2019 Michigan AACTFEST

What is AACTFEST?

AACTFEST is a competition held every 2 years across the United States. Community Theatres have 10 minutes to setup their show/set from a 10′ by 10′ box, then have an hour to perform their show, and finally another 10 minutes to break down their set back into the 10′ by 10′ box. There are 3 levels of competition: State, Regionals and Nationals, which includes additional workshops. The top 2 shows from each level advance onto the next stage (and there is an alternate selected in case logistics prohibit one of the top two from attending).

Where is Michigan’s 2019 AACTFEST being held?

The Owosso Community Players are hosting the Michigan AACT Fest at the Lebowsky Center this year from March 15 – 17, 2019. The top 2 shows will advance to Region III, held in Kokomo, IN from April 11 – 14, 2019 and Nationals will be held in Gettysburg, PA from June 16 – 22, 2019.

Take a look at their great theatre below!

How many groups can compete? And how much does it cost?

We can have 8 groups compete but your group must be a current member of CTAM. We will also have a waitlist in case any of the first 8 groups are unable to attend. Registration (for competing groups opened on Monday, October 15th, and is closed as of January 7th, 2019. The group registration fee was $100 and covers 8 members in your group. Additional members/participants will have to pay an individual registration fee of $65 (this covers attendance to all 8 shows, the Friday evening gathering, the Saturday networking event and the Awards Brunch for the competing theatres), but this fee will go up to $75 beginning February 1, 2019 so register early!

Even if your group is unable to compete this is a great opportunity to network and learn from other shows and organizations. Each show gets an abridged version of their adjudication in front of anyone, which provides you great insight into ways you can improve your productions. Not to mention the fact that you are exposed to a number of new shows you might not know or see. Plus there is usually at least one or two great original works that your group may want to consider. Lastly, it’s a great way to connect with other theatres from all over the state and learn their tips and tricks and share knowledge with them as well.

GROUP REGISTRATION FORM [closed]
(for competing theatres)
This form fee is $100 and covers up to 8 participants in your group.

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION FORM

If your competing group has more than 8 participants, the additional participants will have to pay an $65 registration fee per individual. The late registration fee goes into effect on February 1 and that is $75. You can also use this form if you are an individual and would like to attend all shows and networking events..

General Attendance Tickets

Tickets to individual sessions (2 shows each) will be available at the door for $15 for sessions 1, 3, and 4 and $7.50 for session 2 (1 show).

Session 1 is Grand Rapids Civic Theatre performing Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Monroe Community Players performing The Tempest.
Friday, March 15th, house opens @ 6:00 pm

Session 2 is Players de Noc performing an original play by J.R. Spaulding, The Cutthroat Game
Saturday, March 16th, house opens @ 11:00 am

Session 3 is The Sauk performing The Flower Girls (Act 1) and Rosedale Community Players performing Turbulence
Saturday, March 16th, house opens @ 2:10 pm

Session 4 is Kalamazoo Civic Players performing Red and Bay City Players performing 35mm: A Musical Exhibition
Saturday, March 16th, house opens @ 7:00 pm

Where can we stay?

Have no fear, our friends at Owosso Community Players have gotten great discounts at the following locations so book your rooms now before they fill up!

Contact either of the following two hotels and let them know the reservations are being held under The Owosso Community Players to get the best rates!

The Comstock Inn and Conference Center
www.thecomstockinn.com
300 E. Main Street, Owosso, 48867
989.725.0999

The Pines Country Inn
www.thepinescountryinn.com
1730 E. Main Street, Owosso, 48867
989.723.9000
email: mackenzie.thepines@gmail.com

Can individuals buy tickets?

You don’t need to be part of a competing organization to attend. There will be 4 blocks of 2 shows each, so if you can’t make all the shows you can sign up for any of the 4 time slots. Each slot costs $15 to see shows. These tickets will be made available once the schedule is released, which should be around January 1, 2019.

Are you a competing theatre organization?

For more information about how AACT Fest works please refer to the handbook on the AACTFEST site, found at this page. Registered groups must complete all paperwork here in order to compete. Don’t worry, if you have questions about the paperwork we have plenty of people to help you with your concerns! Just email us here!

AACTFest Competitor Information and Forms:

AACTFest 2019 Handbook
AACTFest 2019 Entry Information – Form T1
- Form T1 includes the Warranty of Company Compliance (Form T2) and
- Form T1 also includes the Affidavits of Actor Eligibility (Form T3)
AACTFest 2019 Technical Information – Form T4
AACTFest 2019 Program Information
Questions? Contact Ruthann Liagre @ Owosso Players