Howard University Theatre Arts Administration Students Gain Hands-On Experience at 2026 March On! Festival

By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts

Students from the Department of Theatre Arts' Theatre Arts Administration program at Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts gained valuable hands-on experience this fall while supporting the 2026 March On! Festival, an annual celebration of civil rights storytelling through film, music, scholarship, and the arts.

Held September 29 through October 6 across Washington, D.C., this year's festival embraced the theme "Celebrating 250 Years of Democracy: The Unfinished Story." Through documentary screenings, filmmaker conversations, live performances, and other programming, the festival explored the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement while examining the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality in America.

The festival also brought audiences to Howard University's campus on October 3 for its Student and Emerging Filmmaker Competitions, showcasing the work of a new generation of storytellers using film to explore important social issues.

For our students, however, the experience extended well beyond watching films and participating in conversations. They had an opportunity to contribute directly to the behind-the-scenes work that makes an event of this scale possible.

From event setup and guest hospitality to communications, social media, and assisting VIP guests, students took on a variety of responsibilities that allowed them to apply their classroom learning in a professional setting. Along the way, they strengthened their ability to think on their feet, adapt to changing circumstances, and engage with artists, filmmakers, and audiences.

Just as importantly, the experience offered meaningful opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.

In reflecting on their participation, several students emphasized the significance of working under Black leadership, being encouraged to trust their instincts, and gaining confidence in their ability to navigate unfamiliar responsibilities. Others highlighted the practical skills they developed in customer service, event management, and digital communications.

The festival's programming also left a lasting impression. One student, whose academic interests span political science, theatre arts, and journalism, described the value of engaging with documentary filmmaking and having an opportunity to speak directly with a filmmaker. Another shared how the experience strengthened their aspirations to pursue filmmaking, while another expressed appreciation for gaining foundational knowledge to support their ambition of establishing a Black nonprofit organization.

These reflections underscore something fundamental about arts administration: the work is about much more than what happens onstage or on screen. It requires thoughtful planning, strong communication, collaboration, and an understanding of how to create meaningful experiences for artists and audiences alike.

For our students, the March On! Festival provided an opportunity to develop those skills while contributing to an event rooted in the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and advance social change.

Perhaps most notably, their reflections were filled with gratitude. Students repeatedly expressed appreciation for the festival organizers and staff, praising the welcoming environment, generosity, mentorship, and trust they experienced throughout the week. Several even expressed their eagerness to return and support the festival in the future.

Watch the video below to hear directly from our students about their experiences, the lessons they learned, and their heartfelt gratitude to the March On! Festival team for an opportunity they won't soon forget.