National Community Theatre Directors Conference

Community theatre directors gather at UW-Madison to work together, share stories of challenges and solutions, learn about other theatre operations and meet colleagues from across the country.

Dates:

November 24-26, 2013

Location:

The Lowell Center, 610 Langdon St., Madison (map)

Time:

The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, and concludes at noon on Tuesday

Fees:

$375 per person, $325 per person for groups of three or more

About the program:

Overview | Schedule | Housing/travel | Comments

Facilitator:

To be determined

More information:

Sarah Marty, 608-263-2790
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National Community Theatre Directors Conference

Community theatre directors gather at UW-Madison to work together, share stories of challenges and solutions, learn about other theatre operations and meet colleagues from across the country. This three-day, biennial conference is held exclusively for individuals employed in a full-time administrative or artistic position in a community theatre organization. Nonparticipating observers will be allowed to register if space permits.

Unique conference features

  • Learn of challenges and solutions faced by theatre directors just like you!
  • Share your own expertise, resources and stories.
  • Collect copies of organizational materials from other theatres.
  • Receive a detailed profile of each theatre represented at the conference.
  • Compile and receive a “2011-2013 Hits and Misses” list.
  • Make connections from around the country you can rely on year round.
  • Spend 3 days on the beautiful UW-Madison campus one block from historic State Street with dozens of shops and restaurants and the scenic Lake Mendota.
  • Return to your job feeling inspired and filled with new ideas!

Format

Facilitator(s) guide the group through a managed but vibrant discussion of various topics including marketing strategies, fundraising challenges, staffing issues, outreach activities and systems for selecting a season. All who wish to contribute may do so by asking questions, identifying specific problems, or providing other useful input.

As part of this professional development experience, all participants are invited to bring copies of their season brochures, staff handbooks, fundraising materials, organizational charts and promotional materials to share with the group.  Bring or send many copies to share.

2013 Conference schedule

Saturday, Nov. 23
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Welcome Reception with cash bar. (co-hosted by AACT)

Sunday, Nov. 24
8:00 am Orientation Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Session
12:30 pm Lunch buffet
1:30 pm Afternoon Session
5:30 pm Dinner at The University Club
7:30 pm Evening Session
10:00 pm Adjourn for the day

Monday, Nov. 25
8:00 am "Share Your Wares" Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Session
12:30 pm Lunch buffet
1:30 pm Afternoon Session
5:30 pm Dinner on your own
7:30 pm Evening Session with MTI Music Theatre International
10:00 pm Adjourn for the day

Tuesday, Nov. 26
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Session
11:30 am Conference adjourns

2013 Housing & travel information

The Lowell Center on the UW-Madison campus serves as conference headquarters. The $375 conference fee includes instruction, multiple handouts, administrative support, conference leadership, morning and afternoon coffee/soda breaks, two noon lunches, Sunday group dinner and incidental conference expenses.

We have reserved a block of Standard Guest Rooms at Lowell Center with daily rates of $89.00/single, and $101.00/double (no room tax). Parking (if needed) and daily breakfast are included in this price. The room block will be released four weeks prior to the conference ( October 15, 2013) so make your reservations early. Please note:  Deluxe Guest Rooms are not part of the Directors Conference room block but may be available for $105 single occupancy and $117 double occupancy.

To reserve a room call the Lowell Center (conference headquarters) at 1-866-301-1753 or reserve online. Whether registering online or calling, please note we are in the block reserved for the National Community Theatre Directors Conference; use the code DIREC. When it asks you to indicate how you heard about the Lowell Center, select Department of Liberal Studies.

Comments from previous participants

"I can go back to the theatre and feel better prepared to accomplish my goals and make my theatre a better place to be, both creatively and administratively!"

"I can't believe how inspired I am and better equipped to manage what can be called chaos. This conference has made me a better managing director."

"Meeting people who struggle with the same issues that I face every day is a great way to spend a week! It's even better going back with answers to problems."

"Money well spent! Two years ago, I met colleagues. Since then, they have become my best resources and friends."

"This conference is the best thing about my job!"

Final thoughts

Special thanks to the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) Directors Conference Committee and Executive Director Julie Angelo for their continued support of this conference.

We hope to see you in November 2013!