The Ames Community Theater was officially started in October 1956 as members of the Ames Playground Radio Theater and Touring Players asked the simple question: Why didn’t Ames have a community theater? Previous interest in forming a group had high hopes but never became a reality. That is until that October in 1956, when everything just kind of came together.
The first meeting was held at the Sheldon Munn on Main Street and Jim Okey was elected the first president. The first production of Charley’s Aunt was performed on December 14th and 15th at Edwards School.
ACTORS is currently celebrating its 69th season of productions, and has a permanent facility that houses its scene shop, costume room, prop storage, board meetings and more. In 1978, ACTORS started developing its building as a performance space, which eventually became the home for all of its shows. The first addition was in 1990, which added storage to the south side of the building. During the COVID pandemic, in the fall 2020 and spring 2021, ACTORS was the only theater in Iowa to stage live performances due to an arrangement with Stephens Auditorium. This collaboration was recognized by the Iowa Travel Board. In 2020 and 2021 ACTORS added a new entryway and lounge, added a new facade, and paved the parking lot. A new electronic sign lets everyone know of coming events.
ACTORS is a leader in the arts in the community, and has helped give birth to several other organizations in and around the Ames area.
ACTORS is located at 120 Abraham Dr., Ames, IA 50014
Phone: (515) 292-2073
Email: info@actorsinc.org