AACT's Mission & Purpose

Murray Chase, AACT President

Welcome! AACT is the national community theatre organization, whose chief goal is to enable community theatres across the country to become the cornerstones of the creative life of their communities—to provide quality entertainment, intellectual stimulation, challenge and opportunity, and to be worthy contributors to an improved quality of life for the communities which they serve. If that sounds like a tall order, remember that community theatres involve more participants, present more performances of more productions and play to more people than any performing art in the country.  We are critical to the cultural life of our communities.

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.
• Click here for information on AACT's structure & governance.

Mission Statement

The mission of the American Association of Community Theatre is to foster and encourage the development of, and commitment to, the highest standards by community theatres, including standards of excellence for production, management, governance, community relations and service.

Nonprofit Status

AACT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
 

Resolution on the NEA

The American Association of Community Theatre, believing:

That culture is our link to the past and the future, and a bridge to human understanding;

That creativity and expression are critical to the skills of problem solving, nurturing of the human spirit, and survival in an expanding world;

That theatre is a collaborative art, building team work and community pride; and

That public support is crucial to ensuring the accessibility of the arts to all people;

declares its support of the National Endowment for the Arts, and urges the continued funding and support by the Congress of the United States.
 

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 HIV/AIDS

Recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a 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.