The Association of Community Theatres of Manitoba (ACT) Inc. had its beginnings
in the Fall of 1976. At that time, several active theatre patrons perceived
the need for a Community Theatre Festival program. This program was sponsored
by the Manitoba Theatre Workshop (now Prairie Theatre Exchange) and supported
in its development by the appointment of a Director of the Outreach Program
to the Festival Advisory Board. In 1978-1979, the Community Theatre Festival
was realized. In 1982, the Board changed its name to The Association
of Community Theatres of Manitoba Inc. to encompass the growing scope
of the program from a local, to that of a provincial organization. December
of 1987, however, found the Association with a depleted executive and eroded
rural participation. It was then that a steering committee was formed and
a new executive was elected in February of 1988. The new executive acted
quickly and in the 1988-89 term initiated new memberships, appointed regional
representatives in all regions and co-ordinated Regional Workshops. This
began the renewal of the Association's relationship with community theatre
groups. ACT is now a strong, non-profit organization that represents amateur
theatre groups throughout the province, and actively pursues the goals and
objectives outlined in the Association's mandate. Since 1991, ACT has been
a registered charity with the Province of Manitoba.
PURPOSE:
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The purpose of the Association shall be to promote the development and growth
of amateur theatre and the amateur performing arts in Manitoba.
GOALS:
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To promote community theatre activities in Manitoba by establishing appropriate
programs of education, development, exchange and liaison and adjudication.
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To co-operate with groups, boards and organizations whose objectives include
the development and advancement of community theatre in Manitoba.
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To plan, organize and operate a Festival in Manitoba at least annually, under
rules and regulations as established from time to time by the ACT Board.
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To act as a central office for informing members of theatre activities and
endeavors, to further the Association's educational programs, to develop
members' theatre skills and expertise, and to promote the use of local Manitoba
theatre resources.
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To maintain a program of assistance for member groups to promote the above
aims.
REPRESENTATION:
Member Groups benefit by representation from
their region. There are five regions defined throughout the Province. An
elected or appointed
Regional Representative maintains
a liaison between the member groups and the
Board. In addition, member groups are invited
to nominate one active member of their group for representation at the
Association's General Meetings and Annual Meeting. These individuals serve
as a vital communication and information link between the Association and
the member group.
NEWSLETTER
The ACT Newsletter is distributed every 3 to 4 months to keep member groups
informed on local and provincial developments in community theatre. Member
groups are invited to contribute articles on their activities and a calendar
of their events, as well as any articles of general interest.
INSURANCE
A liability insurance policy is carried through our Association at no cost
to the member groups to cover liability problems that may occur in member
sponsored events.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
The Association presently offers travel assistance to its member groups to
attend the Provincial Festival, theatre development programs, conferences and meetings.
THEATRE EDUCATION
ACT offers financial assistance in the form of two initiatives: the Scholarship Fund for individual members of ACT,
and the Theatre Development Fund for member groups. Both funding initiatives enable the membership to participate
in programs specific to their needs. This assistance may include registration fees for individuals, travel and expenses for a
qualified instructor, as well as other expenses incurred by a host group.
Guidelines and application forms have been developed to assist individuals or groups
wishing to utilize either or both of these initiatives.
ACT PROVINCIAL DRAMA FESTIVAL
Once a year the Association sponsors a non-competitive provincial community theatre festival. Each year a different
Manitoba community hosts the festival. The festival entries are from the membership and are adjudicated by theatre
professionals from across Canada. Entrants can benefit by having their piece workshopped following adjudication.
The festival is usually a 2-day event. [ACT Festival History]
CONSULTATION
ACT offers assistance to new or developing groups through the
Regional Representatives and Board Executive.
The promotion, training and financial assistance provided to member groups has been in the neighbourhood of $20,000 each year.
The activities created through our efforts have been the result of many volunteer hours by the Executive and our members. To
substitute the economic value of theatre arts for their creative and spiritual value would be a severe distortion. The enrichment of
community life and cultural standards within the community through collective volunteer effort is the real point of focus.
Financial support of the Association is derived through membership fees and
earned revenue from programs and fund-raising.
The Association gratefully acknowledges the funding provided by
the Province
of Manitoba, through the assistance of the
Department
of Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism
More information
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additional information about ACT
