UPCOMING AUDITIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE AT ACT? 

Nope, never, no way.  Abilene Community Theatre prides itself on the fact that we involve those who are interested in the performing arts at no cost.   

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE ABILENE COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPLEX? 

Abilene Community Theatre (ACT) presented its first play in November 1954 in the Fair Park Municipal Auditorium.  In 1968, ACT built a permanent home in its present location and was chartered by the State of Texas. During its first eleven years, ACT plays were directed by volunteers from the community.  For the years 1965 to 2010, the theatre employed professional, artistic directors.  Since late 2010, the theatre has again tapped volunteer guest directors from the community, with great success. ACT produces six mainstage productions each season. This non-profit, 501c(3) tax-exempt organization is governed by a board of directors and financed by the sale of season memberships, show sponsorships, and grants 

IS THE SPACE AVAILABLE TO RENT, AND WHAT DOES IT COST? 

Yes, there are times when our stages are dark, and we can meet the rental needs of our community members. The best way to check availability of the space is to contact the President, Sammi Jo, at [email protected], with all relevant information such as dates, times, reasons for usage, etc.  She is the only person who can approve or deny a rental and check out keys.  We try our best to keep our pricing affordable for everyone.   

Rental prices listed below are per day:  

HOW CAN I SUPPORT ABILENE COMMUNITY THEATRE? 

The easiest way to support us is by becoming a member through our website. We offer different Patron Levels, each with their own set of perks. We also accept donations on our website here. 

HOW DO I DONATE GOODS TO ABILENE COMMUNITY THEATRE? 

We can only accept donations by appointment only. If you have any clothes, furniture, small items, etc., to contribute, please contact Sammi Jo Magee at [email protected].

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? 

Show up!  We have auditions six times a season, and work calls are typically held on Saturday (10 AM - 3PM) during our season.  No experience is necessary, and ACT never turns a person away on the basis of experience, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. 

DO YOU OFFER COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS? 

Yes, we do!  People and organizations needing community service should reach out to schedule a time with our Facilities Chair, Larry Wheeler or our Box Office Manager, David Payne.

IS ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES? 

The City of Abilene in 2019 approved our serving “free” alcoholic beverages at the concession stands at Abilene Community Theatre, following TABC Rule 33.79(b)-(c). Renters may bring their own alcohol when they are using the space.  Unfortunately, ACT is not BYOB, so please leave your own alcohol at home. 

WHEN ARE THE NEXT AUDITIONS?  HOW DO I PREPARE? 

We look forward to meeting you!  Auditions are announced here on our home page, and on Facebook and Instagram. Every audition is different, but typically the director will ask you to do a cold (unprepared) reading from the script - sometime alone, sometimes with a group.  Every director is different and will ask for different things.  However, it is good practice to have one memorized monologue that you are prepared to give, as many directors ask for that in their audition notices.  

IS THERE A DISCOUNT IF I BRING A GROUP TO SEE A SHOW? 

Absolutely!  For groups of ten or more people booking together, enter the Promo Code GROUP when you make your purchase online, and your group price will be discounted by 10%. If you have any questions or prefer to have us secure your tickets, send an email to Sammi Jo, [email protected].  

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN A THEATRE? 

You’d be surprised how often we get asked this question!  Just to run the bare basics (electricity, insurance, and phone/internet) costs over $3,000 every month.  Royalties for shows cost between $600-$5,000 a production.  Once you add in the cost of set construction, concessions, and things like gas and toilet paper… our monthly bills usually range between $5,000-$7,000 depending on the month.  That’s without having any hired staff!  Now is a good time to mention that every single penny raised helps ACT and 100% of what you donate is used by this organization to keep its doors open. 

HOW DO I KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S GOING ON AT ACT?

Follow us on social media! We are on both Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.

SAFETY POLICIES REGARDING MINORS

Children's Programming Policy

2025-26 ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS