National Awards
In order to honor those who have contributed significantly to community theatre nationwide, AACT bestows ten major types of recognition, each focused on a different area of service.
Honoring Excellence
All National Awards, including a brief description and a link to the award's page and a listing of recipients, are listed below. For more detailed information, download the Criteria For Each Award (PDF). To submit a nomination, use the online form below.
National AwardS
Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award
Honors a lifetime of leadership in community theatre by members of AACT who have provided leadership at the national level, in addition to local and/or regional levels.
David C. Bryant Outstanding Service Award
Recognizes individual members of AACT for significant, valuable, and lasting service to community theatre.
Diamond Crown Organization Award
Recognizes longevity and vitality of AACT member theatres that have expanded programming and/or facilities in the past ten years and have the administrative leadership to remain vital to their communities for the next ten years. Recipients must have been in continuous operation for 75 years and organizational members of AACT for the past ten years.
Presented to individuals and organizations in recognition of contributions made to promote and develop the highest standards for community theatre.
Robert E. Gard Superior Volunteer Award
Presented to individuals above the age of 65 who have faithfully served community theatre on a non-paid basis for over 25 years.
Mort Clark International Achievement Award
Recognizes individuals and organizations for significant achievement in the promotion of excellence in international community theatre. (This award may be presented at an international event.)
Recognizes an individual AACT Member of any age who has had a significant impact on the advancement of AACT and its mission through leadership and service on a national level.
Presented to individuals and organizations whose contributions to community theatre are far reaching and of a special nature.
Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award
Recognizes AACT member theatres for successfully completing major steps in new directions, expanding services to their community, or moving to the next level of organizational development.
Presented to businesses and corporations for significant financial support of community theatre on a regional or national basis.