International Festival Participation

The AACT International Committee is working to identify more highly qualified USA companies that can be strongly endorsed and referred to the attention of international festival organizers. To that end, we are no longer exclusively using the National AACTFest as a screening and selection procedure. Rather, we are also now looking at a combination of regional and state festivals, as well as strong recommendations from AACT Region Reps to augment the talent pool of available and interested companies. Companies are not automatically excluded from consideration if they have not participated in, or won a local, regional, or national festival.

The Details
International festivals are usually looking for a 50-60 minute performance of a piece that is highly visual, and able to be enjoyed by a mix of attendees, many of whom may not speak English. There are still some festivals that will accept language-based shows, but more visual shows are welcomed in the international theatre world.

Typically, the hosting site will provide airport pick-up, lodging, and meals for a reasonable number of cast and crew. International air travel, production and shipping expenses, passport and visa fees are the responsibility of the participating companies and individuals.

Caveat: An endorsement from AACT does not necessarily mean that the international festival will select that show. Each festival strives to balance a varied schedule of shows, and may have their own reasons for passing up an interested AACT company for another organization. The final decision rests with the festival organizers. Theatrical companies remain free to pursue and accept international opportunities without AACT’s recommendation, but AACT's endorsement can favorably affect the decision process by capitalizing on years of networking by AACT members with groups throughout the world.

Get Going
If your group is interested in being considered by AACT for a possible official endorsement and nomination to an international festival, please review the upcoming festivals and submit the form. Additional information is available on the website of the International Amateur Theatre Association (IATA) You also may download the Nomination Request Form, complete it, and return to AACT, PO Box 101476, Fort Worth, TX 76185-1476.