Call for Adjudicators for 2026/2027 Season

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Mission:

The mission of the Association of Community Theatres – Central Ontario (ACT-CO) is to provide an expanding and vital cultural resource to community theatres throughout central Ontario and in conjunction with other regional associations of community theatres throughout Ontario thereby helping community theatre to thrive.

Vision:

We see a quality driven cultural/educational organization dedicated to providing excellence in training and education in the many facets of community theatre with a clear fostering of collaboration and mentorship.

We see an advisory body that advocates for community theatre throughout Central Ontario and in conjunction with other regional associations of community theatres in Ontario.  In this we see an inclusion of searching down and assisting with opportunities for financial support.

We see an organization that actively supports and promotes diversity and inclusivity, as well as new, emerging, and innovative challenges in the artistic community.

We see an organization that creates and maintains a flourishing theatre festival in and for Central Ontario while cooperating with like-minded organizations outside of the Central Ontario area while remaining within the province.

Invitation to Adjudicators

ACT-CO invites applications for Adjudicators in the 2026-27 season. We are hiring Adjudicators in the following categories: Drama, Comedy, and Musicals.  The adjudication schedule runs from mid-October to early April.  The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

Adjudicator Criteria

Applicants should have at least three years of experience as a director, actor, designer, or stage manager in recognized professional theatre companies (excluding community theatres), or have taught Theatre Arts or drama at the post-secondary level. While these companies do not need to be PACT members, hybrid small business theatres—where actors are unpaid or only receive honoraria, but management earns a living—are not eligible.

Candidates must possess either practical or theoretical knowledge of various aspects of theatre production, including set design, lighting, costumes, and more. Experience teaching or coaching, particularly providing feedback, is also required.

Completion of the Adjudicator’s course formerly offered by (the now defunct) Theatre Ontario is considered an advantage alongside the other qualifications listed.

Public speaking skills and confidence are essential.

Candidates should not currently be practitioners in community theatre anywhere, but they must comprehend how community theatre operates, recognizing that all Canadian theatre professionals began there.

Remuneration

There will be an honorarium for each adjudication.  Historically, there are 10–15 Adjudications per category.

Application Information

To apply, please prepare and submit the following items:

• A current resume highlighting relevant experience.
• A cover letter stating your interest.
• Names and contact information of three arts-related references, for example, theatre groups for which you have worked previously.
• Send the application package to president@actco.ca  Interview dates and times will be determined by the Hiring Committee during the first week of May 2026. Interviews will be held via Zoom. ACT-CO is thankful to all who express interest in the position; however, we will be extending interviews to candidates who have been selected for consideration.

Additional Notes on the Adjudication Process

The purpose of an adjudication is a positive process for the audience and the participants.  It should be a forum for the exchange of ideas that will raise the bar for future productions.

Expectations of Adjudicators at an Adjudication

• Sensitive to and understand the volunteers in community theatre who are giving of their time and talent for the love of the art.  Any criticism should be constructive and of the performance rather than of the performer.
   
• Should be well prepared, objective and have great verbal communication skills.  They must have the ability to organize their thoughts quickly to present them to the audience. 
   
• It is important that the adjudicator help the audience understand what they have been watching and to enlighten them about the work of the playwright and the genre of the production.
   
• A sense of humour is important and the ability to be flexible when issues arise.
   
• When dealing with participants, it is important to be fair, patient, and willing to listen.
   
• The ability to teach is most important.  When something is not working, the adjudicator must be able to offer alternatives and for example, take a scene and rework it instead of just talking about it.
   
• They should be an excellent facilitator who can be non-confrontational but challenging.
   

The most important characteristic of an adjudicator is a passion and excitement for the work.   They should be businesslike but show passion for what they are doing.  If that can be accomplished, no one will leave feeling disappointed.

Successful candidates will be added to the new and growing ACT-CO Talent Bank.

Posted: April 07, 2026

2026 THEA Awards Show Update

ACT-CO President

THEA 2026 UPDATE

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE TO ORDER TICKETS IS MAY 1, 2026.   ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT PRESIDENT@ACTCO.CA.

Have you booked an evening with Thea on Saturday, May 23, 2026?  It is coming up quickly.

Thea’s Hospitality Team, led by Rita  and Joan , is arranging hors d’oeuvres and drinks.  Since the venue does not allow alcohol, ACT-CO will provide alcohol-free wine, soft drinks, water, along with hors d’oeuvres.  With the onsite free parking and ACTCO providing all the refreshments, your ticket to Thea is now all inclusive.

The lobby is spacious enough to enjoy refreshments, socialize comfortably with your theatre community, have your photo(s) taken, and show off your finery.  Bryan is returning as photographer for Theas 2026 and will be taking photos in the lobby as well as photographing the Thea winners and the whole audience.

Here are some things for you to do.

Thea Tickets - Confirm your group size before ordering Thea tickets. Only the designated group contact should reach out to ACT-CO. Collect all payments within your group and send one cheque or eTransfer to treasurer@actco.ca.  Seats are reserved after payment is received. Send ticket requests to theatickets@actco.ca.

Thea Show & Programme Video - Please send a digital copy of  the programme and 4-5 production photos to Scott at scottsykes1@me.com. 

Theas Showcase – Please send your video submissions to duanewhite.actco@gmail.com.

Thea Sponsorship - Please send the sponsorship form to festival@actco.ca. If you have any questions, please contact Anne at president@actco.ca.

Regards,

Anne Currie-O'Brien

Posted: March 23, 2026

THEA SPONSORSHIP

ACT-CO President

 

THEA SPONSORSHIPS 2026

There are 51 Awards to be sponsored. Which one(s) would your group like to sponsor?

ACT-CO raised a record $2,200 last year and hope to improve in 2026. Here are the Award Categories for Comedy, Drama, and Musical.

• Costumes Hair & Wigs
• Lighting
• Set
• Sound
• Properties
• Supporting Male Role
• Supporting Female Role
• Lead Male Road
• Lead Female Role
• Newcomer
• Ensemble
• Adjudicator Award
• Stage Manager
• Choreographer (Musical Only)
• Musical Director (Musical Only)
• Director
• Production

Link to the Sponsorship Form:
https://mcusercontent.com/82d76fd261138e693d9daf365/files/6b226581-2254-a8cf-ae52-f9c7cada0f65/Thea_Sponsorship_2026.pdf

Please contact Anne at president@actco.ca for details on the THEAs to be sponsored. As of March 6th, all categories are available. We look forward to seeing you at The THEAs!

Regards,
Anne Currie-O'Brien
President 2025-2026

 

Posted: March 07, 2026

Announcing The Theas 2026

Anne Currie-O'Brien, President

ANNOUNCING AN EVENING WITH THEA 2026

Saturday, May 23, 2026  

Lobby Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Awards 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Peoples Theatre for the Performing Arts

22 Esna Park Drive, Markham, ON L3R 1E1

$75 per person / $40 for 19 and under

Send ticket requests to theatickets@actco.ca

 

Posted: March 03, 2026

FESTIVAL ADJUDICATION FEEDBACK FORMS

Anne Currie-O'Brien, President

• Comedy Feedback Form
• Drama Feedback Form
• Musical Feedback Form

Feedback cards with a QR Code will be distributed at each adjudication.  The feedback link is also provided in the reminder email that is sent to the group the week prior to adjudication.

Any questions, please contact Julie (Festival Chair) at festival@actco.ca.

Posted: October 13, 2025