
YouthFest 2025
Join us in Des Moines for YouthFest 2025, where talented young performers from across the country come together to showcase their skills. This festival celebrates the creativity and passion of youth in theatre through performances, workshops, and more!
Plan Now for YouthFest 2025
AACT YouthFest, June 22-24, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa
YouthFest
National Festival
AACTFest Cycle

Seven youth theatre companies will soon be selected to perform at the festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The productions by these youth groups from around the country will be adjudicated in an open forum that fosters a learning and educational experience for all. The festival week will also include workshops, activities, and social events just for them.
Thanks to the generous support of the Jack K. Ayre and Frank Lee Ayre Foundation, performing groups may apply for travel and housing funding. Funding will be awarded based on need and scale.
What's New for 2025

Previously, YouthFest took place alongside AACTFest, our national festival, which meant a limited schedule and only a few youth performances.
For 2025, YouthFest will be held in the days leading up to AACTFest, hosted by the Des Moines Playhouse. This change gives us the flexibility to offer extended youth performances, welcome more youth performing companies, and expand the number of youth-centered workshops. We’re also planning to introduce even more YouthFest events and opportunities—including exciting social activities like Showtune Karaoke with a live pianist!
All YouthFest registrants will also receive a special discount on AACTFest registration, opening the door for up to seven days packed with performances, workshops, keynotes, mentoring, networking, and lifelong memories for both you and your students.

Festival Dates & Locations
- YouthFest: Sunday, June 22 - Tuesday, June 24 at Des Moines Playhouse, Des Moines, Iowa
- AACTFest: Wednesday, June 25 - Saturday, June 28 at Hoyt Sherman Place [more information here]
- Des Moines Marriott Downtown is the official festival hotel for both YouthFest and AACTFest [more information here]
- Travel & Hotel Discounts are available [more information here]

Applying to Perform?
Important dates:
- Deadline to submit was July 31, 2024
- Notification of Acceptances will be sent no later than September 16, 2024
- Publicity and Marketing Materials are due to AACT no later than October 10, 2024
- Selected Theatres are to complete their Funding Requests by October 10, 2024
- Notifications of funding amounts will be sent by November 30, 2024
- Theatre Companies must register by March 1, 2025
- Submit AACT YouthFest Technical Form by March 1, 2025
Inquiries can be sent to AACT YouthFest Chair, Katy Merriman at [email protected].
special thanks to youthfest 2025 sponsors
