The New Scholars’ Forum provides a supportive platform for PhD and early career researchers within IFTR to present ten minute papers on their work. These papers do not have to speak to the conference theme; they can be on any subject relevant to the New Scholar. The New Scholars’ Forum is designed to allow New Scholars to receive maximum feedback on work in progress from senior academics. New Scholars are not obliged to present in the New Scholars Forum – they can also submit longer papers to Working Groups or to General Panels.

IFTR organises targeted workshops and programmes for New Scholars during its conferences. The New Scholars’ reception provides a chance to meet members of the IFTR executive committee and to learn more about the organisation. A series of workshops with keynote speakers and other prominent theatre academics gives New Scholars the opportunity to build essential skills for a successful career. The New Scholars’ caucus, held near the end of the conference, allows New Scholars to feedback on their IFTR experiences and shape the direction of the organisation.

IFTR’s Working Groups are very welcoming of New Scholars. You can find a list of IFTR working groups on this website. If you would like to attend one, it is a good idea to contact the convener to introduce yourself. You can attend a working group without presenting a paper at one.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your representative Emer O’Toole at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the chair of the

New Scholar’s committee Awo Asiedu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.