The Department of Drama at Queen Mary University of London is pleased to host the annual conference of the Theatre and Performance Research Association (TaPRA), taking place from 2–4 September 2026.

TaPRA 2026 will bring together scholars and artists for three days of working group sessions, panels, and plenary events across Queen Mary’s Mile End campus. The TaPRA Gallery, where attendees can exhibit practice-based research, will unfold in BLOC, a new, state-of-the-art gallery, studio, and cinema space.

An expansive social and artistic programme will run throughout the conference, drawing on the Department of Drama’s strong connections to London’s East End and the Live Art sector. For those unable to attend the conference in person, online participation will be available.

There is no overarching theme for TaPRA 2026, but all participants are encouraged to use the conference as an opportunity to gather and reflect collectively on what needs to be done to secure a sustainable future for theatre and performance research.

Conference proposals are due by 9 March 2026.

You can submit your proposal here.

Contact: tapra2026@qmul.ac.uk

Conference Structure

TaPRA 2026 will feature two types of sessions: plenary events open to all delegates, and parallel sessions of panels, performances, and interventions.

There are three routes for participation in TaPRA 2026. Most delegates present their work within one of TaPRA’s thirteen working groups, each of which issues its own call for presentations. The working groups meet over several sessions during the conference. Attendees may also participate by exhibiting practice research in the TaPRA Gallery, or by proposing a pre-constituted panel that runs in parallel with working group sessions.

Working Groups: A full list of TaPRA’s thirteen working groups is available here. Most attendees choose a working group aligned with their research interests and use it as their primary base for the conference. To present in a working group at TaPRA 2026, identify your preferred working group and submit an abstract (max. 300 words) responding to that group’s theme, along with a bio (max. 100 words). You may apply to one working group only, though you can indicate willingness for your proposal to be considered by other working groups. You can view their

TaPRA Gallery: The TaPRA Gallery invites proposals to exhibit practice-based research, hosted this year in BLOC, Queen Mary’s new gallery, studio, and cinema space. See the TaPRA Gallery’s call for participation for details. 

Panels for Open Sessions: New for TaPRA 2026, attendees may propose pre-constituted panels (90 minutes), featuring three or four presenters. These panels will run parallel to the working groups and should address topics not directly covered by working groups. Proposals must include a panel description (max. 100 words) along with individual abstracts (max. 300 words) and bios (max. 100 words) for each presentation. In line with TaPRA’s commitment to supporting emerging scholars, priority will be given to panels proposed by postgraduates or ECRs, and panels must include at least one emerging scholar. Only full panels will be considered. You can submit a proposal online here.

Key Dates

• 9 March 2026: Proposals Due
• April 2026: Decisions Communicated
• May 2026: Conference Registration Opens
• 2–4 September 2026: Conference

Conference Environment

In addition to plenaries, working groups, and open panels, the TaPRA Gallery—featuring displays of practice-based work and a film programme—will be open for most of the conference. There will be several opportunities for socialising, including lunches, a wine reception, and a conference dinner. Most excitingly, TaPRA 2026 will present an ambitious performance programme, with events planned both on campus and in collaboration with local partners including the Whitechapel Gallery. A limited numbers of on-campus flats will be available—booking will open in April 2026.

 Access

TaPRA 2026 will be a hybrid conference, welcoming both in-person and online participation. All conference venues will offer step-free access, and additional access requirements can be accommodated—please inform us of any on your proposal form.

Bursaries and Concession Fees

TaPRA offers a limited number of bursaries (up to £375) to support conference participation. Bursaries are available to postgraduate researchers (PGRs), early career researchers (ECRs), and independent scholars, and will be awarded on the basis of proposal quality and demonstrated need where relevant. Applications for bursaries can be made at the point of proposal submission and can include a 100-word supporting statement.

Delegate fees are expected to be comparable to previous TaPRA conferences, with concession rates available. Scholars based in low-income countries will be able to attend the conference online with just their TaPRA membership paid.