03/11/2026
Meet Ashley J. Mandanas, one of our Instructors for the OCTA Youth Conference 2026!
Conquering Cold Reads: Cold reads can be super daunting. The way you prep your cold read sides in the waiting room on a time crunch can mean the difference between getting cast or not. Let's learn how to make choices on the fly, feel grounded and connected in the room, and put your best foot forward! This workshop will cover everything you need to know about cold read callbacks/auditions, techniques, and succeeding when put on the spot. Scripts will be provided, and we will all get a chance to put what we learned to the test!
Ashley has been performing (and auditioning) professionally for over two decades. With a OU BFA in Musical Theatre, Ashley brings not only a formal education to the table, but a lived-experience across several different markets nation-wide. An instructor in acting, singing, and dance, Ashley cherishes the opportunity to share valuable knowledge with the next generation of stars.
Students who are ages 12 through high school seniors are eligible to participate in the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association's Youth Conference. The Youth Conference is a two-day event in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the Wyndham Garden hotel Oklahoma City Airport. This conference is a two-day intensive theatrical training workshop for performance and technical skills, including auditioning, musical theatre, acting, and much more, culminating in a Saturday 4:00 pm Showcase performance.
This year's OCTA conference is in Oklahoma City, OK, at the Wyndham Garden hotel Oklahoma City Airport. The youth conference is March 19 -21, 2026. The cost of attendance is $100, and this does not include lodging. If you need financial assistance, it is available. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MARCH 17, 2026.
For more information and registration, go to:
https://oktheatre.org/youth-conference/