About ACT

Arts Collective Theatre

Arts Collective Theatre incorporated independently in January 2014.

Mission

Arts Collective Theatre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated and committed to enhancing the well-being of the Windsor Essex community through theatre education, mentorship, and by bringing awareness to social justice issues in Windsor and beyond.

Vision

ACT is committed to delivering educational theatre-based practices, that promotes inclusivity and diversity within the arts to the Windsor – Essex Community and beyond. Mentorship and learning opportunities are rooted in our artistic processes, and we provide the opportunity for those who train with us, to mentor others within our programs and throughout the community.

Goals

  • Create community and a safe environment through theatre and drama initiatives.
  • Create social justice works.
  • Promote self-development and learning through mentorship and leadership opportunities.
  • Invite and encourage the participation of similarly engaged theatre artists.
  • Contribute to an increased awareness of the arts in Windsor Essex.
  • Establish a collective of theatre artists, educators, and youth.

  • Extend partnerships in all areas of the community.
  • Develop ministry of education examples of best practices through artistic activities and curriculum-based learning.
  • Form educational models that showcase vital and relevant artistic works.

  • Create and engage in short- and long-term practices.
  • Offer opportunities for paid artistic work within a collective model.
  • Produce artistic works that showcase diverse cultures and ethnic groups, and encourage other Windsor-Essex theatre companies to include this best practice within their programming.

Values

INCLUSION Each citizen and community is unique and ACT strives to offer something for everyone. This is achieved through a variety of programming and engagement activities that are inclusive, accessible, collaborative, and welcoming.

ACCOUNTABILITY/COMMUNICATION Relationships and communication between and amongst staff, volunteers, patrons, partners, funders, and the environment are based on respect and acceptance.

EXCELLENCE ACT strives for an excellent theatre experience for all.

CREATIVITY Creativity is in our blood. Our live theatre experiences engage audiences, promotes educational opportunities, and builds unique partnerships, while supporting and encouraging new playwrights and directors to create a sustainable future for theatre in Windsor Essex.

Awards

The Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards celebrate local artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters. They are presented every two years, in partnership with the Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) awards and grants. In 2020, ACT one the Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Organization.

2017 Champions for Education! Thank you to Greater Essex County District School Board for recognizing Chris Rabideau and ACT as one of 10 Champions for Education 2017! We are truly honoured to receive one of these awards.

Sober, second thought, after seeing Guys and Dolls Sunday afternoon, has not swayed me one iota from the decision made hastily as the final curtain fell. That was the best stage production of local, live theatre that I’ve ever seen anywhere in the last fifty years.

Audience Member , (Guys and Dolls 2023)

I had the great pleasure of seeing ”HAIR” on opening night and there are simply not enough words to explain this extraordinary, exciting, and spectacular play! Go if you can, it’s a must see & 50 years later, this cast brought me right back to my era ~ Loved it

Mary, (HAIR 2018)

This show was UNREAL.

Samantha, (HAIR 2018)
Saw a performance of Dream Girls, put on by the Arts Collective Theatre at the Capital Theatre. For amateurs, this group of first time performers, were incredible. They deserved their standing ovation.
Anonymous, (DREAMGIRLS 2018)

ACT Windsor’s West Side Story is a must-see production, the entire cast is incredibly talented and should be unbelievably proud of themselves. To the production team, thank you for all the hard work that is put into the show, from the costumes to the lighting and the sound, to the directors and ACT Management, thank you for the tremendous amount of time that you have certainly put into the production.

The choreography, the direction, everything was perfect, the way it all blended to help tell the story is phenomenal. Good on all of you, because this show was perfect.

The harmonies throughout the show were sensational, everything sounded fantastic and in line with the music. Congratulations for a show well done.

Timothy, (WEST SIDE STORY 2022)

I still have yet to be disappointed by an ACT production… Every show I have attended has been nothing but phenomenal. You can really see the passion and hard work in every show. Somehow, the energy each night is just as heightened as it is opening night. It’s incredible to see the diversity of our community come to life on stage.

I’ve truly fallen in love with this organization. Absolutely cannot wait for what’s in store!

Malik , (THE WIZ 2019)

THESE PEOPLE ARE A GAME CHANGER IN WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY.NO MORE LIP SERVICE TO DIVERSITY.THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF TALENT BEING DEVELOPED.KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

Mike, (DREAMGIRLS 2018)

When I started rehearsals with ACT I was extremely nervous and anxious to play piano in front of others, but after continuous support and encouragement from the ACT mentors I was able to play on stage at the Capitol theatre for their production of Hair. The ACT mentors helped me build confidence as a player and an individual. Windsor is lucky to have this non for profit group bring art into our community and believe in young performers.

Katie

It was absolutely amazing!! 💜 The vocals, the acting, the costumes, the orchestra just everything was 🔥🔥

Audience Member , (Guys and Dolls 2023)
Great show with lots of amazing talent! Looking forward to seeing more shows in the future 🙂
Audience Member , (Guys and Dolls 2023)

Not only was Guys and Dolls one of ACT’s best theatre productions ever but that was one of the best theatre productions ever seen in Windsor. I know y’all work very hard. The hard work definitely paid off! Congratulations!

Audience Member , (Guys and Dolls 2023)

Wonderful show, so much talent all around!!!

Audience Member , (Guys and Dolls 2023)

Who missed this has missed the best talent in Ontario! Maybe Canada!

Audience Member , (Guys and Dolls 2023)