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National Community Theatre Directors Conference

Sunday, November 20 - Tuesday, November 22, 2011

 

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.

The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 20, and concludes at noon on Tuesday, November 22. Please plan to arrive early and join your colleagues in Madison on Saturday evening, November 19, for a cash bar reception. Mark your calendar now!

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 “2009-2011 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.

 

Facilitator

John Viars has been Executive Director of the Des Moines Playhouse since 1982, where he has directed and produced over 200 plays and hosted AACT’s first-ever International Community Theatre Festival. He is a charter member of the American Association of Community Theatre and has been its president. He is a frequent workshop leader, consultant and a national adjudicator of theatre festivals. He is recipient of the David C. Bryant and Art Cole Awards from the American Association of Community Theatre.

2011 Conference schedule

Saturday, Nov. 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Welcome Reception with cash bar. (co-hosted by AACT)

Sunday, Nov. 20
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. 21
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. 22
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Session
11:30 am Conference adjourns

2011 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, 2011) so make your reservations early. Please note:  Deluxe Guest Rooms are not part of the Director's 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.

 

Registration

Download the registration packet.

From previous participants

Managing directors, business managers and some artistic directors with full-time careers in community theatre have indicated that this conference has provided them with a unique opportunity. Below are some of their comments.

"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 2011!

For further information

Call: Sarah Marty, Director at 608-263-2790
Write to: National Community Theatre Directors Conference
21 N Park St., 7th Floor, Madison, WI 53715
E-mail: smarty@dcs.wisc.edu

 

 

 

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