Aurora Community Theatre Mission
Provide diverse and creative opportunities
Promote education and interest in the performing arts
Create intimate, entertaining, live theatrical experiences
Spark the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community
Currently, ACT presents four shows per year, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Typically, the su
mmer offering is a more youth-oriented production and offers opportunity for a truly intergenerational show. A Children’s Theatre Workshop is also offered during the late summer with a hands-on instructional emphasis. ACT is a non-profit organization and carries a minimum bank balance to cover unexpected expenses. Only a few positions receive a modest stipend, a token payment amount when compared to the amount of skill and hours that is donated to the theatre. To aid these paid individuals, we have a large group of devoted and committed people who dutifully work without any compensation. History
The Aurora Community Theatre was founded by a small group of friends in 1959 who envisioned a cultural exchange with the Aurora community, and an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team to experience the joy of the theatre. Their first ACT production was The Tender Trap presented in the Spring of 1960. Until 1971, ACT was without a permanent home and presented plays at The Church In Aurora and the Aurora High School. In 1971, ACT was fortunate to find a permanent home in The Performing Arts Center, an addition to the Aurora Memorial Library. This section was originally designed for lectures and small group performances. Over the years, the complex has been altered extensively to support theatre requirements; backstage, wardrobe and two remote areas have been added. ACT’s first new home production was Ten Nights in a Bar Room performed during the 1971-72 season. The library was donated by its Trustees to the City of Aurora which is responsible for the exterior of the building and Library grounds. ACT is responsible for all expenses, maintenance and improvement of the interior. ACT’s net profits are returned directly into theater improvements. Over the years, ACT has added nearly $200,000 in improvements. The theatre operates under the aegis of the Aurora Memorial Library Trust, holding a contract with the City of Aurora and the Trust. ACT is governed by a constitution and directed by a Board of Trustees consisting of twelve members elected by the general membership. Membership in ACT is voluntary; however, it is encouraged by all who participate in productions. Membership is available at several levels including: Friend, Sponsor, Benefactor, and Life Member. The Future
Over the years, ACT has earned the admiration of our patrons and the reputation of presenting fine community theatre. Many factors have helped build this reputation. The philosophy of ACT entails respect for the individual, willing cooperation of all involved and a striving for excellence. We look forward to bright and prosperous years to come where all who want to become involved can. In return, we expect those who choose our theatre to bring with them attitudes of kindness, cooperation and hard work. No individual is more important than another and each is expected to perform their task on a “best effort” basis. These positive factors enable ACT to consistently achieve quality theatre—and have a good time doing it!
