Member groups of EMACT are community theatres of all sizes located in eastern Massachusetts. Our membership extends from Boston to Worcester and from Braintree to Marblehead. Member groups must have a Board of Directors from the community the group serves.
EMACT was founded in the late summer of 1985 in response to the cancellation of an annual community theatre festival, which had run uninterrupted since 1954. From this initial outpouring of concern, a new organization was seen as necessary to ensure the continuation of the nation's oldest festival. It also became apparent that such an organization would also provide a valuable means of communication among local community theatre companies by collectively addressing their needs and concerns. Educational programming such as workshops and the establishment of a consulting program were adopted that same autumn, as well as a print monthly newsletter to promote member company auditions and productions. It also became clear that theater companies sought a method of recognition and celebration for annual productions, and from that an annual achievement event was included in the organization's first season.
That fledgling organization worked closely with NETC (the original host of the festival) to ensure that the festival continued over the next several years until EMACT was prepared take sole sponsorship. By 1992 the festival was ready to transition, and the Annual Drama Festival came under EMACT's umbrella in 1993. The festival continued on the campus of Brandeis University until 2003, when it moved to Babson College, and then on to other venues. The last EMACT festival was held in 2014, although EMACT members have participated in the New England Region I festival since then.
In its 30-plus years, EMACT has grown to become an educational and advocacy organization in addition to its festival roots, and has worked to consistently improve its communication and programming. EMACT celebrates its members' achievements through an annual awards event, culminating in our Annual Gala, and presentations of annual award trophies in over 45 categories of excellence.
EMACT was founded in the late summer of 1985 in response to the cancellation of an annual community theatre festival, which had run uninterrupted since 1954. From this initial outpouring of concern, a new organization was seen as necessary to ensure the continuation of the nation's oldest festival. It also became apparent that such an organization would also provide a valuable means of communication among local community theatre companies by collectively addressing their needs and concerns. Educational programming such as workshops and the establishment of a consulting program were adopted that same autumn, as well as a print monthly newsletter to promote member company auditions and productions. It also became clear that theater companies sought a method of recognition and celebration for annual productions, and from that an annual achievement event was included in the organization's first season.
That fledgling organization worked closely with NETC (the original host of the festival) to ensure that the festival continued over the next several years until EMACT was prepared take sole sponsorship. By 1992 the festival was ready to transition, and the Annual Drama Festival came under EMACT's umbrella in 1993. The festival continued on the campus of Brandeis University until 2003, when it moved to Babson College, and then on to other venues. The last EMACT festival was held in 2014, although EMACT members have participated in the New England Region I festival since then.
In its 30-plus years, EMACT has grown to become an educational and advocacy organization in addition to its festival roots, and has worked to consistently improve its communication and programming. EMACT celebrates its members' achievements through an annual awards event, culminating in our Annual Gala, and presentations of annual award trophies in over 45 categories of excellence.