MACT

After MACT*Fest 2025 was over, we sent a MACT*Fest feedback form to the 63 e-mail addresses we had from the people that purchased full registrations on-line. We received 16 responses to that form. Here’s what those people had to say about MACT*Fest 2025:

Any suggestions for workshop topics you would like to see at future festivals?5 responses

Grant writing and production marketing.

I appreciate having as wide a variety of topics as possible.

Marketing: how to put more butts in seats; Strategies for getting the community to support tough serious shows (like the one we had on gun violence), idea exchange on ticketing

I would love to see more workshops focused on board members. (How to be an effective member, etc…)

An actor’s roundtable. A director’s roundtable.

What did you dislike about this festival?  Where do we need improvement?

14 responses

Would have liked some sort of gathering Fri night

To increase the educational component for theatre companies’ benefit, I believe that having a private session with the adjudicators would provide more detailed and actionable feedback.

I have no major complaints.

It was very professionally handled.

When you choose adjudicators, ensure at least one of them has done several AACT festivals. These three were, in that context, ‘green’ and it showed.

Once again we didn’t come close to filling the house — a problem that all community theatre festivals seem to have. Virtually no local attendees. We need a publicity plan/committee/budget that starts a year in advance and is willing to give free tix to help fill the house and build support for community theatre (students, group homes, seniors, local theatre members…) We had no info in the playbill or the festival about MACT or AACT. No promotion of membership, virtually no mention of considering joining a committee or the board. It’s our ONE event, but our committee was perhaps too small and dumped everything on Larry & Joel & Carol. We need young blood.

Unfortunately, the workshops I was most interested in attending were during the same time my group had for unload/rehearsal.

Communication was excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Costs were steep.

Nothing I can think of.

My biggest issue was with the adjudicators. Just seemed flat and in some aspects unprofessional and confusing.

Unfriendly person at registration.

No complaints

The blonde adjudicator never really gave actual take away or improvement suggestions on the performances. It seemed like she just talked to talk and mainly did about her thoughts on the script, not the performance. The other 2 seemed great and thoughtful in their feedback.

There needs to be some sort of welcome to start. The Saturday night performances needed to be the ones that started at 730 so people are not as tired when going to after glow

What did you like most about this festival?  What did we do well?

15 responses

The workshop about the group Enough on gun violence and 26 pebbles show. I enjoyed the whole festival.

The adjudication opportunity to connect with companies was enjoyable.

I appreciate the confidence with which MACT runs a festival.

You are a very welcoming group, and I liked the venue!

I was able to walk from the Holiday Inn to the venue. I was very impressed with it all.

Pretty much everything.

For the most part, we offered smiling faces and a can-do attitude to theatre attendees and audience members. It appeared to go smoothly. People pretty much stuck with their own groups, but the workshops and other activities did offer networking possibilities. Acoustics, use of microphone, tech, concessions, info on parking and restaurants, walkability — all good. The checks to participating theatres were a great help, and will only grow larger over time.

Great to meet and hang with other like minded individuals

Willingness to answer any and all questions via email and in person when onsite.

The people! Everyone was so friendly and genuine.

I love getting to see different shows and geek out on theater with others. We have a great theater community.

Workshops and plays

Well-run. Excellent shows.

It was well organized and was great to be able to interact with other theaters

The number of performances.

Any ideas/suggestions for a location for MACT*Fest 2027?

6 responses

Stillwater, Red Wing

A more centralized location.

Prefer a return to the Twin Cities, but maybe it’s more important to be at a theatre that has volunteers and a real interest in hosting and giving their people this festival opportunity.

Loved Duluth!

Paramount Theater in St Cloud, Barn Theatre in Willmar

Saint Cloud, Mankato, Rochester