AACT YouthFest 2025

This June, Des Moines becomes the center stage for community theatre across the country as the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) presents not one, but two incredible national festivals: YouthFest 2025 (June 22–24) and AACTFest 2025 (June 25–28).

 

YouthFest at The Des Moines Playhouse

YouthFest 2025 shines a spotlight on the next generation of theatre artists. Held at The Des Moines Playhouse, this inspiring event features seven youth theatre companies from around the world, each selected through a competitive process to represent their state, region, or military base. For the first time, YouthFest is scheduled separately from AACTFest, allowing for longer performances and a full slate of workshops and activities tailored to young artists.

Performances are open to the public. Buy a pass for one session or save with a pass to all three sessions. Click here to purchase.

Performance schedule. Note: These shows are performed at The Playhouse.

• 6:30 PM, Sunday, June 22
  • Opening Ceremony including performances from Honk Jr (Des Moines Playhouse Penguin Project), SpongeBob Squarepants (Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre), and Once Upon a Mattress (CAP Theatre, Altoona)
  • In the Tank – Terrace Playhouse Youth Theatre Troupe (US Army Garrison, Ansbach, Germany – video entry)
  • Avinash – Ebong TheatriX (Bethesda, MD)
• 6:00 PM, Monday, June 23
  • Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR – Landmark Community Theatre (Thomaston, CT)
  • Dark Road – Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts (Ramsey, MN)
  • Lost Girl – Clark Youth Theatre (Tulsa, OK)
• 1:30 PM, Tuesday, June 24
  • Runaway Princess – Central Park Players (Grand Haven, MI)
  • Mac Beth – Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette (Lafayette, IN)
• 7:30 PM, Tuesday, June 24
  • Awards & Closing Ceremony

Click here for more about YouthFest including workshop information.

About AACT: The American Association of Community Theatre serves more than 7,000 theatres across the United States and territories, including U.S. military bases overseas. AACT helps theatres thrive by providing resources, education, networking, and national recognition.

Volunteers Needed!

We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with:

• Group hosting
• Registration
• Timing performances
• Ushers and guest services

Click here to sign up. Questions? Contact Derek Phelps, Playhouse volunteer and production coordinator, 563.292.8962.

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