Freelanced article written in AP news style, published in Current in Carmel

1. Carmel Awarded National Theatre Festivalhttp://currentincarmel.com/?s=nina+johnson
by Nina Johnson
The community theatre eventAACTFest 2013 will be hosted by the Carmel Repertory Theatreat
the Center of the Performing Arts June 17 – 23, 2013. More than 7,000 community theatres
across the country and those entertaining armed services overseas compete to qualify for this
national showcase sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre.The event will
include 12 production performances, educational theatre workshops, a theatre marketplace, and
the presentation of national awards.
Previously hosted in cities such as Memphis, TN and Charlotte, NC, the festival is a major gain
for the entire theatre community of Carmel. Larry Creviston,Chairman of the Carmel Repertory
Theatre and AACTFest 2013, thanked the mayor and the city council for their commitment to the
performing arts. “The main reason we beat out cities like Cleveland, Minneapolis, Boston, Salt
Lake City, and many others, was you,” he said. He explained thatthe quality ofCarmel’s
performing arts facilities and proximity to shopping, salon, and restaurant options surpassed the
expectations of AACT’s Festival Committee.
Over 600 participants are expected to benefit the local economy during the week-long event.
Cities are chosen to host the festival in odd-numbered years, but Creviston expressed AACT’s
interest in a permanent host city. “They are, at this time, keenly interested in keeping the festival
in Carmel,” he said. “If we can convince a national organization to utilize Carmel then perhaps
others will follow suit.”
"The Carmel Repertory Theatre will be looking for many volunteers to pull off this exciting
event,” said Susan Creviston, AACTFest 2013 Vice-Chairman.Local community and theatre
members are encouraged to participate through several volunteer opportunities. “We welcome
all questions and assistance,”she said.
"(This festival) will benefit all theatres in the area,” saidShannanSpeicher, AACTFest
Communication Director. “We cannot wait to share this with them."
Info Box:
Get Involved
Volunteers- support staff, dinner hosts
Technical Presenters- share your technical theatre skills
Youth Presenters- share your skills in managing, directing and performing with young people
Merchants- list your business as a special merchant
Vendors- promote your theatre-related products or services in the festival marketplace
Sponsors- financial support for community theatres