What is AACTFest?

AACTFest is a festival sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT).

AACTFest presents a forum for community theaters to enter productions for adjudication and advancement from the state level to the regional level and finally, to the national level.

This festival not only uplifts the theatres that participate, but it also provides a motivating space for our organizations to be challenged and create new ideas, ultimately aiding in the continuous success of the arts in our communities.

What are the rules?

Each competing team will have a 10×10 foot box on the stage. In each box is everything that can be used for a show - set, props and costumes. A signal is given, and the first show is off and running. Actors and production crew hustle to set up their show in exactly 10 minutes - because that’s when their show must begin. Each team’s show must be no longer than 60 minutes. They then have exactly 10 minutes to put it all back in their box and leave the stage.

What will the festival look like?

Competing teams will be the top winners from each of the state competitions in Region III. The region includes, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

After competition Friday night an informal gathering will take place at nearby with casual food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. Registrants will get the opportunity to chat with each other and celebrate the first round of performances.

I’m Interested…What Form Do I fill Out?

If you are part of a group that is competing and representing your community theatre, the group’s leader must fill out Group Registration. Group registration covers the competition fees of 8 people. If your competing group has over 8 people, you must complete an Individual Registration for every person over 8.

If you are not competing but would like to attend AACTFest, or if your competing group has over 8 people, then you need to fill out the Individual Registration.

Both registrations grant you full festival attendance, admission to all performance sessions, Friday and Saturday festival receptions, and Sunday Awards Brunch.

ALL COMPETING TEAMS MUST READ THE 2025 AACTFEST Handbook TO ENSURE ALL RULES ARE FOLLOWED. Failure to comply with festival rules and requirements will be grounds for disqualification.

Schedule:

9:00 am: Load in for Groups 1 and 2 - Stage Right On Deck

9:30 am: G1 Tech Meeting - On Stage

9:50 am: Rehearsal - On Stage

11:10 am: Break

11:20 am: Setup - SR On Deck to Performance Area

11:30 am: Performance - On Stage

12:30 pm: Strike - Stage Left Designated Area

12:40 pm: Adjudication - Studio Theater

12:40 pm: Group 2 - Tech Meeting - On Stage

1:00 pm: Rehearsal - On Stage

2:20 pm: Group 4 Load In - On Stage

2:20 pm: Lunch Break

2:50 pm: Setup - SR On Deck to Performance Area

3:00 pm: Performance - On Stage

4:00 pm: Strike - Stage Left Designated Area

4:10 pm: Adjudication - Studio Theater

4:10 pm: Group 3 Tech Meeting - On Stage

4:30 pm: Rehearsal - On Stage

5:50 pm: Break

6:00 pm: Setup - SR On Deck to Performance Area

6:10 pm: Performance - On Stage

7:10 pm: Strike - Stage Left Designated Area

7:20 pm: Adjudication - Studio Theater