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Submitted by MichelleS on

PRESS RELEASE

July 2, 2025

The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) wrapped up an unforgettable week of theatre in Des Moines, Iowa, as YouthFest 2025 (June 22–24) and AACTFest 2025 (June 25–28) brought together performers, directors, designers, and theatre enthusiasts from across the United States and beyond.

Hosted at the Des Moines Playhouse and the historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, the two national festivals showcased outstanding productions, emerging young artists, and the creativity that continues to define community theatre.

YouthFest 2025 Highlights

YouthFest 2025 welcomed youth theatre companies from across the country and overseas for three days of performances, adjudication, workshops, and collaboration. Young performers shared their work on stage while building friendships and gaining valuable feedback from theatre professionals.

The YouthFest Monologue Competition winner was Indigo Kifer, selected from a talented group of finalists representing youth theatres from across the country.

Additional YouthFest recognitions celebrated excellence in ensemble performance, acting, choreography, vocal performance, and music composition.

The festival’s Backstage Award was presented to the cast and crew of Mac Beth by Civic Youth Theatre of Greater Lafayette for outstanding organization and communication, while the Spirit Award was presented to Clark Youth Theatre for professionalism, flexibility, and dedication in adapting to a major schedule change.

Full YouthFest award results are available at aact.org/youthfest-2025-awards.

AACTFest 2025 Highlights

AACTFest 2025 featured 12 outstanding productions that advanced through AACT’s national festival cycle of state and regional competitions. These companies represented the highest level of achievement in community theatre across the United States and U.S. military bases overseas.

The festival’s highest honor, Overall Outstanding Production, was awarded to Tone Clusters by Joyce Carol Oates, presented by Tupelo Community Theatre (Tupelo, Mississippi).

Other major recognitions included:

  • Outstanding Achievement in Direction – Jonathan W. Martin, Tone Clusters
  • Outstanding Ensemble Performance – Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Verona Area Community Theatre
  • People’s Choice Favorite Show – Tuesdays with Morrie, Baytown Little Theatre
  • Adult Monologue Competition Winner – Ms. Latrice P. Young

The festival also recognized outstanding achievements in acting, design, choreography, backstage collaboration, and technical production.

Throughout the week, participants attended workshops, explored the Exhibit Hall, connected with fellow theatre makers, and celebrated the power of storytelling that brings communities together.

Complete AACTFest award results can be found at aact.org/aactfest-awards.

About AACT
The American Association of Community Theatre helps theatres thrive by offering resources, networking, and support to more than 7,000 theatres across the United States and its territories, including U.S. Military theatres overseas.