The American College Theatre Festival announced that it has suspended its 58-year affiliation with the Kennedy Center. The news comes on the heels of the Board of Trustees’ vote to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump. The controversial name change has drawn criticism from congressional leaders and President John F. Kennedy’s family members.
College Theatre Festival
During the annual festival — previously named the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) — the venue would host around 125 award-winning theater students from more than 600 colleges and universities throughout eight regions. According to the Kennedy Center website, “Through master classes, presentations, conversations, and staged readings, students learn from and connect with established theatre artists, as well as their peers from across the country.”
The next festival was scheduled to take place on April 15, 2026.
Social Media Announcement
The American College Theatre Festival announced the news in a December 20 social media post, saying: “Unfortunately, our affiliation with the Kennedy Center is no longer viable. Due to circumstances and decisions that do not align with our organization’s values, the National Committee, which includes regional leadership (regional chairs, regional playwriting chairs, regional design, technology, and management chairs, and the building opportunity through leadership and development chairs) has voted to suspend our affiliation with the Kennedy Center. We are proceeding with the eight vibrant regional conferences as planned for 2026.”
The festival also thanked Kennedy Center staff members. “The Kennedy Center staff — particularly those in the Education Division, including Gregg Henry, Kelsey Mesa, Jordan LaSalle, and David Kilpatrick — have been outstanding champions for our students and extraordinary partners in the leadership and operations of KCACTF for decades. We are deeply grateful for their vision, dedication, and commitment, which have helped make KCACTF a thriving, impactful organization that has transformed the lives of students and created a community of creativity and belonging.”
Other Cancellations
Earlier this year, Trump replaced many of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and announced the new board had elected him chair. The shake-up prompted multiple artist cancellations, including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Louise Penny, and Cut Connie. The award-winning musical Hamilton also cancelled its planned performances at the venue.
Since Trump has taken over as chair, overall ticket sales at the venue have also plummeted, according to The Washington Post. Since September, 43 percent of tickets remained unsold for many productions, resulting in thousands of empty seats, The Post reported.
An anonymous current staff member told The Post: “This downturn isn’t just about pricing or programming — it feels directly tied to the new regime’s leadership shift and the broader political climate. I’ve heard from ticket buyers who say they’re choosing not to attend because of what the Kennedy Center now represents.”
Feature image courtesy Anton Ivanov Photo/stock.adobe.com
