The Conference of the Birds

Education

July 2026

The Conference of the Birds

Presented by the Indigo Ensemble
Our 13-18 year old students

Presented at the Belmont Black Box Theatre
2112 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

Rehearsals
July 13th-July 31st
Performances
July 31st & August 1st at 7pm; August 2nd at 2pm

Based on the poem by Farid ud-Din Attar.
Stage version by Peter Brook and Jean-Claude Carriere.

The Conference of the Birds is a reimagining of the 12th-century Sufi epic by Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar, following the birds of the world as they gather in a time of uncertainty. Guided by the wise Hoopoe, they journey through the Seven Valleys—facing doubt, courage, and transformation in their search for the mythical Simorgh. Brought to life through movement and music, this timeless story invites audiences to reflect on community, loss, and self-discovery—reminding us that what we seek may already live within us.

Scroll down to meet our fabulous teaching artists and learn what to expect.

This is a fully produced theatrical experience, created with the same care and rigor as Little Blue’s professional work. Students will collaborate with experienced teaching artists and professional designers.

Audition dates to be announced.

Know Before You Go

Daily Information

Rehearsal location to be announced.
There is no extended care offered for this program, however, rehearsals run from 9am-5pm. Students may arrive anytime after 8:45am.
To help keep everyone safe and accounted for, only adults listed on the authorized pick-up form—with identification or a Little Blue pick-up card—may pick up students.
Students at this age may drive themselves, but that will need to be communicated to Little Blue staff.
Students will need to bring a snack, lunch, and water bottle. These food items cannot be refrigerated or microwaved.
Students need to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes (no Crocs, heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots, please).

Performances

Each student will receive five complimentary tickets, which may be used across any of the three performances.
Performances take place at the Belmont University Black Box Theatre, which offers general seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime, and the theatre seats approximately 200 patrons.
Bottled water will be available at each performance. Families are welcome to take water as needed. A QR code will be available for those who wish to make a $1 suggested donation per bottle, with all proceeds benefiting the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee.
Students will be called at least two hours before each performance. Before arriving for call time, students should already have hair, makeup, and any required preparation completed, unless otherwise instructed.

Additional FAQs can be found below.

Artistic Team

Colin Peterson (he/him)

Director

Colin Peterson is an autistic self-advocate, facilitator, and theatre director committed to inclusive, community-centered work. A longtime leader in Theatre for Young Audiences, he spent 15 years at Nashville Children’s Theatre transforming access, equity, and education, work recognized by the Nashville Business Journal’s Diversity Awards, and now continues as the founding Producing Artistic Director of Little Blue Theatre.

Joe Mobley (he/him)

Musician

Joe Mobley loves a good time. After graduating from Belmont University with a BFA inTheatre Performance, he has gone on to act, direct, and teach all over Nashville. Most recently he was seen on stage at the Nashville Children’s Theater in Inside Out and Backwards. When Joe isn’t telling stories and playing songs, he loves spending time with his person, snuggling his cats, and playing board games with people of all ages through his company Game Penguins. Learn more: gamepenguins.com

Christen Heilman (she/her)

Costume Designer

Christen Heilman is a costume designer who treats fabric like story ink—stitching character, confidence, and a little sparkle into every seam. Known for body-kind fittings and smart, stage-ready solutions, she blends historical nerdiness with modern practicality. Her superpower: making performers feel seen, supported, and unstoppable.

Kyle Odum (he/him)

Sound Design

William Kyle Odum (Harlem, GA; based in Nashville) is a director, sound designer, video/projections designer, and theatre technician. He holds a BFA in Directing (Belmont) and an MS in Nonprofit Administration (LSUS). A founding member of Woven Theatre Company, he also leads Live Audio/Video at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. Recent credits include Elijah Rock!, She Kills Monsters, and original productions include Death Drop! and Magical Journey. Member: TSDCA + ASD.

More to be Announced

FAQs

Do you offer refunds?

We are unable to offer refunds within two weeks of a camp or class start date. If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations made more than two weeks in advance are subject to a $50 cancellation fee, unless the registration is kept as a credit on the account.
Contact info@littlebluetheatre.org regarding any registration cancellations or changes.

Do you allow early pickup?

Yes. Early pick-ups are welcome, but must take place at least 30 minutes before the scheduled dismissal time. For example, if dismissal is at 3:00pm, the latest early pick-up would be 2:30pm.

How do you handle health needs, medications, or allergies?

We ask families to share relevant health information during registration so our teaching artists and staff can plan appropriately. Medications, allergies, and other health needs are handled with care and discretion, and families are encouraged to communicate directly with us if questions or needs arise. LBT cannot administer medications, but can remind students to take them on their own.

Are you Peanut/Tree Nut Free?

We are not a peanut- or tree nut–free program. However, hand washing is required after every mealtime. We have chosen to allow peanuts and tree nuts in our camps to ensure all students have access to reliable sources of protein, while continuing to prioritize cleanliness and care for everyone in the space.

How do you support students through behavior or challenges?

Little Blue approaches behavior through care, communication, and collaboration. Our teaching artists are trained to support young people through moments of challenge, conflict, or dysregulation with respect and curiosity. We prioritize safety, dignity, and growth, and partner with families when additional support is helpful. If there is information you’d like to share—such as triggers, preferred regulation strategies, or supportive structures—please include it during the registration process.

How long is the show?

The show will run about 100 minutes.

Is the show sensory friendly?

Yes. Designed from the ground up to be gentle on the senses — with no startling sounds, sudden surprises, or overly intense moments.

If your family needs accommodations, email info@littlebluetheatre.org and we’ll do our best to support you.

Is the show appropriate for all ages?

Yes. This production is appropriate for general audiences and aligns with a PG-rated experience. The story includes moments of tension, disagreement, and self-reflection as characters grapple with fear, ego, and uncertainty. These moments will be presented with honesty and are held within a thoughtful, poetic framework that emphasizes reflection, compassion, and collective growth.

Additional Questions? info@littlebluetheatre.org

Because play is serious work.

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