National Conference on Outdoor Theatre
Registration
📍 Bardstown & Louisville, KY
📅 October 8–11, 2025
🎭 Theme: Bardstown, Bourbon & the Bard
Where Shakespeare meets small-town charm and a splash of Kentucky bourbon.
Hosted by The Stephen Foster Story and Kentucky Shakespeare, this year’s convention brings together rich storytelling, southern hospitality, and powerful conversations about the future of outdoor drama.🌟
Proudly Sponsored by Ludus
Register for the ConferenceHotel information
Fairfield Inn & Suites Bardstown
Experience true Southern hospitality at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Bardstown. Situated right on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, our hotel is less than seven miles from Bardstown Bourbon Company, Lux Row Distillers, Willett Distillery, Barton 1792 Distillery, Preservation Distillery, and Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. While staying, enjoy visiting historic Downtown Bardstown, Museum Row, My Old Kentucky Home, and My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Our spacious and comfortable sleeping rooms are equipped with 55-inch flat panel TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and plush bedding. Our hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and 24-hour Corner Market.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Bardstown
1070 Morton Avenue
Bardstown, Kentucky 40004
(502) 350-6720 (for information only—not for discounted reservations)
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Spark by Hilton
Spark by Hilton is five minutes from historic downtown Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. Explore the region’s top distilleries plus beautiful natural areas like My Old Kentucky Home and Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Unwind in our heated indoor swimming pool and enjoy our free bagel bar and on-site guest laundry facilities.
Spark by Hilton Bardstown
985 Chambers Blvd.
Bardstown, Kentucky 40004
Travel
By Air
Louisville International Airport — Distance from hotel: 35 miles
By Car
Visit the Louisville Airport website for rental car information.
Itinerary
Wednesday, October 8
Bardstown, Kentucky
| 3:45pm | Check in | Fairfield Inn & Suites |
| 4:00pm–4:15pm | Welcome & Kick-off Session | |
| 4:20pm-5:30pm | Session 1: Presenter: | |
| 6:30pm | Welcome Dinner | Meeting Room |
| 8:00pm | Session 2: | Meeting Room Fairfield Inn & Suites |
Thursday, October 9
Bardstown, KY
| 9:30am | Depart for Heaven Hill | |
| 10:00am–11:45am | Tour of Heaven Hill | Heaven Hill Bourbon |
| 12:00pm–1:15pm | Lunch |
|
| 1:30pm–1:45pm | Travel to Stephen Foster Story |
|
| 2:00pm–3:30pm | Session 3: Presenter: | The Stephen Foster Story |
| 3:50pm–5:20pm | Session 4: Presented by: | My Old KY Home |
| 5:30pm–7:30pm | Awards Dinner Sponsored by | My Old KY Home |
| 7:45pm–9:00pm | Session 5: Presenters: | My Old KY Home |
Friday, October 10
Louisville, KY
| Time | Event | Location |
| 9:00am | Depart for Louisville on bus | |
| 10:15am | Arrive at Kentucky Shakespeare | Kentucky Shakespeare 616 Myrtle St Louisville, KY 40208 |
| 10:30am–11:30am | Session 6: Presenter: | |
| 11:45am–1:00pm | Lunch | Old Louisville Tavern 1532 S 4th St Louisville, KY 40208 |
| 1:45pm–3:35pm | Session 7: Presenters: | Kentucky Shakespeare 616 Myrtle St Louisville, KY 40208 |
| 3:45pm–4:45pm | Session 8: | Kentucky Shakespeare Amphitheatre Stage (weather permitting) |
| 5:00pm–6:15pm | Dinner | Old Louisville Tavern 1532 S 4th St Louisville, KY 40208 |
| 7:00pm–9:15pm | Kentucky Shakespeare | Kentucky Shakespeare 616 Myrtle St Louisville, KY 40208 |
| 9:45pm–11:00pm | Bus back to Bardstown |
Saturday, October 11
Bardstown, KY
| Time | Event | Location |
| 9:00am–11:00am | Closing Session/Discussion | Fairfield Inn & Suites 1070 Morton Ave Bardstown, KY 40004 |
Keynote Speaker
Carl V. Curnutte III is an Emmy-nominated costume designer and nonprofit consultant with a distinguished career spanning film, television, and cultural leadership. His costume design work includes acclaimed productions such as HBO’s Iron Jawed Angels (Emmy nominee, Outstanding Costumes), Gods and Generals, Head of State, The Recruit, and the television series Ghost Stories. Known for his meticulous attention to historical accuracy and visual storytelling, Carl has collaborated with top creative teams in both film and television.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Carl has served in key leadership roles within the nonprofit and cultural sectors. He was the Executive Director of The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina, where he oversaw major revitalization efforts, community engagement, and special events. He also served as Producer and Executive Director of The Lost Colony, America’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama.
During his time with The Lost Colony, Carl raised millions of dollars in philanthropic support, leading the organization to financial stability. Following a devastating costume shop fire, he spearheaded a complete recovery effort—rebuilding the inventory and operations within just six months, ensuring the show’s uninterrupted summer season. His leadership during that time was instrumental in preserving a treasured American tradition and securing its future.
Today, Carl offers consulting services to nonprofits across the United States, supporting organizations in strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and event execution. His work bridges creativity and mission, helping cultural institutions thrive and grow.
Sponsors
SETC and the National Conference on Outdoor Theatre would like to thank the following sponsors:
Sponsor of National Conference on Outdoor Theatre
Host Sponsors
Sessions Sponsors
