WHAT IS THE ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE?
Dream it.
When our founder, Linda Hoffman, moved to Richland, WA she noticed a lack of youth theatre education. Linda set out to make her dream a reality. With plenty of hard work and helping hand from the Richland Players (who provided a generous starting grant), Ginny Quinley, and Jo Brodzinski. Linda’s dream became a reality.
On June 10th & 11th 1995 ACT’s first two show took flight at Sun Fest. How to Eat Like a Child and Fame, welcome audiences to an ACT production for the first time.
Since our first productions ACT has had seven locations over the years. Including, three on Wellsian Way, one off Clearwater Avenue and one in downtown Kennewick. Do you know ACT once used the Wright street fire station as its home?
Live it.
Having made ACT a fixture in the Tri Cities community, Linda Hoffman retired in 2011 from her position as Executive Director.
In 2014 two ACT alumni returned to the theatre to lead it into the future. Anne Spilman took over as the Executive Director and Josh Darby as the Artistic & Education Director.
ACT is a 501C3 non-profit company run by a Board of Directors. Meet our board members here.
We are very proud of staff and volunteers. Click here if you want to learn more about our team.
Grow it.
As ACT grew, it need to find a permanent home. In 2004 with a grant from Battelle & Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) we were able to find our home at 213 Wellsian Way.
Over the years we’ve made improvements, offered more classes, more productions, and much, much more.
Click here if you want to learn more about our classes and programs.
There’s much more to learn about ACT. Click here. to find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Build it.
ACT would like to thank once more their theatre expansion sponsor, Windermere, for their support in creating the Windermere Children’s Theatre.
ACT thanks our current season sponsors:
Churchill Mortgage
Rotary International: Pasco-Kennewick Rotary Club Chapter
ACT has capital campaigns that are ongoing. If you would like to learn more, click here.