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CTMC 2026

Join theatre leaders nationwide for an engaging virtual experience filled with shared solutions, fresh insights, and meaningful conversations that strengthen your work back home.

Virtual Community Theatre Mgt Conference (CTMC)

April 17–19 and April 24–26, 2026

 

Virtual on Zoom

CTMC Logo

AACT’s annual Community Theatre Management Conference (CTMC) will be held virtually in April 2026, offering two session options so participants can choose the time zone that best fits their schedule.

This dynamic online conference welcomes community theatre administrators of all kinds: full-time managers, part-time staff, office administrators, board members, and dedicated volunteers who keep their theatres thriving.

Participants gain practical tools, shared experiences, and fresh perspectives through a customized series of topic-specific discussions in both large and small groups. A pre-conference questionnaire helps identify and prioritize topics for each session.

Each session is intentionally limited in size to support open conversation, collaborative problem-solving, and meaningful interaction. CTMC brings together leaders at every stage of their theatre journey — from “I do a little bit of everything” volunteers to seasoned managers — creating a space where shared experience becomes a powerful tool for growth.

Conference Format & Topics

Each session is limited in size to support open conversation, collaborative problem-solving, and meaningful interaction.

  • Lightning Round Discussions: Fast-paced small-group conversations to kick off the conference and get everyone connected.
  • In-Depth Topic Explorations: Participant-led discussions, breakout groups, and “Best of the Best” idea sharing.
  • Volunteer and Staff Discussions: Breakouts for all-volunteer theatres and theatres with paid staff to dig into specific challenges.

Topics are shaped by participants through the pre-conference questionnaire, with common CTMC discussion areas including:

  • Sales and Marketing
  • Earned Income Strategies
  • Fundraising and Development
  • Event Planning
  • Season and Play Selection
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
  • Education and Outreach
  • Box Office Operations
  • Board Development and Governance
  • And more
CTMC session discussion

2026 Sessions

CTMC 2026 includes two separate virtual sessions. Each session follows the same format and schedule. Please register for the time zone in which you can participate fully.

Session I – West Coast 

Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19, 2026

🕘 Pacific Time Zone

Session II – East Coast 

Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26, 2026

🕛 Eastern Time Zone

Facilitators

Kelli McLoud-Schingen
Kelli McLoud-Schingen

Kelli McLoud-Schingen is a passionate advocate for international theatre and the power of community storytelling. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she holds an MA in Cross Cultural Studies and a BA in Communications with a Theatre minor, with additional training from Aurora University, Roosevelt University and the Oxford School of Drama in the UK.

In 2017, Kelli founded the World Stage Theatre Company, a social justice-focused company dedicated to amplifying global voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Under her leadership, World Stage has toured work to festivals in The Netherlands and Italy and welcomed guest artists from Chile and the UK.

Beyond her producing and directing work, Kelli provides cultural competence training for theatres and actively participates in global theatre networks. She serves on the AACT Board of Directors and as a councilor for AITA/IATA (International Association of Theatre Amateurs), championing theatre as a bridge across cultures.

Tim Jebsen
Tim Jebsen

Tim Jebsen has worked at and managed theatres in Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, Kansas, Texas and New Mexico. His management experience spans summer stock and small, medium and large community theatres, and over the course of his career he has raised more than $10 million for the organizations he has served.

For AACT, Tim spent four years as board Treasurer, has adjudicated a national conference as well as multiple regional and state festivals, and has facilitated several leadership conferences. Favorite directing projects include Evita, Les Misérables and Sweeney Todd.

Tim holds a BA from Wittenberg University and an MA in theory and dramatic criticism from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Lisa now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he serves as Director of Advancement for the Highlands University Foundation and they stay active in the local theatre community.

Conference Schedule

(subject to change)

All times below match the time zone of the session selected (Pacific Time for Session I, Eastern Time for Session II).

Friday

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Introductions and Lightning Round Discussions

9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Wrap-Up

Saturday

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
In-Depth Topic Explorations: Parts 1 and 2

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Break

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
In-Depth Topic Explorations: Parts 3 and 4

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Wrap-Up

Sunday

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
In-Depth Topic Explorations: Parts 5 and 6

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Break

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Volunteer and Paid Staff Discussions

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Final Thoughts

Past participants agree that the Community Theatre Management Conference delivers practical solutions, fresh energy, and a stronger sense of connection to fellow theatre leaders across the country. With the 2026 conference fully virtual, you can experience all of this from home or the office — without the added cost or time commitment of travel.

Conference Registration

Registration is now open for the 2026 Community Theatre Management Conference. Participants will register for one of two virtual sessions. Each session offers the full CTMC experience and follows the same schedule and format. Registration covers the attendance for only one person. 

Session I - West Coast
April 17-19, 2026
Pacific Time Zone
Facilitated by Tim Jebsen
Rates
AACT Member: $150
Non-Member: $175

Register for West Coast Session 

Session II - East Coast
April 24-26, 2026
Eastern Time Zone
Facilitated by Kelli McLoud-Schingen
Rates
AACT Member: $150
Non-Member: $175

Register for East Coast Session 

Scholarship Opportunity

AACT will once again offer a limited number of scholarships to support participation in the Community Theatre Management Conference (CTMC) 2026. The purpose of these scholarships is to foster a more equitable and inclusive field by removing financial barriers to essential professional development and national networking.

This initiative is designed to serve two primary groups:

  • Underrepresented Theatre-makers, ensuring their vital voices and perspectives are represented and supported at the national level.
  • Leaders from small-budget theatres (under $24,000) who are first-time conference attendees, providing access to resources and connections to help in their work.

Selected recipients will receive a scholarship covering the full conference registration fee.

Apply for a CTMC Scholarship 

Please complete the application form to be considered.

Refund Policy

Transfer or substitution requests are welcome up to 48 hours before the start of the conference. One transfer or substitution is allowed per registration. Refunds are not available.

Testimonials from Previous Participants

"I especially appreciate the openness and honesty the group was able to achieve, without judgment or disparagement. That was what made this conference so helpful. As Chad-Alan reminded us, we are not alone and knowing that others in the theatre community share our devotion and love for the arts as well as our worries and challenges was very reassuring and inspiring."

– Dianne Beaulieu-Arms, Poison Apple Productions, Pittsburg, California

"I was totally amazed by the planning here and the wonderful offerings of the other members present; this was my first time and I have to say it was a totally rewarding experience and I took copious notes and will be reviewing them and re-transcribing them in the next two days! Wow! Kudos to all who organized this and specifically to Winston! You had it all covered! Wow! Thank you!"

– Richard Grieger, The Summer Place, Naperville, Illinois

CTMC small group photo 1

CTMC small group photo 2