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April 17 - Arts Forward Industry Open House

Students gather around a worktable in a studio classroom as an instructor demonstrates a hands-on technique, with tools and materials spread across the surface and a whiteboard in the background.

Join us for the Arts Forward Industry Open House on April 17!

This event is a non-traditional career fair for careers in the arts, presented by the School of Performing Arts/School of Visual Arts.

Arts Forward brings students and professionals together for a day centered on conversation, connection, and shared curiosity. Our visual and performing arts students are eager to meet working professionals, both to showcase their creativity and to build meaningful relationships. The program features small-group networking, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and informal conversations about your work and career journey, all designed to foster mentorship in a relaxed, low-stakes environment that helps demystify professional paths.

We’re excited to collaborate with you, whether you lead a workshop, join a panel, or simply share insights through conversation. Hokie hospitality is included, with breakfast and lunch on Friday April 17, and a Thursday evening reception providing time to connect with fellow professionals, students, and faculty; discounted lodging will be available for out-of-town guests. Events will take place in Henderson Hall, Squires Student Center, and the Creativity and Innovation District's Living and Learning Community from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check-in and meals served at Theatre 101. We hope you’ll join us and lend your voice and experience! Please reach out to Ariana Wyatt (ariana1@vt.edu) if you have questions or would like to learn more.

Schedule

April 16
  • Welcome reception in Theatre 101: 6-7:30 p.m.
April 17 
  • Breakout portfolio reviews, mock auditions, and interviews: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Breakout speakers: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Breakout workshops: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 
  • Breakout speakers: 1:25-2:25 p.m. 
  • Keynote speaker panel: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Breakout alumni interview panels: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Please use these forms to register for the event so that we can accurately plan for meals and events.

AAD students gather around a table.
Student Registration
AAD Alumni stand in a group
Alumni/Industry Guest Registration

 

Hotel Suggestions and Parking

There are several other local hotels with reasonable rates on April 16. Please see below.
Due to the numerous events that will be taking place April 16-18, we would suggest booking sooner than later. Please reach out to Ariana Wyatt (ariana1@vt.edu) if you would like suggestions on lodging outside of Blacksburg. 

Parking passes are available for our guests. We will provide shuttle service between the parking location (Chicken Hill) and our event location. 

The Inn at Virginia Tech
901 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
ivtinfo@crestlinehotels.com 
540-231-8000 
Rate: $162 (Click here for the booking link.)

Hilton Garden Inn 
900 Plantation Rd., Blacksburg, Virginia 24060
BCBGI_GM@hilton.com
540-552-5005
Rate: $263

Hyatt Place 
650 University City Blvd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 
540-552-7500 
Rate: $103 - $111

Residence Inn by Marriott 
850 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, Virginia 24060 
540-750-4400 
Rate: $116 - $139 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Blacksburg - University Area 
1020 Plantation Rd., Blacksburg, Virginia 24060
888-465-4329
Rate: $132 - $165

Holiday Inn   
99 Bradley Dr., Christiansburg, Virginia 24073 
hichristiansburg@outlook.com
540-381-8100 
Rate: $105 - $127

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Christiansburg
2659 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, Virginia 24073
540-381-9596
Rate: $94 - $114