We’re less than weeks away from an incredible celebration of community theatre! This June, Des Moines, Iowa, becomes the national stage for both YouthFest 2025and AACTFest 2025, featuring outstanding performances, dynamic workshops, and the unmatched energy of theatre-makers coming together from across the country.
AACT YouthFest 2025 | June 22–24 | Des Moines Playhouse | Des Moines, IA
Participating Youth Companies:
Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR – Landmark Community Theatre (CT – Region 1)Avinash – Ebong Theatrix (MD – Region 2)Runaway Princess – Central Park Players (MI – Region 3)Mac Beth – Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette (IN – Region 3)Dark Road – Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts (MN – Region 5)Lost Girl – Clark Youth Theatre (OK – Region 6)In theTank (video presentation) – Terrace Playhouse Youth Theatre Troupe(U.S. Army Garrison – Ansbach, Germany – Region 10)
YouthFest Highlights:
Workshops for Youth Artists – Engaging, hands-on sessions focused on acting, storytelling, and creative expressionFestival Swag & Surprises – Fun merch, festival keepsakes, and maybe a surprise or two along the way!New Friendships, Big Memories – YouthFest is more than a stage… it’s a place where creative young people from across the country come together and leave with new friends, fresh inspiration, and lifelong memories
AACTFest 2025 | June 25–28 | Hoyt Sherman Place | Des Moines, IA
Time Stands Still – Quannapowitt Players (MA – Region 1)Avinash – Ebong Theatrix (MD – Region 2)The Way of All Fish – Sandy Spring Theatre Group (MD – Region 2)Silent Sky – Stagecrafters (MI – Region 3)Love, Loss, and What I Wore – Verona Area Community Theater (WI – Region 3)Happy Hour at the Pink Place – Highlands Lakeside Theatre (FL – Region 4)Tone Clusters – Tupelo Community Theatre (MS – Region 4)Forever Plaid – Absolute Theatre (MN – Region 5)Men on Boats – Des Moines Playhouse (IA – Region 5)Tuesdays with Morrie – Baytown Little Theater (TX – Region 6)Natural Shocks – Sopris Theatre Company (CO – Region 7)Constellations – Theatre33 (WA – Region 9)
AACTFest Highlights:
Workshops – Covering directing, design, storytelling, leadership, and moreCompetitions – National adjudication, monologue and design competitionsNetworking Events – Meet theatre-makers from every corner of the countryExhibit Hall – Explore the latest theatre resources, products, and servicesSocial Events – Afterglows, receptions, and celebrations throughout the week
Kick off festival week with CTMC, AACT’s Community Theatre Management Conference, an intensive pre-conference for theatre leaders, administrators, and changemakers looking to grow, connect, and lead with impact.
ACT’s Community Theatre Management Conference is sponsored by BookTix.
We’re thrilled to welcome the latest organizations and individuals who have joined the AACT family! Your passion for community theatre strengthens our network, and we’re excited to have you on board. Thank you for being part of this incredible community!
THIRD EYE THEATREAcworth, GALEVOY THEATREPortland, ORDEVONSHIRE PLAYHOUSEStoughton, WI
ACWORTH THEATRE COMPANYOswego, NYOTOW PARADISE PLAYERSRochester, MNSHINING STAR PRODUCTIONSSulphur Springs, TX
