ANNOUNCING!   22nd ANNUAL BTN CONFERENCE 2008   “Imagining New Possibilities:  Exploring the Magic and Fantasy of Black Theatre”   Sunday-Thursday: August 3-7, 2008 Marvin Sims Teacher’s Institute: Monday, Aug. 4th @ Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Lake Buena Vista , Florida REGISTER NOW!   “What is called the imagination (from image, magi, magic, magician, etc.) is a practical vector from the soul. . . . The imagination is the projection of ourselves past our sense of ourselves as ‘things.’ Imagination (Image) is all possibility, because from the image, the initial circumscribed energy, any use (idea) is possible. And so begins that image’s use in the world.  Possibility is what moves us.” From The Revolutionary Theatre by Amiri Baraka/ LeRoi Jones   This quote from Amiri Baraka may be used as a stimulus and jumping off point for an exploration of magic and fantasy in black theatre’s past, present and potential future.  Panels, workshops and presentations will investigate the magical, spiritual, supernatural and surreal aspects of black theatre and drama with an eye toward projecting new possibilities of positive images and messages - toward a new age of socio-cultural consciousness.   With the magical world of Walt Disney World® as a staging ground and backdrop this conference will also examine new and exciting technological possibilities and opportunities.  Excitement, magic, spectacle and innovation will surround every aspect of this conference with many special perks and attractions to entertain and inspire creative thinking and practices.  Special discounted Conference Based park ticket rates encourage you to bring the entire family along for fun and education the Disney way!   CALL FOR PAPERS: DEADLINES March 1, 2008: Proposals and abstracts received by this date will receive full consideration. April 15, 2008: Proposals for substitutions and alternate presentations only. All presenters are expected to register for the conference.   “Magic and Spirituality in Black Drama”: (i.e., The plays of August Wilson, Ntozake Shange, Marita Bonner, Adrienne Kennedy, Suzan-Lori Parks, George Wolf, etc.) “Fantasy and Magic in Caribbean Theatre Drama”: Derek Walcott, etc. “Black Majik on the Stage” “African Magic and Fantasy as Theatrical Device” “Magic as Source and Impulse for Black Dramatists” “Fantasy and Illusion in Black Drama” “Projecting the ‘Possible’ in Black Drama” “Media and Technology as New Possibilities for Black Theatre” “New Images for Black Theatre in the 21st Century and Beyond” “Dancing to the Madness of the Magic in Black Theatre/ Drama” SPECIAL NOTE: An abstract of your paper, panel or workshop should be submitted for consideration. Please include names and contact information for all panel participants. Electronic submissions are preferred and recommended; send to both email addresses below. The completed paper should be 10-20 pages in length and range between 15 to 20 minutes in presentation time. Accepted papers may be considered for publication in a forthcoming issue of BTNews.  Proposals for panels and/or workshops should thoroughly explain the nature of the work, persons who will be involved, and any needs for technical assistance or support. SEND PROPOSALS TO: Email luther.wells@famu.edu mpinkney@ufl.edu Snail Mail                                                                       Luther D. Wells, Chair                                                                       Department of Visual Arts, Humanities and Theatre                                                                       Florida A&M University                                                                       413 Tucker Hall                                                                       Tallahassee, Florida 32307         CLICK HERE YOUNG SCHOLARS COMPETITION REGISTER NOW! Hotel Conference Room Rates & Discounted Park Tickets   DISNEY’S CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT Book special room rates through July 2, 2008 only!   SINGLE/ DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $119 per night + taxes (Children under age 18 stay free with parents)   SUITES: $169 per night + taxes   RESERVATIONS: 407•939•1020 www.disneyurl.com/BlackTheatreNetwork2008. 407•939•1020 www.disneyurl.com/BlackTheatreNetwork2008.   (Please make arrangements at least 30 days in advance of travels.)      Park Tickets   “AFTER 2PM” OR “AFTER 4PM” CONFERENCE PARK TICKETS Designed with a busy schedule in the mind, the “After 2pm” or “After 4pm”  Conference Ticket allows you to visit one Walt Disney World® Theme Park after 2pm or 4pm each day.  Prices are per person and include tax.  1 day “After 2pm” $56.00 2 days “After 2pm” $99.00 1 day “After 4pm” $43.00 (one day only) Add the Park Hopper® Option to your “After 2 pm” Conference Ticket for $36.00 Prices are per person and include tax and advance purchase savings.  Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same ticket sold at Walt Disney World® owned and operated guest service desks in the Central Florida area as of 1/1/08   Conference Program Available Now!!! REGISTER NOW!   Official Conference Travel Agent   Call Bob or Nancy at Travel Centre of Gainesville: 800-881-2218.  Or e-mail bob@travelcentre.com or nancy@travelcentre.com for airline discounts.  Ask about Amtrak discounts for travel to and from Florida. SAVE THE DATES – August 3-7, 2008 For fun and education in the Florida sunshine with the Black Theatre Network!