News

National association honors Hendersonville Theatre

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 12, 2025

The American Association of Community Theatre will honor Hendersonville Theatre with a Special Recognition Award during the AACTFest 2025 National Theatre Festival in Des Moines, Iowa.

The AACT Special Recognition Award is presented to persons and organizations whose contributions are far-reaching and of a special nature. Visit aact.org/awards for information on all AACT National Awards, 2025 AACT Award winners, and previous honorees.

Hendersonville Theatre has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from an all-volunteer organization into a professionally staffed community theatre dedicated to excellence, accessibility and inclusion. This growth has not only expanded the theatre’s artistic reach but also deepened its impact within the community.

Since 2021, the theatre’s acting pool has grown from just 17 performers to more than 125 auditioning for its 2025 season, reflecting the renewed energy and broader visibility. With programming that embraces diversity, including LGBTQ+-affirming productions and Pay What You Can performances, Hendersonville Theatre is committed to making the arts accessible to all.

Behind the scenes, the organization has strengthened its infrastructure through operational and technical advancements, including new artist agreements, upgraded sound and lighting systems and enhanced patron services. The improvements lay a strong foundation for continued growth while honoring the theatre’s community roots.

The Special Recognition Award from AACT celebrates not just Hendersonville Theatre’s achievements but also its unwavering dedication to fostering a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive arts space for all.

AACT represents the interests of more than 7,000 theatres across the United States and its territories, as well as theatre companies with the U.S. military services overseas.