Region V AACTFest 2025
April 3-5
Newton Community Theatre
Newton, Iowa
Men on Boats
presented by
Des Moines Playhouse
of Des Moines, Iowa
was chosen as the
Outstanding Production
and will represent Region V at AACTFest 2025
Forever Plaid
presented by
Absolute Theatre
of Rochester, Minnesota
was chosen as the
Outstanding Production
and will represent Region V at AACTFest 2025
Region V AACTFest 2025 Awards
Congratulations to everyone who received special recognition at the Region V Festival!
This festival cycle, two shows from Region V will be able to advance to the national festival.
Outstanding Production (selected to advance to AACTFest) – Men on Boats – Des Moines Playhouse – Des Moines, Iowa
Outstanding Production (selected to advance to AACTFest) – Forever Plaid – Absolute Theatre – Rochester, Minnespta
Alternate Production – The Revolutionists – Theatre Salina – Salina, Kansas
Excellence in acting:
Matthew Sather (Absolute Theatre – “Forever Plaid“)
Brady Helget (Absolute Theatre – “Forever Plaid“)
Taylor Hartzell (Theatre Salina “The Revolutionists“)
Gin Hofmann (Theatre Salina “The Revolutionists“)
Jessie Worden (Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“)
Michael Beasley (Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“)
Amy McGrew (Ankeny Community Theatre “Bauer“)
Backstage Award (selected by tech crew) – Northern Starz “26 Pebbles“
Outstanding Ensemble – Absolute Theatre “Forever Plaid“
Outstanding Ensemble – Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“
Outstanding Costumes – Colette Rice (Absolute Theatre “Forever Plaid“)
Outstanding Sound Design – Mark Hansen (Absolute Theatre “Forever Plaid“)
Outstanding Sound Design – Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“
Outstanding Lighting Design – Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“
Outstanding Props – Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“
Outstanding Original Music – Joe Nicola (Northern Starz “26 Pebbles“)
Outstanding Scenic Design – Des Moines Playhouse “Men on Boats“
Outstanding Scenic Design – Aberdeen Community Theatre “Uncanny Valley“
Outstanding Directing – Suzie Hansen (Absolute Theatre “Forever Plaid“)
A special thank you to Newton Community Theatre for hosting the festival!
The Shows
Forever Plaid
presented by
Absolute Theatre
Rochester, MN
The Revolutionists
presented by
Theatre Salina
Salina, KS
Bauer
presented by
Ankeny Community Theatre
Ankeny, IA
Men on Boats
presented by
Des Moines Playhouse
Des Moines, IA
26 Pebles
presented by
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Ramsey, MN
Uncanny Valley
presented by
Aberdeen Community Theatre
Aberdeen, SD