NADTA CONFERENCE 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico 

 October 29 - November 1, 2026

Holding the Whole Story: An Embodied Timeline of Drama Therapy OR Holding the Whole Story: A Retrospective Conference

This conference invites the NADTA community to explore and generate knowledge about our field: how drama therapists engage with its history and lineage, honor analog foundations, integrate emerging research and support colleagues across the professional lifespan. Grounded in presence, embodiment, relationship, and shared space, #NADTA2026 centers the story of the field while creating space to examine disruption, adaptation, and growth. Through a timeline approach, programming moves from the roots of drama therapy, through periods of disruption and innovation, to the thoughtful integration of emerging practices. This year, the conference itself becomes a site of inquiry, asking how drama therapists reflect on, practice, and carry forward the evolving story of our field with care and accountability.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

#NADTA2026 seeks proposals that explore and expand the story of drama therapy. We welcome submissions that offer research, experiential learning, performance, or skill-building opportunities. All proposals should connect to the conference theme, highlighting how your work contributes to the collective understanding of the field.

click here to submit your proposal

This conference asks:

• What have we inherited?
• What have we changed?
• What have we preserved intentionally?
• How are we practicing now?
• How are we transmitting this forward?

Please consider in your application:

• How do drama therapists critically engage with the history and lineage of drama therapy, including what has been preserved, revised, or released over time?
• How do drama therapists integrate lessons from past practices into contemporary clinical, educational, and community-based work?
• How do drama therapists currently center presence, body, voice, ritual, and shared space as mechanisms of change in practice and training?
• How do drama therapists ethically evolve the field through pedagogy, mentorship, and the integration of emerging tools, research, or creative practices?

Conference Fees and Discounts

*To receive the appropriate discounted rate, please ensure you log into the system prior to completing your event registration.  

Student Discount Rate Limitations
Our student rate is designed to support those actively advancing professional training in drama therapy. To qualify for this discount, applicants must meet BOTH of the following criteria:

1. NADTA Student Membership: You must be a current student member of the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA).

2. Active Pursuit of Certification or Degree:

1. For AT Contract Holders: You must have a current NADTA Alternative Training (AT) contract (updated, signed annually by you and your BCT) uploaded to your member profile, and be actively pursuing drama therapy education with the goal of becoming a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT).

2. For Graduate Students: You should be enrolled as an active student in one of the NADTA accredited Drama Therapy (DT) graduate degree programs and must upload a copy of your current student ID each year that you renew your student membership.

Discount Rate for Retired or Paused Membership

Our discounted rate for Retired and Paused members is intended to support those who want to maintain their involvement with NADTA but are not currently using their credentials to earn income.

For additional information about membership levels or requirements, please refer to the NADTA Membership Categories page.

 *NADTA Cancellation Policy* 

Cancellations received in writing two weeks or more before the event (by October 1st) will be issued a refund less a $75.00 USD processing fee.  

No refunds will be processed for cancellations less than two weeks before the event. NADTA encourages you to send a substitute in your place if you cannot attend (USD $75.00 admin fee applies).

• The NADTA reserves the right to cancel any program or session or to change the format of the meeting to virtual. In the event of an event cancellation, NADTA will refund registration fees, but is not responsible for any costs, damages, or other expenses of any kind, including and without limitation, transportation and/or hotel costs incurred by registrant.  
• Speakers are subject to change without notice. In the event the format changes to virtual only, in-person attendees will be refunded the difference in the registration rate, or they can cancel their registration less a $75.00 USD processing fee.

• The NADTA must be notified in writing in the event of cancellation. If cancellation of exhibit booth or sponsorship occurs prior to October 1, 2025, the exhibitor/sponsor will be refunded 50% of their total payment. After October 1, 2025, no refunds will be made. 

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Conference App

Click here to get started with the app today.

Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit or NYS LCAT credit will be identified in the schedule. Instructions will be given at the conference for the procedures to follow in order to obtain CE Hours. Please note that you must request your NBCC or LCAT Certificate within 30 days after the conference.