Festivals are actually quite a large undertaking. I'm an
adjudicator for TANYS (Theatre Association of New York State)
and have adjudicated for ESTA (Eastern States Theate
Association) - these festivals are entire jobs alone, without
actually directing a play. I'm not attempting to discourage you
from the attempt - but it seems that your first directing job might
better be spent actually directing.

Think about having a program of one-acts and use an omnibus
title to advertise your event. I have had success with this kind of
production, though you are right - fewer people attend one act
plays than full length plays.

An evening of one-acts can revolve around a theme - an author
(there are often evenings of Tennessee Williams' one acts
produced) - a geographical location (plays about Texas - or
plays about 9/11 - or plays about the midwest) - an emotion
(love, revenge, patriotism, religion, etc.). The choices are
endless. Come up with a catch title that encompasses all your
plays, and you can p.r. the plays that way.

Just get 2 or 3 others interested in directing - and each of you
do a one-act. You'll be able to concentrate on your PLAY,
rather than concentrating on a festival organization.

Just my two cents' worth

By the way - your idea of starting out with a one act is an
excellent approach to beginning directing. One acts have
everything a full length play has: character development, focus,
pace, etc. - it's all just abbreviated. So it gives you a great
chance to develop skills and experience dealing with all those
elements.

Good luck!