A Message from the ACTF National Committee to Respondents
Greetings,
First and foremost, thank you so much for serving as a respondent for the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF). You are the face of our organization, often providing the first point of contact for students, faculty, and staff who may be unfamiliar with what we do. As we embark on this new year of independence and rebranding, we want to provide you with a clear starting point for your conversations with the college and university theatre community.
Our mission is simple yet profound: we are here to celebrate, uplift, and provide a way forward for students to excel in theatre. ACTF is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to encouraging, recognizing, and celebrating the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theatre programs. We provide essential opportunities for participants to develop their skills, gain new insights, and achieve professionalism in their craft.
As a respondent, you are our frontline—the very first person many students will ever see or hear from regarding our organization. While we hope every school can attend our annual regional festivals, we recognize that many institutions and/or individuals simply cannot afford the travel. This makes your visit to their home campus all the more impactful. You bridge that gap by bringing your expertise directly to them, celebrating their work with a unique sense of joy and providing the optimism students need to excel. In these moments, you serve as the crucial first round of recognition and positive reinforcement that can define a student's trajectory. We want to encourage colleges and universities to produce distinguished productions—especially those written by students, revitalized classics, or spiritually reconceived works.
We are the frontline advocates for the magic of theatre. No matter the outcome of a production, the act of making theatre is a feat worth celebrating. We want to shine a light on the beautiful work our volunteers do to uplift this art form. This year, let’s make it our best yet. Let’s open doors for student artists who may not have even known those doors existed and make it easier for them to walk through.
From now through the end of the school year, thousands of students and faculty members will gather in theatres, classrooms, and found spaces across the country. We are a community of creative individuals connecting through our shared passion. Feel that unity, continue to connect, and let’s make great things happen together. Thank you for all you do!
Below are several options for closing statements that we encourage you to consider or adapt when concluding your responses.
With much gratitude and care,
Brad Dell, ACTF National Co-Chair
Val Winkelman, ACTF National Co-Chair
Katherine LeRoy-Lawson, ACTF National BOLD Chair
Closing Statement for Respondents
(this can be personalized based on the respondents level of participation with us):
Okay– here are my last thoughts for you this evening….
Are you familiar with your ACTF regional festival coming up at the top of next year? [Wait for responses and respond accordingly] This year, we’re gathering in [Insert State], in the beautiful city of [Insert City], and we would love nothing more than to see you there.
Whether you’re attending with your school or joining us as an independent artist, know this: you belong here. While our festival responses are the heartbeat of what we do, they are just the beginning of the journey. This festival is a true homecoming—a vibrant, multi-day celebration of the artistry and ambition that defines all of us.
From design, tech, and stage management, to acting, singing, dancing, directing, and every creative voice in between—this is where your work comes to life. It’s where you’ll find not just peers, but the collaborators and friends who will shape your future.
Come be a part of it. Reach out to your professors, chairs of your department or your ACTF Regional Chair at [Insert Contact] if you or anyone in your department needs more information about the 2027 festival. Let’s make this upcoming festival a beacon of creativity, support, and joy. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Thank you for having me here with you today. It has truly been an honor.