About the Curtain Call Celebration Awards
The Curtain Call Celebration Awards celebrate the dedication and commitment ACTers, tying back to honoring ACT’s mission statement, which reads: “The mission of Altoona Community Theatre is to produce quality live theatre that entertains and uplifts audiences and provides opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and skill development.”
To view previous award recipients, select a season from the left-hand menu.
Award Selection Process
Following the conclusion of ACT’s Mainstage season, a call for nominations is made public to the organization’s general membership and season volunteers. A subset of the Board of Directors then gathers to review the nominations and ultimately select the recipients. The New Member and Dean Dreifus Awards are exceptions, as nominations for these two awards are submitted and voted on by the ACT Board of Directors.
Award Descriptions
Patron of the Arts Award
From season subscriptions to sponsorships to ad hoc donations, our community has been so generous to us over the years. Keeping a theatre financially stable is no easy task, and their contributions allow us to do so much of what we do.
Spirit of Thespis Award
This award is presented to an onstage participant from each of ACT’s Mainstage shows. The award represents the spirit of what it means to be a Thespian; one who exhibits and inspires enthusiasm and devotion and who has a strong regard for the success of a production and each of its individual parts. This recognition is not an award given for exceptional performance, but rather for being an exceptional castmate.
Ghostlight Award
The Ghostlight Award is presented to a backstage participant from each of ACT’s Mainstage shows. This is awarded to an individual who exhibits and inspires enthusiasm, demonstrates devotion, and has a strong regard for the success of a production and each of its individual parts. This recognition is not for exceptional material contributions, but for being an exceptional crew member.
Outstanding Production Staff Member Award
Recipients of this award often journey through the entire planning and execution process and tie the production together in profound ways. This is awarded to an individual who exhibits and inspires enthusiasm and devotion and who has a strong regard for the success of a production and each of its individual parts.
Volunteer Award
The Volunteer Award is presented to a current general member or participant in any of the special events or fundraisers of Altoona Community Theatre. This award honors an individual who has dedicated significant time and effort supporting ACT’s various events and fundraisers.
Education Award
This award is presented to a current general member or participant in any of Altoona Community Theatre’s educational efforts. This award honors an individual who has dedicated significant time and effort supporting ACT’s educational efforts such as drama camps, community partnerships, and workshops.
New Member Award
The New Member Award is presented to a current, general member of Altoona Community Theatre. This award honors an individual who has dedicated significant time and effort to supporting ACT’s various events and fundraisers. This recognition can be presented to someone who joined the organization recently.
Dean Dreifus Award
The Dean Dreifus Award acts as Altoona Community Theatre’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition honors a member or members of Altoona Community Theatre who have gone above and beyond in their involvement with ACT, demonstrating and sharing their passion for the arts and activities. This individual has contributed to the betterment of the organization through achieving ACT’s mission.