Stuart Drama: Call for Papers

We invite proposals of 200-250 words for individual papers of fifteen-twenty minutes or lightning papers of five-ten minutes, or of up to 850 words for 90 minute panels comprising no more than four papers. Panel proposals should comprise a brief overview of the panel, followed by abstracts for each paper. We also welcome five-minute case-study presentations for two plenary roundtables that approach Stuart drama using the methods of either book history or theatre history. 

In addition to the conventional panel sessions, we are also keen to explore other forms of presenting scholarly research. These might include workshops and roundtables. If you would like to propose a session in an alternative format that will not last more than ninety minutes, please submit an outline of up to 600 words and an additional list of all speakers with a short (c. 50 word) summary on each, detailing how their expertise enriches discussions.

Graduate students, early career academics and practitioners are encouraged to submit a proposal.

Paper topics may address all aspects of seventeenth-century drama, including, (but not limited to):

The conference programme will include keynotes by Brandi Adams (Arizona State University), David McInnis (University of Melbourne), Lucy Munro (King’s College London), and Deborah Payne (American University, Washington DC) as well as plenary roundtables comprising emerging and established scholars on book history and editing early modern drama and those who research the material practices of performance. Additional activities will include a workshop led by Perry Mills, Director of Edward’s Boys, an opening reception and curator talk at the Walker Art Gallery, and a career development workshop for early career researchers.

Please submit proposals via the form below by Friday 2 October 2026.