National Directors Conference
Community theatre managing directors will gather November 13-15, 2025, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, to gain new perspectives and vital insights.
National Directors Conference
Community theatre managing directors will gather November 13-15, 2025, 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 Closed
- Space is limited, so register as soon as possible.
- 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, 2025. Refund, minus a 20% cancellation fee, will be made if cancellation and written requests are received by October 15th.
- Early Bird Rates: February 20th - August 1st
Member $400
Non-Member $450 - Advanced Rates: August 2nd - November 7th
Member $425
Non-Member $475 - PLEASE NOTE: Once capacity has been reached, requests to be added to a waitlist will be accepted. Know that this does not guarantee you a seat, but will instead provide you with an opportunity to join us if a registrant can no longer attend. All request must be made by October 15, 2025
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
Schedule
Thursday - 11/13/2025
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 -11/14/2025
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 -11/15/2025
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 End of Conference
Sunday -11/16/2025
Departure
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
Friday Night Dinner at Paesano’s Riverwalk
Optional Add-On | $65 (includes tax and gratuity)
Join us Friday night for a relaxed and flavorful evening at Paesano’s Riverwalk, just steps from the hotel. Enjoy a delicious Italian buffet, a drink on us, and great conversation with fellow attendees in a charming, riverside setting.
Dinner includes:
- Freshly Baked Garlic Bread with Marinara Sauce
- House Salad (Spring Mix, Feta, Veggies & Creamy Red Wine Vinaigrette)
- Traditional Caesar Salad (Romaine, Croutons, Parmesan)
- Oven-Baked Meatballs (Topped with Mozzarella & Tomato Sauce)
- Chicken Parmigiana (Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Tomato & Mozzarella)
- Spaghetti Pasta (Tossed in Olive Oil & Garlic)
- Assorted Miniature Pastries (Lemon Mousse, Chocolate Roll, Berry Tart & More!)
Beverages:
- Hosted Bar (1 Drink Ticket per Guest for Beer or House Wine)
- Fountain Drinks, Iced Tea & Coffee Included
- Note: Additional drinks beyond the hosted bar selection will be billed individually.
⚠️ Limited Spots Available! Sign up now to secure your place at this unforgettable dining experience.
Cost: $65 (includes tax and gratuity). Sign-up with your registration.
If you have already registered for the conference, you can reach out to Jill
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
Discounted Hotel Rates
Standard $182.00
Two room Suite with King $182.00
Triple occupancy. $192.00
Quad occupancy. $202.00
>> CLICK HERE to reserve your room online <<
Note: Please make your reservations by Wednesday, October 29, 2025, to receive your group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10105577.
Airline Discounts
Delta:
Meeting Code NY3FU
Ticket Designator NG4US
United:
Z Code: ZPYU
Agreement Code: 256918
To apply the discount, enter ZPYU256918 in the Z Code field on the United ticketing site.(No space between meeting code and ticket designator)