Altoona Community Theatre (ACT), a community-based theater company, is seeking applications for Directors for the 2026-2027 Mainstage Season, presented on the Benzel Stage of the Historic Mishler Theatre.
The 2026-2027 season of shows:
Come From Away (September 2026) tells the story of over 6,000 airplane passengers who were stranded in a nearly forgotten Canadian airport for five days following the events of September 11th, 2001. What unfolds is a story of generosity, resilience, and unexpected friendship in the form of a heartwarming, high-energy musical.
Murder on the Orient Express (November 2026) is a classic Agatha Christie locked-door mystery, refreshed to into a fast-moving, witty, and theatrical whodunit by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig. When a snowdrift stops the Orient Express, Detective Hercule Poirot discovers an American tycoon murdered, and he must race to unmask a killer among a trainload of colorful suspects.
Pride and Prejudice (February 2027) follows the clever Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates family choas, sharp-tongued rivals, societal snobbery, and the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. This spirited stage adaptation by John Jory transforms Jane Austen’s 1797 novel into a fast-paced, humorous, and romantic play brimming with wit, warmth, and passion.
Something Rotten (May 2027) is a madcap mash-up of Shakespearean swagger and Broadway bombast with show-stopping numbers, razor-sharp parody, and a loveable underdog story. Set in Renaissance England, two desperate brothers decide the only way to outsell Shakespeare is to invent the “musical.” Chaos, tap numbers, and history-twisting humor ensue.
Interested Directors need not have worked at ACT before, but previous directing experience is preferred. Those interested should submit a letter of interest and a theatrical resume by email to ACT’s Artistic Committee at act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com by March 16, 2026. Qualified applicants will be interviewed and given time to present their artistic vision for their show(s) of interest.
Director applicants may obtain a sample copy of a script from the ACT Administrative Office. Please call 814-943-4357 for a sample script or with questions.
Established in 1948, Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) produces quality live theatre that is entertaining and intellectually stimulating, provides outlets for residents to express themselves creatively, and fosters appreciation for the arts and stimulates their growth through educational programming. For more information go to www.altoonacommunitytheatre.com
