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.

Participating Youth Companies:

  • Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR – Landmark Community Theatre (Thomaston, CT)
  • Avinash – Ebong TheatriX (Bethesda, MD)
  • Runaway Princess – Central Park Players (Grand Haven, MI)
  • Mac Beth – Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette (Lafayette, IN)
  • Dark Road – Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts (Ramsey, MN)
  • Lost Girl – Clark Youth Theatre (Tulsa, OK)
  • In the Tank – Terrace Playhouse Youth Theatre Troupe (US Army Garrison, Ansbach, Germany – video entry)

Performances are open to the public. Click here for more about YouthFest including workshop information and to purchase tickets.

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.

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Sponsored by

  • American Association of Community Theatre (AACT)