MACT*Fest 2023 to be hosted in Glenwood March 24-26

Central Square will host the upcoming MACT*Fest 2023, a biennial festival that showcases the best of community theatre, with performances, workshops and networking opportunities for actors, directors, designers and other theatre professionals. Theatre enthusiasts and community theaters from across the state are invited to attend MACT*Fest 2023. 

The festival will take place from March 24 through March 26 at Central Square.

This year, MACT*Fest audiences will enjoy a variety of short plays. The festival will also include workshops led by industry professionals covering a variety of topics, including acting, directing, design and technical theatre. Participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills, share ideas and connect with other theatre enthusiasts. Audiences may attend part of the festival or purchase discounted ticket packages to see all shows, attend the workshops and all social gatherings.

In addition to the performances and workshops, the festival will offer opportunities for socializing and networking, including a reception and a closing ceremony. 

“Central Square is a beautiful and historic venue that is the perfect setting for MACT*Fest,” says Central Square’s executive director, Marie Chan. “With the expansive space of our facilities and, of course, the beloved Lee Paulson Stage, the center is an ideal location for showcasing the talents and creativity of Minnesota’s community theatre scene. It will be so meaningful for us to have theater back in the building.”

The auditorium was added to the school in 1936. According to the booklet, “The History of Glenwood High School, written by 1938 GHS graduate, Bob Benson, the auditorium was used for “commencements, plays and concerts.” Prior to the construction of the auditorium, “non-school buildings were used for these functions.” Mr. Benson goes on to say that in 1972 the Glenwood High School players advanced to the State Contest for the 9th time since 1955. He adds that “The 1960s annuals are replete with references to the successes in one-act play contests under the direction of Lee Paulson.” Indeed, the annuals reflect a highly awarded theater program along with an impressive list of award-winning student actors.

“Central Square is committed to supporting and promoting community and youth theatre, and we are proud to host this exciting festival that celebrates the art of theatre and brings people together from across the state. Mr. Paulson was a person I admired and was close to for many years, it brings me great personal joy to pay homage to his legacy of theater in this building,” Chan said.

For a full schedule of events, please visit the MACT Fest website or call Central square at (320) 634–0400.