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The 2014-1015 season has started for many of our member theaters and so our programs like DASH are in full swing! In this newsletter, there is an update on the DASH program, education news, a recap of the EMACT Drama Festival, and a call for your news.
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DASH Program Update: Now DASH Plus!
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The DASH program is pleased to announce the addition of the new
DASH Plus program. For any show that is entered in the DASH program, you now have the option to receive a summary of the consultants' comments for an additional $10. (Scores and comments on individual performers will not be provided.) We ask that you request this add-on when you submit your DASH application. If you already had a show evaluated and would like a "DASH Plus," let us know and we will be happy to provide this service for shows that are part of the 2014-2015 season. If you have any questions regarding this new program, please feel free to contact our DASH Co-Coordinators, Mark Baumhardt and Sandy Philpott, at [email protected].
The DASH program celebrated another successful season with the annual Gala Awards ceremony on August 16 at a new venue, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum Library. Over 130 productions were reviewed last year. A a video compilation from Dan Busler Photography is posted on Vimeo. For a full list of nominees and winners, go to our web site. For more information about the DASH program, the application forms, and the list of current consultants, see the DASH information page.
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 In April, EMACT sponsored a workshop on social media for community theaters. The workshop was led by Heather Johnson from Constant Contact at their office in Waltham. Over 40 members attended to learn about using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media tools to promote their theatres and build audiences. The next workshop this fall will be "Using Google for Non-Profits" presented by Curt Fennell from Google. We're still working on the date and location, so watch your email for the invitation.
If your group is running a workshop or other educational activity, we'd love to hear about it and help you publicize it! Please send your workshop news to Marianne Phinney, the Director of Education, at [email protected].
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The 2014 EMACT Drama Festival was held in June at Tewksbury High School. This year's Festival included our first Design Exhibit. There were thirteen exhibits for costumes, sound, lighting, promotional materials, scenic design, and make-up. The exhibit was very popular and a stunning display of the talent in our member companies!
Two Eastern Massachusetts groups will enter the first phase of the national festival cycle by attending the Regional State Festival in Torrington, Connecticut on February 29 and March 1. The Hovey Players' cutting of
Rabbit Hole and the Lexington Players' cutting of
Spring Awakening will be representing EMACT. If you never attended a festival, a unique experience awaits you. You are treated to a complete theatre experience featuring works representing the Eastern Region: Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Eastern Mass and Western Mass. Some state festivals will be sending two groups as their geographic areas are large.
Should one of these entries win at the Regional State festival, they will be invited to attend the National Festival which opens on June 23, 2015 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
AACTFest 2015 is a national theatre event, where community theatre participants from across the United States and the U.S. Armed Services abroad will gather in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a week that celebrates theatre. More than 600 people are expected to attend this event, which will feature 12 of the strongest community theatre productions from state and regional festivals. The week will also include workshops, ample opportunities to network, and theatre vendor exhibits. Performances and exhibits are open to the public.
The performances will take place in the beautifully restored Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Performances will be in two-show sessions, beginning Wednesday afternoon, June 24 and ending Saturday afternoon, June 27. With workshops in the mornings, shows in the afternoons and evenings, and socializing/networking events after the sun goes down, AACTFest 2015 has anything every community theatre devotee desires. For more detailed information visit the AACT website ([email protected]).
Hotel:
The official hotel for AACTFest 2015 is the luxurious Amway Grand Plaza located in downtown Grand Rapids a short walk from the Theatre. Enjoy our special AACTFest rate of $129 for 1-4 in a room. Reserve online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/AACT2015 or call (800) 253-3590 to reserve at the AACTFest rate.
If you have never experienced a festival at either the Regional or National level, EMACT encourages you to attend. We hope to see you in Torrington, Connecticut in February to cheer on our Eastern Mass groups as they take the next step toward Nationals.
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Spotlight: Arlington Friends of the Drama
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Annual booth for Arlington Town Day
September 13, 2014
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The annual Arlington Town Day falls one month before the season opening production, giving The Friends a great opportunity to advertise their season with a personal touch. Members of the friends have an opportunity to engage passersby, hand out postcards, brochures and on occasion magnets emblazoned with The Friends seasons productions. In 2014 - 2015 The Friends will entertain their members, subscribers and patrons with "Avenue Q", "Good People", "Nine" and "Quartet".
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The Annual Meeting for EMACT was held on June 29, 2014. The 2014-2015 Board of Directors were elected. Jean MacFarland, President Celia Couture, Executive Vice President Monica Bruno, Recording Secretary Jason Rutledge and Alissa Palange, Festival co-Coordinators J. Mark Baumhardt & Sandy Philpott, DASH co-Directors Susan Harrington, Membership Director (AACT Rep) Marianne Phinney, Education Director Derek Clark, Treasurer Board members would like to visit all our member theatres in the next few months. Please let our President, Jean MacFarland, know when your next Board or company meeting is.
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Theatre Company of Saugus
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