History of YouthFest
YouthFest began as an outgrowth of the AACT Youth Theatre Conference, which had been created to encourage theatre youth in their endeavors through workshops, activities, and social events. AACT leaders saw the conference as a first step toward building a theatre community for the next generation--and generations to come.
Many of the features of the Youth Conference were retained with YouthFest, but the focus now shifted to performance, which is at the heart of the theatre experience.
AACT continues to promote the idea that youth play a crucial role in the future of theatre by bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation to the art form. Involving young people in theatre ensures its continued relevance and vibrancy, as they can explore new narratives, experiment with diverse forms, and connect with contemporary audiences. Furthermore, participating in theatre provides young people with invaluable skills and experiences that benefit them both on and off stage, contributing to their personal and social development.
2017
The first YouthFest was held in tandem with AACTFest 2017, the National Theatre Festival, at Rochester Civic Theatre in Rochester, Minnesota, June 26-July 1. Four youth productions were chosen to perform: Clark Youth Theatre from Tulsa, Oklahoma (Snow Angel - photo at right); Venice Theatre Education and Outreach Department, Venice, Florida (I Never Saw Another Butterfly); and The Minnesota Sky Vault Theatre Company Youth Troupe, Rochester, Minnesota (Book Travelers). Productions were required to have an all-youth cast (with the exception of one adult, if necessary), and be 45 minutes or less, including set-up and strike. As with AACTFest National Companies, any sets, props, lights and sound equipment had to fit within a 10x10 offstage square. Adjudicators were Bill Anderson, Jr. (Center Stage Theatre, Midland, Michigan), Ron Cameron-Lewis (Professor Emeritus at Sheridan College, Oakville, Ontario, Canada), and Penelope Notter Associate Director and Director of Education for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2019
AACT's second national YouthFest was an integral part of AACTFest 2019, held in the 800-seat Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Six companies were invited to perform: Academy of Children’s Theatre, Richland, Washington (Keeping Mr. Lincoln); Lafayette Theatre Academy, La Grange, Georgia (Lockdown); Premier Arts Ambassadors, Elkhart, Indiana (Once Upon a Mattress); The Road Less Traveled Community Theatre Company, Farley, Iowa (Back Cover - photo at left); The Terrace Playhouse Youth Theatre Troupe, United States Army Garrison, Ansbach, Germany (This Side Of Heaven); and Workshop Theatre, Willis, Texas (1984). Adjudcators were actor, director, designer, and producer Kristy Meanor; Kathy Pingel, Director of Education and Youth Programming at the Des Moines Community Playhouse; and state and regional adjucicator Dennis Yslas. A number of special events and activities for youth were also part of the festival. AACT YouthFest 2019 was made possible in part by a grant from the Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation.
2021
In 2021, the Covid Pandemic made public gatherings difficult, and YouthFest was postponed until 2023.
2023
Five youth theatre companies were invited to perform during AACTFest 2023 in the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts’ Bomhard Theatre: Blue Springs City Theatre Youth Company, Blue Springs, Missouri (Mockingbird - Touring Version); Star Center Theatre, Gainesville, Florida (Once on This Island JR - photo at right ); Terrace Playhouse Theatre Troupe, United States Army Garrison, Ansbach, Germany (Death Takes the Train); and Theatre33, Bellevue, Washington (A Game). Adjudicators were Emily Anderson (director for Center Stage Theatre, Midland, Michigan), Jereme Raickett (Artistic Director at Florida's Players by the Sea theatre), and Jennifer York (director in the Puget Sound area in Washington). YouthFest 2023 was made possible in part by a grant from the Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation.
2025
This year marked the first standalone YouthFest. In previous years, being part of AACTFest meant a limited schedule and only a few youth performances. For 2025, YouthFest was held in the days prior to AACTFest, hosted by the Des Moines Playhouse. This change gave AACT the flexibility to offer extended youth performances, welcome more youth performing companies, and expand the number of youth-centered workshops. Seven youth companies were invited to perform: Landmark Community Theatre, Thomaston, Connecticut (Disney's The Little Mermaid JR); Ebong Theatrix, Bethesda, Maryland (Avinash - photo at left); Central Park Players, Grand Haven, Michigan (Runaway Princess); Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette (Lafayette, Indiana (Mac Beth); Northern Starz Center for Performing Arts, Ramsey, Minnesota (Dark Road); Clark Youth Theatre, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Lost Girl); and (via video) Terrace Playhouse Youth Theatre Troupe, United States Army Garrison, Ansbach, Germany (In the Tank). Adjudicators were director, actor and advocate Steven Butler; actor, singer and entrepreneur Napoleon Douglas; and director and dramaturg Kathy Pingel. Once again, YouthFest was made possible in part by a grant from the Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation.