustainable career in the arts. The most meaningful part was meeting inspiring artists who created opportunities for themselves. I encourage students to apply with an open mind and be ready to discover new possibilities.
Zoe Weimer
Baldwin Wallace University
Participating in the MAX CAB program really supported my professional identity throughout the entire process. In college, it can be difficult to bridge your student identity with professional experiences, and I think the program really targeted students with their professional development opportunities. The most meaningful part of my experience was the mentorship program. Having someone to explain the processes of the conference ahead of time and someone to show you around was an invaluable factor in my conferencing experience. I think that students should apply to CAB because this program is designed from a student-first mindset and it left me well prepared for my professional life post-graduation.
Lauren Williams
DePaul University
While pursuing a theatre management major, I've learned that one of the most effective ways to not only learn about professions in the Performing Arts but to honor the work of Performing Arts managers is through networking, observing, and volunteering within the industry. Not only does it allow me to deepen my understanding of the responsibilities and roles of performing arts managers across different positions and divisions, but it also gives me hands-on experience.
Durham Switzer
Indiana State University
I applied for the CAB program because I wanted to take the next step toward becoming an actor in movies. I am drawn to the program’s focus on professional development, including gaining hands-on experience, understanding the industry, and building connections.
Joline Young
Baldwin Wallace University
The MAX conference is a chance to interact with both music performance and arts management in tandem. The professional development sessions were a specific interest tome, as I value learning from those currently active in that which they teach.
Restaurant Recommendations from Hyatt Regency
Major Goolsby’s | 340 W Kilbourn Ave (across the street from Hyatt Regency)
Milwaukee Brat House | 1013 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr (0.1 mile)
3rd Street Market Hall | 275 W Wisconsin Ave. (0.2 mile)
Ian’s Pizza Milwaukee Downtown | 146 E Juneau Ave (0.5 mile)
Conejitos Place | 539 W Virginia St. (1.3 miles)