“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit” – John F. Kennedy

Dear Colleagues and Students,

For 58 years, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been an integral and vital partner in advancing the work of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The Kennedy Center staff—particularly those in the Education Division, including Gregg Henry, Kelsey Mesa, Jordan LaSalle, and David Kilpatrick—have been outstanding champions for our students and extraordinary partners in the leadership and operations of KCACTF for decades. We are deeply grateful for their vision, dedication, and commitment, which have helped make KCACTF a thriving, impactful organization that has transformed the lives of students and created a community of creativity and belonging.

Unfortunately, our affiliation with the Kennedy Center is no longer viable. Due to circumstances and decisions that do not align with our organization’s values, the National Committee, which includes regional leadership (regional chairs, regional playwriting chairs, regional design, technology, and management chairs, and the building opportunity through leadership and development chairs) has voted to suspend our affiliation with the Kennedy Center. We are proceeding with the eight vibrant regional conferences as planned for 2026.

We want to assure you that this change does not mark an end—but a new chapter. The KCACTF National Committee and the Regional conferences have long been operated under a separate nonprofit organization, ACTF Management, Ltd. The American College Theatre Festival will continue, and we are confident that we can and will sustain the extraordinary opportunities, celebrations, and connections that define our work. We remain steadfast in our mission to encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work created in college and university theatre programs; to provide opportunities for participants to develop their skills, insight, and professionalism; to elevate the quality of theatre produced in higher education; to champion distinguished productions of new plays—especially those written by students—as well as revitalized classics and bold, experimental works, and building opportunity through leadership and development.

The leadership of ACTF Management, Ltd. has been thoughtfully preparing for this transition and is confident in a positive, sustainable path forward. We ask for your grace and patience as we continue to plan, reorganize, and explore this new structure and national partnerships. We are committed to transparent communication and will keep you updated regularly as plans develop.

ACTF will continue to serve as a ghostlight—a beacon of joy, a sanctuary for all, and a place where every artist feels seen, safe, welcomed, celebrated, and beloved.

With care and gratitude,
The American College Theatre Festival National Committee

Festival 58 will be January 13 – 17, 2026!

Howard Community College in Columbia, MD