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. 
​
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​

Harassment Training - September 22

The Board of Directors has been engaged with a HR Director and attorney to provide resources for our member groups to better understand harassment claims, investigation, and actions. As a result of multiple requests regarding training, we have engaged Deirdre Higgins, VP of Human Resources and an attorney to present this workshop. We encourage Presidents as well as Board of Director members and producers to attend the workshop. There will be instruction as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions. Member groups are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this workshop as theatre groups continue to struggle with how best to provide a safe environment to enjoy our craft.  

Where: Arlington Friends of the Drama
22 Academy Street, Arlington, MA

When: September 22, from 10:00-12:00

RSVP by September 20: ​https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0445a9a823aaf94-emact



2018-2019 EMACT Membership is now open for online registration!

The EMACT membership year begins on July 1st and ends June 30th every calendar year.  Community theatre companies or groups must be registered member groups of EMACT to enjoy member benefits and services, which include the DASH program, the DASH Plus program, member assistance grants, service recognition, education sessions, and festivals.

The Basic fee for Companies/Groups is $50 and your group may join at anytime throughout the year. The Enhanced Membership includes 2 DASH show entries and is $120, An Enhanced Plus Membership includes two DASH Plus show entries for $150.

Please use the FamilyID online membership application here to join EMACT or renew your group's membership for the 2018-2019 membership year at http://www.familyid.com/emact/2018-2019-emact-membership.

Join or Renew Today!


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
​