ADJUDICATION SEMINAR 2025

“The purpose of AACT adjudication is threefold

• to accurately reflect to the performing company what has been successfully achieved; 
• to out-line reasonable steps that might be taken to enhance interpretation of the story; 
• and, finally, to select which of the companies will receive awards. At its best, adjudication both educates and illuminates.”

 -AACT Adjudication Committee

Over several festival cycles, AACT’s Adjudication Seminar has provided adjudication training in virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats. In 2025, AACT will once again embrace the benefits of a hybrid model designed to maximize the participants’ experience.

AACT’s 2025 Adjudication Seminar will begin with six virtual sessions, two hours each, scheduled April-June. Having completed the training, participants will view the performances at the National Festival in Des Moines, and respond to them with techniques learned in training, receiving feedback designed to polish both message and delivery. In-person sessions during the festival will include how to negotiate with fellow adjudicators to determine award outcomes, and how to prepare for a work as an adjudicator.

Virtual Session Schedule

Saturdays from 12:00-2:00 eastern, 11:00-1:00 central, 10:00-12:00 mountain, and 9:00-11:00 pacific.

• April 26
• May 3
• May 10
• May 24
• May 31
• June 7

In-Person Session Schedule

June 22-25 at AACTFest 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa
Exact meeting times TBD.

Registration

$175. Limited to 15 people.

Registration to AACTFest 2025 is required. As a part of the curriculum, participants will view AACTFest performances and receive additional training/assignments during festival week.  Register for the training when you register for AACTFest. Festival registration is required to attend the festival portion of the training as it includes viewing and adjudicating all festival shows. 

Scholarship

AACT is providing two BIPOC scholarships for the AACT Adjudication Seminar to support and mentor theatre-makers of color. Travel, lodging, and registration for AACTFEST is the responsibility of the recipient. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.  

Kristi Quinn has been active in community theatre for over 25 years. Her theatre experience includes acting, directing, set decoration, and costume design, as well as public relations, grant writing, and development. She has adjudicated festivals at all levels, and has participated as a core committee member and chair of several state and regional festivals. She has served as executive director of the Sioux City Community Theatre, development director of the Sioux City Art Center, artistic director for the Pioneer Valley Players in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and leads the theatre and speech programs at the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community Schools. She also served as a board member of the Nebraska Association of Community Theatre. AACT’s 2022-2023 President, she formerly served as AACT’s Vice President for Festivals, and served for six years as the Region V Representative on the AACT Board.

Dennis Yslas has adjudicated for AACT at the State, Regional and National levels, including Virtual AACTFest 2021, YouthFest 2019 in Gettysburg, PA, and was the alternate adjudicator for AACTFest 2017 in Rochester, MN. He completed the AACT Adjudication curriculum in 2001 in Memphis, TN. Dennis is the Executive Director of Theatre Network of Texas, Inc. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, having started his acting career on BOZO THE CLOWN show over 40 years ago. He is an award-winning actor and director in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area.

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Forgot to select an add-on? Please make sure to reach out to your Registrar, Karen Matheny at [email protected] or at 817-732-3177 x2.