MANCHESTER – Dr. Alan D. Kaplan, of Manchester, is being honored with the Distinguished Merit Award from the American Association of Community Theatre. The award will be presented at an awards ceremony during the AACTFest 2017 national festival in Rochester, Minn., June 26-July 1, 2017.

The AACT Distinguished Merit Award is presented to individuals and organizations in recognition of contributions made to promote and develop the highest standards for community theatre. Visit aact.org/awards for information on all AACT National Awards, 2017 AACT Award winners, and previous honorees.

Dr. Alan D. Kaplan is the founder (2002) and artistic director of Manchester Community Theatre Players. He has been associated with community theatre for 62 years as a performer, make-up artist, technical director, set and lighting designer, choreographer, and stage director. Parallel with his duties of producing and directing six shows annually, over the past eight years, Alan has served as the volunteer director and teacher for aspiring directors with the Amherst PTA annual musical production, which raises funds for primary school education and enrichment programs. He is the recipient of the 2014 New Hampshire Good Samaritan Award for his theatre work with both adults and children, and has served as a judge and educator for the 2016 Regional Idol Scholarship Competition. Two of his five children have chosen to work in the performing arts, and his wife Emilie is the spotlight operator for shows and the brightest light in his life.

AACT provides networking, resources, and support for America’s theatres. 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. Armed Services overseas.

– Submitted by American Association of Community Theatre