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Call for Workshops

AACTFest 2025 is looking for exciting in-person workshop proposals for our event in Des Moines. If you have expertise in theatre—acting, directing, design, and more—submit your idea by October 21, 2024, to help make this festival unforgettable!

Call for Workshops

Join us at AACTFest 2025 this june in Des Moines

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AACTFest 2025 will be in Des Moines, Iowa, June 25-28, 2025, and the AACT Education & Workshops Committees want your help making it the best festival ever. We are currently accepting proposals and requests for in-person workshops that will inspire and engage all who attend. 

Send your proposal for a workshop via the form at the bottom of this page. The deadline to submit is November 6, 2024.

Possible Topics

Workshops can explore any aspect of theatre, including:

  • Acting
  • Administration
  • Board Development
  • DEI
  • Design/Tech
  • Directing
  • Education
  • Fight / Intimacy Choreography
  • Licensing
  • Marketing & Outreach
  • Musical Theatre
  • Youth Programming
  • …and other topics you believe will benefit or inspire theatre people.

Helpful Tips

AACT Workshop Photo

Here are some top tips to consider when submitting a proposal:

  • Think Outside the Box! Unique and specific topics are encouraged, no matter how “out-there” they sound.
  • Active & Hands On! The most well-received workshops allow attendees to learn by doing. Take advantage of being in-person!
  • Titillating Titles! A clever and creative name plays a significant role in capturing attendees’ attention. Make it sparkle!
  • Think About Time: Most workshops will be 75-minute sessions, but we are open to ideas for longer or shorter presentations.

Is there a subject you want to learn more about? We’d love to hear your suggestions! Email your ideas to AACT Education Director David A. VanCleave at [email protected].

Please note: AACT does not provide honorariums for general session workshop presenters. 

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Submit Your Workshop Proposal

The AACT Education & Workshops Committees are looking for your help to make AACTFest 2027 the best one yet! We are currently accepting requests and proposals for inspiring, engaging, in-person workshops for the upcoming festival in Rochester, Minnesota (June 15–19, 2027).

Timeline & Selection Process:

  • October 21, 2026: Deadline to submit your workshop proposal.

  • November 2026 (Review Period): A member of the Workshop Committee may reach out to discuss your proposal, ask for clarification, or suggest modifications (such as combining it with another session).

  • January 4, 2027: All applicants will be notified via email regarding whether their proposal was accepted or declined.

  • March 1, 2027: Deadline for all accepted session presenters to officially register for the festival.

(To be used in festival app, schedule, and marketing)
(to be used for committee review). Include any planned activities, anticipated learning objectives, resources shared, and/or brief session outline.
an introduction or exploration of concept/skill
building on basic skills and developingcompetency
fine-tuning for professional artists experienced with the concept

Below, please provide two references from people familiar with this presentation or your workshop presentation skills.
 

Reference #1
Reference #2
(Theatre set-up; projector, screen, and speakers provided)
(Theatre set-up; no AV equipment provided)
(Classroom set-up; projector, screen, and speakers provided)
(Tables with plastic coverings provided; no AV equipment provided. Best for activities involving paint, makeup, etc)
(Open space with chairs provided; no AV equipment provided. Best for roundtable discussions, movement/choreography sessions, etc.)