National Directors Conference

Community theatre managing directors will gather November 16-18, 2023, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, located right on the famous Riverwalk, to share stories of challenges and solutions, learn about other theatres' operations, and network with colleagues from across the country.  Personalized to meet your needs, this three-day, biennial conference is held exclusively for individuals who are employed full-time in an administrative or artistic position in a community theatre organization.

>> Registration is Closed <<

• Registration includes all conference materials, lunches, and social events.
• Registration/Submission indicates your acceptance of the following Registration Policies:
  • Registration gives AACT permission to publish photos or footage taken of registrant during the event.
  • Program, schedule, and participants are subject to change without notice. 
  • Transfer/substitution requests are welcome through October 31, 2023. Refund, minus a 20% cancelation fee, will be made if cancelation and written requests are received by October 15th.

>> Special hotel and airfare rates

Conference Facilitator Michael D. Fox
Michael D. Fox returns as facilitator, a role for which he has earned high praise. Michael attended Southern Utah University on a performance scholarship after winning the Sterling Scholar in Speech and Drama. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance degree from the University of Phoenix. After several years managing medical facilities, he fell back into theatre, playing in The Music Man at Hale Centre Theatre in 2002. By the end of the run, he had a job in the office. He worked as Box Office Manager for some time and helped create the consolidated role of Director of Operations, taking responsibility for all customer service, financial control and reporting, and general operational management with roles in programming and marketing. He became COO in the spring of 2016 and created the international award-winning behind-the-scenes video series HCT RAH. He served as Treasurer on the Board of the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT), as well as representing HCT as an associate member of the National Association for Musical Theatre (NAMT). He has also served as President of the local chapter of INTIX, Intermountain Ticketing Professionals. He also is a burgeoning playwright and will see his new work, The Time Machine, premiere at Hale Centre Theatre in May 2024. Michael is also President of the newly formed Fox Den Arts, offering "great, saleable scripts at low rates and consulting services for the artistic community." foxdenarts.com

Conference Schedule

Thursday - 11/16/2023
6:00 pm – Registration/Check-in opens - Participate in the hotel "Kick-Back" (Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres)
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Session begins, Conference Registration/Check-in continues
 
Friday -11/17/2023
8:00 am – Registration/Check-in opens
9:00 am Morning Session
12:30 pm Lunch buffet – provided by AACT
1:30 pm Afternoon Session
5:30 pm Dinner on your own – Explore the Riverwalk!
7:30 pm Evening Session
10:00 pm Adjourn for the day
 
Saturday -11/18/2023
9:00 am Morning Session
12:30 pm Lunch buffet - provided by AACT
1:30 pm Afternoon Session
5:30 pm Dinner on your own – Explore the Riverwalk!
7:30 pm Evening Session with MTI Music Theatre International
10:00 pm End of Conference
 
Sunday -11/19/2023
Departure

Register Now

Our thanks to XS Lighting & Sound for their assistance with the conference's audio/visual needs.
 

Hotel & Conference Location

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
105 S. St. Mary’s Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

The Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk is located on the San Antonio River, in walking distance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Relax in the sun on the deck of the rooftop pool, which also has two whirlpools. Formerly the Alamo National Bank, this 24-story renovated skyscraper features 50-foot ceilings, travertine flooring, and stained glass windows. The average November temperature during the day is 72°.

Amenities include:

• Free Hot Breakfast
• 24-Hour Business Center
• Free Wi-Fi
• Heated Outdoor Rooftop Pool & Two Whirlpools (22nd Floor)
• Indoor Pool & Whirlpool (San Fernando Tower)
• Free 5:30 Kickback®
• 24-Hour Fitness Center
• Accessibility

Special Conference Rates

   >> Book Now (Use this link to book rooms--do not call the hotel directly)

Deadline for Hotel Reservation: October 26, 2023

Airline Discounts