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.
Downloads
Theatre Culture & Community
The Alabama Conference of Theatre (ACT) is dedicated to fostering a theatre community in Alabama and beyond that reflects a commitment to fairness, respect, and accessibility. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of our members and strive to ensure that all are treated fairly. We support those who champion these principles in their creative spaces and communities, and we challenge ourselves to question assumptions, expand understanding, and implement practices that promote a fair and welcoming creative environment. ACT works in partnership with all theatres, schools, and individuals to foster environments where all voices are heard and valued.