Previous Allen Contemporary Theatre shows include "My Favorite Year." (Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)
Allen Contemporary Theatre began 15 years ago when the Graham family moved from Alaska to Allen, realized there wasn’t a theatre in town and decided to start their own, ACT board president Chris Berthelot said.
After outgrowing its previous space, ACT moved to its current location on Main Street where it offers seven shows a year, plus classes for children and adults.
“You don't have to go down to Dallas to see a professional, quality production,” Berthelot said. “We're going to do everything we can to provide you with that experience here.”
ACT is a nonprofit organization, so no one pays to participate in its programs. (Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)(Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)
A closer look
Of the seven shows ACT offers each year, five are plays and two are musicals, Berthelot said.
The organization also offers intensives, which are camps in the summer where children and teens learn a show, rehearse and put on performances within a two-week period.
Adults can take specialized classes to learn how to audition for a play versus a musical and what to put on their resumes, board member Eddy Herring said.
ACT is a nonprofit organization, so no one pays to participate in its programs.
“There are so many people that I think would be, if this wasn't a possibility, that would have a piece of their life that just is not fulfilled,” Herring said.
Actors performed the show "1776" at Allen Contemporary Theatre this summer. (Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)(Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)
The organization is funded through patrons who buy tickets to shows as well as sponsorships from H-E-B, the city of Allen, the Allen Arts Alliance and more, Berthelot said.
Although ticket sales are one of the main funding sources for ACT, the organization aims to keep entertainment affordable with tickets costing $30 or less, Berthelot said.
“We provide that opportunity for people to come out and experience the arts at something that they can afford,” he said.
Get involved
Berthelot said ACT is always looking for volunteers and there are a variety of ways to get involved.
“We're always welcoming talent, on the stage or off the stage,” he said.
Individuals can help backstage with props, assist with sound and lighting, scan tickets, serve concessions, work as ushers and greet patrons.
Berthelot also said he would encourage anyone with a passion for theatre to audition for an upcoming show.
"You're not just another person coming in, a number that's going through an audition,” Berthelot said. “You become part of this space, and you're always welcome in this space.”
Actors participated in ACT's performance of "Laughter on the 23rd Floor" in August. (Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)
March 12-28: “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
April 30-May 16: “Loot”
June 25-July 11: “I’m Not Rappaport”
Aug. 13-29: “The Immigrant”
Oct. 1-17: “Dear Evan Hansen”
Dec. 3-19: “ Inspecting Carol”
Individuals can purchase tickets to single shows or season packages on ACT’s website.
ACT offers seven shows a year, plus classes for children and adults. (Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)(Courtesy Allen Contemporary Theatre)
Quote of note
“This is a place where our people can come, and we're all creatives, and we're very passionate and we all think alike,” Herring said. “To be able to put together something that makes people escape for just a little bit is amazing.”
