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About ACT

History

The Alabama Conference of Theatre (ACT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with its roots deep in Alabama history through the merger of two organizations: The Alabama Theatre League (ATL) and The Alabama Speech Communication and Theatre Association (ASCTA).

In the early ‘70s a group of university and college theatre educators formed the ATL to support and promote theatre in Alabama. In October of 1972, ATL became a non-profit corporation with the filing of its “Certificate of Incorporation.” Article II of the Certificate states the organizational goals were:

  • To improve the quality of the theatre and performing arts on all levels throughout the State of Alabama;
  • To encourage the further development of theatrical related activities;
  • To create a closer relationship between actors and persons associated with the theatre and the arts at all levels;
  • To train audiences to a greater appreciation of theatrical performances and arts related thereto;
  • To cooperate and maintain a close and beneficial relationship with individuals or organizations within or without the State of Alabama who entertain an interest similar to the purposes set out herein;
  • To do all things necessary and incident to promoting and maintaining the theatrical arts in the State of Alabama;
  • To raise funds by solicitation and by other means for the purposes of financing and carrying out the purposes of the corporation.

In 1978, a group of secondary educators formed the Alabama Speech Communications and Theatre Association (ASCTA) with a similar set of goals and a focus on secondary educational theatre. In 1992, the two organizations merged to become the Alabama Conference of Theatre and Speech (ACTS). A few years ago, the word “Speech” was dropped from the name and today we have the Alabama Conference of Theatre: a network of theatre artists who promote, strengthen, and sustain theatre in Alabama.

Today, ACT is a premiere resource for theatre in Alabama through their five divisions: Theatre for Youth, Secondary, College/University, Community, and Professional. ACT holds theatre festivals and provides other resources to theatre artists throughout Alabama and beyond.

Inclusion, Diversity,
Equity, & Accessibility

The Alabama Conference of Theatre (ACT) is committed to modeling inclusion,diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) for the theatrical communities of Alabama as well as the nation. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, strive toward equitable treatment of our members, and support members who nurture diversity and equity in their places of work and in their broader communities. We challenge ourselves to question assumptions, expand knowledge, and implement plans to foster a more inclusive entertainment industry. ACT is committed to partnering with organizations, businesses, and individuals that share our dedication to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

Join Today

Any member of your organization can register for ACT Membership.