History

       The original iteration of ACT was called Arlington for the Arts (AFTA), and was started in 1999. A small group of artists came together to perform Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From there, AFTA grew to producing several shows a year; art shows, teen workshops, classic plays, musicals and also new works. AFTA eventually moved to the old Factory Outlet Mall in Lakeland and opened its theatre, East End Playhouse. AFTA dissolved in 2008.
       In 2017, Arlington Community Theatre officially opened to bring the spirit of AFTA back to Arlington. They produced several shows for three years until the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world. They produced talent shows and virtual play readings until dissolving in 2021 due to the pandemic and life changes for its board members.
       In 2024, ACT President, Daniel Pound, made a call out to local artists and residents to bring theatre back to Arlington. Plans were made and with the help of some amazing volunteers, ACT was reborn with a new vision. We look forward to the future.

Inform, Involve, Inspire

       Inform- The arts are meant to teach us about our world, to “hold a mirror up to nature.” Our education efforts are another way for us to inform our community.
       Involve- The arts are for everyone.Even though we do want to focus on the youth of our community, we want to provide opportunities for everyone no matter their ages or experience level. As the saying goes in the south, “Y’all means ALL.”
       Inspire- We want to use the arts to “be the change we want to see in the world.” We strive to use the arts and arts education to inspire the youth we serve.

2026 Season

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

       ACT is going back to the 1970’s with this groovy production of Shakespeare's hilarious classic. When Hermia and her love, Lysander decide to escape the tyrannical rule of her father and Athens, they run away to be married in secret.School teacher Quince is rehearsing a play with their class and their assistant Bottom is no help. All this plus fairies, music and many more. June 19th-20th at Holy Innocents Cemetery.

Our Town

       ACT brings back the Thorton Wilder’s classic show from our popular reading last summer. This is the story of the people of Grover’s Corners. In this small town at the turn of the century, we witness the lives of the Gibbs and Webb family filled with young love and more. September 11th-12th at Holy Innocents Cemetery.

A Christmas Carol

       ACT once again brings this classic story of Ebeneezer Scrooge to life. This time with some interesting twists ad turns. Date and location TBD.

Shakespeare Saturdays

       This summer, on July 11th, 18th and 25th, ACT will provide kids (3rd grade and up), teens (13 and up), and even their adults a chance to explore Shakespeare for the first time. We will provide exercises and guides on studying and understanding some classic speeches from Shakespeare. Located at Forrest Street Park.

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream