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Mission, Purpose, Values

Explore how AACT empowers theatres to thrive through our mission, values, and unwavering support. Learn how we foster inclusivity, provide resources, and champion the transformative power of community theatre.

Welcome to AACT

Community. Connection. Theatre.
 

AACT is “sharing the light.”

As the curtain rises again on live theatre, our communities are thrilled to be able to go out and “find the light” at their live performance home: community theatre.

AACT President Kristofer Geddie

AACT is dedicated to providing the resources to grow and produce theatre in our communities. For volunteers, professionals, and audiences, AACT shares its vast resources and networks with individuals throughout the country and the world, like you! AACT: We are Community. We are Theatre.

— AACT President Kristofer Geddie

 

2026–2035 Strategic Framework

Our roadmap for strengthening community theatre over the next decade.

The 2026–2035 AACT Philosophical Foundation and Strategic Framework was approved by the AACT Board of Directors in June 2026 and establishes the association's direction for the next decade.

Developed through months of planning, listening sessions, collaboration among staff and the Board of Directors, and member feedback, the framework reflects a shared vision for strengthening, supporting, connecting, and championing community theatre nationwide.

It outlines AACT's philosophical foundation, strategic outcomes, priorities, and implementation considerations that will guide the association's work while helping community theatres thrive in an evolving landscape.

We invite members, volunteers, partners, and theatre leaders to explore the framework and learn more about AACT's vision for the future of community theatre.

View the Strategic Framework 

 

Our Purpose

  • AACT offers a wide range of opportunities to share experiences, problems, successes and love of theatre.
  • Founded in 1986, AACT is a nonprofit corporation that serves both individuals and organizations by providing expertise, assistance and support so that community theatres can provide the best possible theatrical experience for participants and audience alike.
  • If you or your theatre company are not already a member, please take a moment to read more about the value we can add to your work—on stage or behind the scenes.

 

Our Mission

Mission Statement AACT Helps Theatres Thrive. 

Nonprofit Status AACT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

 

Anti-Discrimination Statement

AACT believes in equal opportunity for employees and members. AACT’s success depends on the effective utilization of qualified people regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will not discriminate on the basis of these characteristics in any personnel or member action.

AACT expects all organizational members to adhere to current accessibility regulations. Reasonable accommodations to ensure inclusion by all participants should be made by the hosts of AACT events.

AACT encourages members to give this non-discrimination policy their full support through leadership and personal example.

Position Statement on AIDS:

Recognizing that AIDS is a growing threat to all people, the American Association of Community Theatre encourages all community theatres to initiate and participate in activities to increase awareness, tolerance and support for individuals who are living with the disease.

 

SUPPORT THEATRE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

When you donate to AACT, you’re helping connect community theatres and theatre-makers with resources, networking, and educational opportunities that keep local theatre thriving.

AACT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.