The University of Sarajevo, in partnership with Broadway Across Borders and Northwestern University organized a conference on musical theatre
From 13 to 15 March 2025, Sarajevo is hosting the Conference on Musical Theatre – Performance, Design, and Production, aimed at enhancing and further developing musical theatre and production practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This significant event is the result of international collaboration between the University of Sarajevo (Academy of Performing Arts), Northwestern University in Chicago, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Broadway organization, and the global musical theatre organization Broadway Across Borders. This partnership seeks to foster a transformation in the cultural landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, promote artistic collaboration between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and empower a new generation of artists.
The conference commenced on 14 March at the University of Sarajevo Rectorate with a welcoming address delivered by Rector, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, who underscored the importance of international cooperation that nurtures academic excellence, creativity, and innovation.
“This conference represents a collective effort and will provide artists, students, and professionals with the opportunity to engage with leading experts from around the world, thereby contributing to the modernization and advancement of musical theatre. Through this conference, we are not only strengthening local capacities in the field of musical theatre but also creating a space for dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the establishment of long-term connections between artists and academic institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States,” stated Rector Zaimović, expressing gratitude to the partners from Northwestern University, Broadway Across Borders, as well as BiH Broadway and the Academy of Performing Arts, whose tireless efforts have made this event a reality.
The conference program began with a presentation by Broadway Across Borders, led by Nikolina Vujić and Sanjin Arnautović. This was followed by a lecture on Musical Theatre: Performance, Design, and Production, delivered by professors from Northwestern University. Dr. Ryan T. Nelson spoke on performance in musical theatre, Professor Eric Southern focused on the significance of design in musical theatre, while Professor Barbara Butts detailed the production process in musical theatre, highlighting challenges and innovations.
The conference places a particular emphasis on artistic refinement and the strengthening of local capacities, with the ultimate goal of introducing innovative production practices, thereby modernizing the musical theatre sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The objectives of the conference include exploring various segments of musical theatre (performance, design, production) through lectures and workshops, as well as sharing experiences and fostering dialogue among experts with the aim of enhancing artistic endeavors in the field of performing arts and creating new opportunities for future generations of artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Among the speakers and guests at the conference are Barbara Butts, Associate Professor of Production and Scene Management at Northwestern University, Eric Southern, Associate Professor of Scenography and Lighting at Northwestern University, Dr. Ryan T. Nelson, Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Musical Direction at Northwestern University and founder of the global musical theatre organization Broadway Across Borders, Nikolina Vujić, an artist and program director at Broadway Across Borders, and Sanjin Arnautović, senior assistant in Speech at the Academy of Performing Arts and program director at Broadway Across Borders.
The organizing committee of the conference includes Prof. Mr. Arma Tanović Branković, Vice Rector for Arts, Artistic Research, Culture, and Sports at the University of Sarajevo; Professor Lejla Jusić, Associate Dean of Development, Finance, and Production at the Academy of Performing Arts; Professor Osman Arslanagić; Dozent Amira Kudumović; and senior assistant Mr. Fuad Šetić.
The conference continues today and tomorrow with workshops to be held at the Academy of Performing Arts of the University of Sarajevo. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with performance techniques, scenographic solutions, and production processes in musical theatre through practical work. The workshops will cover topics such as musical direction on Broadway, lighting design, and stage management, led by experienced renowned experts Ryan Nelson, Eric Southern, and Barbara Butts. The concluding collaborative workshop, “Developing the Artistic Team,” will culminate the conference at the Open Scene Obala on Saturday, 15 March.
This conference marks an essential step toward further strengthening the musical theatre scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina and opens new perspectives for professionals and students striving to enhance their knowledge and practice in this theatrical domain.
🔹About Northwestern University:
Northwestern University, ranked 6th among the best national universities in the Best Colleges 2025 report and among the top 30 globally, is renowned for its exceptional programs in arts, production, and stage management. The University of Sarajevo and Northwestern University already have a signed collaboration agreement, which will be extended on this occasion, further strengthening academic and artistic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States.
🔹About Broadway Across Borders:
Broadway Across Borders is a global organization that connects artists worldwide through education, production, and cultural exchange, with the goal of empowering musical theatre in international contexts. Their collaboration with the University of Sarajevo offers a unique opportunity for local artists to learn from leading experts from Broadway and gain experiences that will advance the performing arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
