Historical Background of ACTA
The American Educational Theatre Association (AETA) was founded in 1936 to foster amateur theatrical activity in the United States. Originally AETA had three divisions: one for theater in secondary schools, one for children's theater, and one for community theater. However, as amateur theatrical activity increased and prospered across the country AETA activities expanded to incorporate other specific theater interest groups.
By 1971 AETA felt it could best realize its goals by a reorganization of the parent group. At the annual AETA convention in 1971 the AETA became the American Theatre Association (ATA). This organization is composed of the following constituent divisions: Children's Theatre Association (CTA), University and College Theatre Association (UCTA), American Community Theatre Association (ACTA), Secondary School Theatre Association (SSTA), National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), and University Resident Theatre Association (URTA).
The ATA is essentially an association of associations, exchanging ideas
and information, discussing common problems, and sponsoring various national, regional, and state activities. As the professional association of individuals and organizations involved in non-commercial theatre, it coordinates programs and research efforts within the constituent divisions, and serves as a liaison with commercial theater organizations, federal and state agencies, and international theater organizations.
The ACTA was founded in 1958 as a national organization to serve both local and state community theater groups and individuals who worked in or were interested in community theater. It achieved regular divisional status in AETA in 1962.
Two major programs mounted biennially by ACTA are its floating conferences and the Festival of the American Community Theatre (FACT). The floating conferences, held 2-3 days prior to the national ATA convention, allow ACTA members to tour various community theaters near the convention site. FACT consists of a series of state and regional competitions culminating in a final national competition to determine the best community theater troupe in the country. These and other ACTA-sponsored programs are part of that organization's efforts to aid in the growth and development of community theater in America.
Biographical Information on Kay Fliehr
Kay Fliehr has been actively involved with theater and the arts for over
a decade. In 1963 she joined the staff of the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis and eventually became the associate public relations director. Her work there with Bradley C. Morison in creating and directing the public relations, audience development, and educational services programs for the theater led to their collaboration on the book In Search of an Audience, which documents these early days of the Guthrie. (Papers relating to the writing of the book are housed at the Guthrie Theatre Archives at the University of Minnesota).
In 1967 Fliehr and Morison formed Morison/Fliehr Associates, a consulting firm working in planning, development, communications, and education programs for theaters, arts councils, music institutions, private foundations, and civic organizations. The Association dissolved in 1969 with Morison creating Arts Development Associates to serve the professional aspects of the arts and Fliehr serving in a consultant relationship concentrating on community and volunteer aspects. That same year Fliehr served as one of three judges for the American Community Theatre Festival. She became assistant director of ACTA and organized and chaired the National Community Theatre Festival in 1971. Fliehr served as president of ACTA in 1972 and 1973 and has also been a member of the Executive Committee of ATA. While still serving as an occasional consultant to various theater and arts organizations, Fliehr retired from active involvement in theater and public relations in 1975. She and her husband, Dr. Richard Fliehr, make their home in Minneapolis and both remain active in community theater activities.
