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This uplifting, funny, charming caper set in rural Texas in the 1950s features two down-on-their-luck conmen who try conning the Lord in his own house–with much-unexpected consequences. Alvo T. Haggarty played by John Livingston, and Buddy Peacock played by Les Bartlett, find themselves broke and stranded in the small town of Possum Kingdom.

Posing as a big city preaching team, Buddy and Alvo intend to fleece the friendly local folk out of their hard-earned cash. Everything is set for a rip-roaring revival. However, the question soon arises–can the boys pull off their caper and make it out of town with the cash in their pockets, or will the mid-hymn arrival of a misfortunate stranger, Phillip Yates Jr. played by Francis E. Stockton change Buddy and Alvo’s outlooks for good?

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Show Dates:

Fri 3/20, Sa 3/21, Sun 3/22

Fri 3/27, Sat 3/28, Sun 3/29

Fridays doors open at 6:30 pm Show at 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday Matinees doors open at 1:30 pm Show at 2:00 pm

Ticket Information to follow shortly

Tickets for the 2026 season are AVAILABLE

SAVE ON SEASON TICKETS

ACT Theatre Company is pleased to announce its 2026 theatrical season lineup, showcasing a celebration of connection, heart, and the shared experience of live theatre.
2026 Season Productions

March 20 – 29
"Revival at Possum Kingdom Community Church"
~ A heartfelt and comedic exploration of faith, community, and the unexpected moments that bring people together.
August 21 – 30
"Tracy Jones"
~ A witty and poignant story that examines themes of loneliness, connection, and the joy of unexpected friendships.
December 11 – 20
"True Magic: An A Cappella Christmas with Unoriginal Music for the Entire Family"
~ A festive and uplifting holiday production designed to delight audiences of all ages.

All performances will take place at ACT Theatre Company, located at 6635 NW Church Lane, Topeka, Kansas.

Tickets, audition details, and volunteer opportunities will be announced in the coming months. Community members are encouraged to follow ACT Theatre Company for updates and to be part of a vibrant season of live theatre.

Here is your opportunity to SAVE ON SEASON TICKETS for the 2026 Show Season. You can purchase a Season Ticket Bundle for a discounted price online at https://square.link/u/IoWW7QTz The bundle includes three tickets and can be used for individual shows or for the same show. Ticket prices are normally $15 per ticket but this bundle is on sale for $30 FOR three tickets. That is like buying two tickets and getting one free. Hurry though, this sale ends December 31, 2025.

A Word from our Artistic Direct

As we bring this theatre season to a close, I want to reflect on what a wonderful year it has been. Our final production, Love Bite, was a thrilling success—fun audience, electric performances, and a creative team that poured their entire hearts into every moment. Thank you to everyone who helped make this show, and this entire season, one to remember.

A special congratulations to Curtis Henderson, the highest bidder on our auctioned prop portrait “Zamfira.” We’re delighted to see this unforgettable piece find a new home, and we appreciate the support shown through this fun fundraiser.

Although this season has come to an end, the excitement continues—because our 2026 Season has officially been announced! We’re proud to share our upcoming lineup:

March 20th – 29th
Revival at Possum Kingdom Community Church

August 21st – 30th
Tracy Jones

December 11th – 20th
True Magic
An A Cappella Christmas with Unoriginal Music for the Entire Family

As we look ahead, we’re taking the next month and a half to rest, recharge, and spend time with our families over the holiday season. This pause is essential—it allows us to return renewed and ready to create.

When the new year begins, we’ll jump right back into inspiration mode as we prepare for auditions for our first show in March. We cannot wait to welcome new and returning artists into the space as we begin this next chapter.

Thank you for your continued support, your applause, and your love for live theatre. Here’s to a fantastic season behind us—and an exciting one ahead.

Karen Bartlett

Artistic Director

About Us

Our Mission

What is ACT Theatre Company?

Our Most Recent Show

"The mission of ACT is to provide the community with live theater produced to serve the cultural, educational and entertainment needs of the community. Additional activities may be conducted to support the organization both financially and to provide awareness
of the organization to the community at large.

Our Most Recent Show

What is ACT Theatre Company?

Our Most Recent Show

"Love Bite"

by John McDonnell

"Love Bite"

by John McDonnell

Vlad is a thousand-year-old vampire who tries online dating because he's having a hard time meeting a woman who will let him suck her blood. His first date with Vicky, a phlebotomist, is a disaster -- he runs away from her in terror because she seems immune to his dark powers. But he can't stop thinking about Vicky. Vicky also has a series of disastrous dates, and she also can't stop thinking about the mysterious man she calls "Vladdie". "Love Bite" follows the trajectory of these two off-kilter souls who seem destined for each other. -- even though their attempts at communication go hilariously wrong.

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What is ACT Theatre Company?

ACT Theatre Company is proud to be a 501c3, not-for-profit, community theater. For us this means that anyone can audition for a role, even if the only place you have performed is in your home or car. We also have all sorts of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for those who have the theater but don’t want to be on stage.

Our History

ACT began in the spring of 2007 as a group of friends who came together to do a children's show at the Auburn Community Center. The show was so successful that we decided to do another show in the summer of 2008, this time as an adult comedy. In 2009, ACT offered its first actual "season" of live theater. Seven shows were scheduled throughout the year. Season tickets were advertised and sold.

After the 2016 season the Theatre moved from Auburn, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas and legally changed its name to ACT Theatre Company. In 2016 ACT Theatre Company performed as the Kansas entry to the AACT Region V festival in Minnesota.

In 2017 under the new name ACT Theatre, the season opened at the prestigious Topeka Performing Arts Center. In 2018 ACT Theatre performed several productions on the stage at The Break Room in downtown Topeka, Kansas and on stage at Grace Episcopal Cathedral.

In 2019 The Forest Park retreat center was in the process of adding new events to their schedule. ACT Theatre agreed to partner with them to produce some shows in their facilities and to help with maintenance and income. The facilities at this location were not the most convenient so in 2020 ACT Theatre Company entered into a contract to use the Elmont UMC Fellowship Hall which has a stage and a kitchen area. It was anticipated that dinner theatre performances could be held there. We are proud to call this the Permanent Home of ACT Theatre Company. It is the intent of ACT to promote local playwrights work whenever possible and give them a platform for their plays.