Founded in 1986 by a group of dedicated community theatre enthusiasts, the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres (EMACT) created an association of theatre advocates comprised of individual members and entire theatre companies. Its purpose is to educate theatre audiences, to support the mounting of community theatre productions, and to communicate and network with members and other organizations and individuals.

For over 15 years EMACT has worked energetically to address these goals. The current membership includes 45 community theatre companies, and 40 individual members making it one of the largest state community associations in the country. EMACT enhances the life of community theatre through its Annual Drama Festival (that attracts an average of 20 theatre companies), the EMACT Theater Consult (ETC) program (an EMACT consultant mentors theatre productions), the Achievement Recognition Program, a Distinguished Achievement and Special Honors (DASH) program, their IMPACT Newsletter (highlighting auditions, performance schedules, costumes for loan, directors’ resumes, designers, production staff), a Ticket Discount Program, and Community Service Outreach (through workshops, auditions and providing programs of interest).

EMACT provides a unique service to the arts community. Interested donors should check out its website for more information about the organization and its member groups.