CTAM Fall Conference 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Midland Central Auditorium
305 E Reardon St, Midland, MI 48640

What is Fall Conference?

Join theatre volunteers, actors, directors, designers, technicians, board members, and administrators from across Michigan for a full day of education, networking, and inspiration. The CTAM Fall Conference offers practical workshops, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect with community theatre leaders from around the state.

This year CTAM is offering our regular Fall Conference with some great workshops and a MasterClass for Directors!

Registration

Conference Registration: $25
MasterClass Registration: $50

If you belong to one of our member theatres you get $5 off either registration! If you’re unsure whether your theatre is a current CTAM member, email ctamthrives@gmail.com before registering to receive your discount code.

Schedule at a Glance

8:30 am-9 am – Lobby welcome: coffee and refreshments, networking opportunities.

9 am – 10:30 am – workshops:

Writing Grants for State Funds: Tips & tricks from a Writer, Reviewer, and Council Member: (Chad Swan-Badgero)
Master the Mini-Plot: Designing Big with Limited Fixtures (Marty Golob)

10:30 am – 12:00 pm – workshops:

You’re a Character: (Ben Zylman)
Working with Puppetry (Kathie Johnson)
Senior Theatre

12:00 pm – 12:30pm – LUNCH provided with registration

12:30 pm -1:15 pm – What’s new with CTAM – question/answer time with board members

AACT Award presentation and news about upcoming AACTFestivals

1:15 pm – 2:45 pm – Workshops

You’re a Character: (Ben Zylman)
Fundraising, Foundations & Grants (Lisa Cripps)
Unplugging the Rig: Deploying Wireless (Hybrid) DMX (Marty Golob)

2:45 pm – 3:45 pm Roundtables

How to Select a Hit Season (Kirk Wahamaki, Chuck Goddeeris)
Ludus Ticketing – what’s new, questions, answers (Ludus)

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm – stretch, grab a snack, take a bathroom break, meet someone new

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Workshops

Fundraising, Foundations & Grants (Lisa Cripps)
Working with Puppetry (Kathie Johnson)
Senior Theatre

5:30pm – Wave good bye – The CTAM board will be available to answer any questions that may have popped up.

MASTER CLASS SCHEDULE

10:00 am – 12:00 pm > Session 1
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm > LUNCH W/ GROUP
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm > Session 2
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm > Optional: you may join a workshop listed above for free!

NEW! Master Class: Acting in Harmony

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

$50 – eligible for $5 discount for CTAM Theatre members (includes lunch)

Presented by Kathy Pingel & Ron Ziegler

This immersive four-hour workshop focuses on directing actors of all experience levels, helping directors create casts where beginners and seasoned performers grow together. Participants will explore:

Character development
Acting exercises
Rehearsal techniques
Storytelling
Working with diverse experience levels

Cost: $50 (includes lunch)

Space is limited to ensure a hands-on learning experience. For more information or course description please contact ctamthrives@gmail.com

Conference Workshop Topics

Fundraising, Foundations & Grants (Lisa Cripps)

Learn how Michigan’s Community Foundations can support your theatre and discover practical grant-writing tips to strengthen your funding applications.

Presenter: Lisa Cripps is President of the Berrien Community Foundation and an active community theatre artist, serving as a playwright, director, performer, and advocate for the arts.

Unplugging the Rig: Deploying Wireless (Hybrid) DMX (Marty Golob)

Explore the benefits and limitations of wireless DMX technology. Learn how to integrate wireless and wired systems safely, evaluate equipment options, and determine when wireless is the right solution for your venue.

Presenter: Marty Golob is a theater systems designer with over 20 years of experience in lighting, scenic design, and venue modernization, specializing in practical solutions for community theatres.

Stage Presence & State Support: Accessing MACC Funding for Community Theatre (Chad Swan-Badgero)

Discover grant opportunities available through the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and gain practical strategies with MACC Arts Education Program Manager.

Presenter: Chad Swan-Badgero is an active director, educator, and advocate for community-based theater across Michigan. As the founder and Artistic Director of Peppermint Creek Theatre Company in Lansing, Chad has spent over three decades championing compelling, thought-provoking productions that spark conversation and foster community engagement. In addition to his work with Peppermint Creek, Chad serves as the Arts Education Program Manager for the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC), where he supports arts organizations, schools, and cultural workers throughout the state. A longtime advocate for accessible, high-impact theater, he brings a wealth of experience in artistic leadership, grantmaking, arts administration, and community outreach. Chad holds a Masters degree in Theater from Michigan State University and remains passionate about helping theater organizations thrive at the intersection of art and community.

Working with Puppetry: Do You Want to Build a Dragon? (Kathie Johnson)

See large-scale theatrical puppets up close while learning lightweight construction techniques, transport solutions, and performance methods. Featuring dragons, marionettes, and body puppets.

Presenter: Kathie Johnson is a costume and puppet designer whose innovative work combines anatomy, movement, and engineering to create dynamic theatrical puppetry.

You’re a Real Character (Ben Zylman)

Develop richer, more believable characters through script analysis, subtext, and backstory. Whether you’re in the spotlight or the ensemble, this workshop offers practical acting tools for every performer.

Presenter: Ben Zylman is an award-winning actor and director with more than 45 years of experience and over 130 productions in theatre, film, television, and radio.

Master the Mini-Plot: Designing Big with Limited Fixtures (Marty Golob)

Learn how to create dynamic lighting with limited equipment. Discover fixture placement, color techniques, and programming strategies that maximize impact without exceeding your budget.

Presenter: Marty Golob is a lighting and systems design consultant dedicated to helping community theatres modernize their technical capabilities while making the most of existing resources.