Founded in 2007
Our Origins
The American Coast Theater Company (ACTC) was founded in 2007 by Producing Artistic Director Susan K. Berkompas and Broadway performer/Producing Artistic Director Amick Byram. In 2008, ACTC became fully incorporated as a non-profit theater under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our premiere production was Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, which opened to rave reviews at the Lyceum Theater on the campus of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. In 2018, ACTC, which operates rent-free, dissolved the separate 501c3, so that our status would not be perceived as a conflict of interest to the parent organization, Vanguard University of Southern California. ACTC currently falls under the 501C ownership of Vanguard University.
Upcoming Shows in
ACTC's 2025-2026 Season
The Spitfire Grill
JUNE 4TH (PREVIEW)
JUNE 5-7
JUNE 11-14
JUNE 18-21
JUNE 25-28
AT 2 & 7:30 PM
A musical (music and book by James Valcq, lyrics and book by Fred Alley, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff) with a heartwarming story of hope, redemption, and community, featuring a troubled newcomer (Percy) who revitalizes a dying Wisconsin diner and town through an essay contest, revealing deep secrets and fostering healing, all set to a folk-inspired score that emphasizes the power of human connection and second chances in a small-town America facing uncertainty. Don't miss our fabulous live folk band!
