Welcome to EMACT!


​The mission of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres is to encourage and promote Community Theater in Eastern Massachusetts through educational programming, supportive services, and the recognition of excellence. EMACT is a member of the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT). Membership in EMACT is open to any community theatre group in eastern Massachusetts. 
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Our membership year begins on July 1st and ends June 30th.  Community theatre companies or groups must be members of EMACT to enjoy its benefits and services, which include the DASH review program, member assistance grants, service recognition, and the theatre festival. More information on the Membership page.


​Announcements​

2019-20 Membership & New Fee Structure

EMACT is committed to providing an excellent experience for its members. In just the past few years we have provided DASH consultations and feedback on hundreds of shows, coordinated the annual DASH Gala, provided multiple free workshops and learning opportunities for our member groups, provided Member Assistance Grants to companies, and implemented a new online DASH application process, which will roll out with the 19-20 Season.

In order to keep up with inflation and increasing costs, it is necessary to increase our fee structure for both membership and the DASH program. Our last fee increase was more than eight years ago, and we anticipate this small increase will help EMACT to continue providing a great investment for our members. We hope that by providing this information ahead of the season, companies will be able to adjust accordingly. 

Fees will change as follows:
  • 2019 Gala: $40 Early Bird / $45 Regular 
  • 19-20 Membership: $75 Basic / $140 Enhanced / $170 Enhanced Plus
  • DASH: $45 
  • DASH Plus: $65 

Please be aware that EMACT will also be moving to an entirely online membership registration process for the 19-20 season, eliminating all paper forms. This will help us track payments, membership levels, and DASH requests far more efficiently.

​The registration form for the 19-20 season will go live on EMACT’s website after our annual meeting on June 22, and we will send a reminder to all current members at that time as well. If you have any questions, please contact Membership Director Jenny Fielding at membership@emact.org.

Save the Dates!

We're headed into the end of our 2018-19 Season, so save these important dates now!
  • June 22: EMACT Annual Meeting at Quannapowitt Players - 11AM Business Meeting and election of new officers, 12pm BYO Barbecue
  • July 1:  2019-20 Membership Year Begins
  • July 11: DASH Nominations Webcast
  • August 24: Annual DASH Gala at Cary Hall in Lexington
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Call for DASH Consultants!

Want to get more involved in your wider theater community? Consider becoming a DASH Consultant! Our pool is comprised of experienced community theater directors and professional educators with backgrounds in theater arts, art education, and/or hands-on experience. To keep the DASH program robust we are always looking for qualified people to take on this very important role. Learn more about what it takes to become a DASH consultant and submit a resume! 
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Open Letter to Member Groups Regarding Sexual Harrassment


Dear Member Groups,

EMACT has long been an advocate for equality in the Arts. We fully support the right for actors and designers to work in an environment free from any type of harassment or intimidation. If incidents of harassment are brought to our attention, we conduct an investigation to ensure that complaints are valid and corroborated. This action ensures due process. While most of our member groups are volunteer organizations, the law is quite clear about harassment in any environment, professional or volunteer.

EMACT has recently been involved in a sexual harassment complaint. After thorough investigation and corroboration, we found the allegations to be true. As a result, EMACT has decided to sanction the individual involved by eliminating him from any DASH consideration now and in the future and by prohibiting membership now and in the future.

We believe that by taking this action, we establish a solid commitment that we will not tolerate an artistic environment where volunteer artists or designers are intimidated or uncomfortable by overt or subtle sexual inferences. Further, we recommend that Board of Directors or Production teams engage in immediate actions to investigate any and all allegations and bring any such complaints to a satisfactory conclusion.

As an organization of community theatres, we cannot turn a blind eye to these allegations. Our actors and designers have a right to perform and work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation. There is no acceptable place in our community theatres for people to feel uncomfortable or intimidated by unwanted sexual inferences or unwanted advances. EMACT has further agreed to make the following statement as an organization and recommends that our member groups adopt the same or similar statement
and that all volunteers and members agree to behave according to these
standards.

EMACT is committed to an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, EMACT expects that all relationships among persons in the theatre are professional and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment.

Thank you for your immediate action.

Sincerely,

Celia A. Couture
President, EMACT
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