How to Get Involved in Community Theater

Last Updated: October 30, 2022 References

Are you interested in getting involved with your local community theater, but don't know how or where to start? Look no further! There are several ways to get involved––onstage, backstage, and behind the scenes––and we’ll show you the ropes for each.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Getting Informed

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Research your local theater online. Like most things, the first step to getting involved is getting informed and the internet is a great place to start. Take some time to browse your nearby theater's website, if they have one,and read about their mission state, what shows they are casting, if they have crew openings, if they are holding audition, or are in need of donations.^{[1]
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Call and speak to a staff member. They can help direct you and suggest whom to speak with further either by email, phone, or in-person.

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3
Visit in-person. Chances are you’ve already visited the theater before as a patron, but if not plan on checking out a show. Stick around after the show, too, and see if you can chat up current cast members. This is a good way to get a vibe of the troupe and get tips or pointers from someone already in the know.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Going On An Audition

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Set up an audition. Sure, auditions can be intimidating, but here are some pointers to help take the stress out of the process and to help you nail it. If you're interested in getting involved, but not into acting, skip ahead to Method 3 for tips on how to get involved off-stage.
- Some pre-work goes into arranging for an audition, and being organized with your schedule is always a good initial start.
- If you have to call ahead to place an audition time, do so early to make sure there will be space for you.
- Make sure you write down the correct time and place for the audition, plan to arrive 10 minutes earlier than the appointment time. Early arrival looks professional.
2
Prepare for the audition. Think about taking a couple of basic acting or improve classes before you dive into auditions. How to Prepare for a Theater Audition
- If you are supposed to prepare a song, scene, or monologue do so. Regardless of whether you have to prepare something or not, do familiarize yourself with the play or musical you're auditioning for. Nothing looks worse than walking into an audition knowing nothing about the show!
- If you weren't told to prepare anything, chances are you'll be doing a “cold read.” This means you will be given a song or scene and a few minutes to look over it before you have to perform it for the casting directors. Chances are you won't feel comfortable with the material. This is normal. Directors are testing how well you work under pressure. Just do your best and know you don't have to be perfect!
3
Nail the audition. Be fearless and do your best! How to Audition for Local Theater
- Dress professionally, but also with personal style. Part of what you're "selling" on stage is yourself and your own unique personality. Show it off with your clothing!
- Sing loud and proud, even if you don't think you sound good, confidence can speak just as loudly as talent. Read the lines with emotion and feeling, and if you are dancing, smile and sell it, even if you don't know all the moves.
- Always be respectful to everyone at the audition, even if you're just waiting to go audition. Be nice to the directors, especially. Your attitude may determine whether or not they want to work with you and cast you in the show.
4
Follow up after the audition. A few days after auditions, there may be callbacks, or a second round of auditions. If you are called back, congratulations!, the directors want to see you again and may be interested in casting you.
- You will be reading for specific parts during callbacks, so try to act as if you think your character would. If you are not called back, it’s okay, there’s always another play.
- Check the cast lists when they're ready. A few days after callbacks, cast lists are usually posted. This is a list setting out who is playing each part. The list may be emailed to you, you could receive a call, or it might be posted somewhere at the theater.
- If you have been cast, congratulations!, getting cast in a show is very excited, so give yourself a pat on the back. Be sure to let the director know in a timely fashion that you accept the role so that they don't give it to someone else! If you haven't been cast, don't worry, there will always be other plays, or maybe consider joining the crew.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Joining the Crew or Staff

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Help out the backstage crew. Most of the action actually happens behind the theater curtains and working offstage is an exciting way to get involved, especially if you’re shy or not really into acting. Every job is important backstage. The show couldn't go on without its crew members.
- If you are interested in costumes, props, sets, lighting, or stage directing, seek out those involved in these crew departments and offer to lend a hand or any expertise and skills you might have. Being an electrician in your daily life, for example, will make you an excellent resource for the lighting crew.
- If you are given a job in an area you rarely work in, follow the lead of whoever is in charge and help out as best you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
2
Join the administrative staff. Theaters have various administrative duties that may require volunteers. Check to see if your local theater needs a hand in their fundraising, marketing, public relations, or community outreach efforts. These are great ways to meet your neighbors and forge new connections outside of the theater, too.
3
Volunteer to be an usher. In many ways, ushers are the public ambassadors of the theater. If you like interacting with people, smiling, and helping out, you’d do great at this very important job.^{[2]
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Work in the box office. If you have strong multi-tasking skills, this could be a great job for you. Plus, you get to interact with the patrons while offering a service that has a big impact on the theater-going experience.^{[3]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Getting Involved in Other Ways

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Become a financial supporter. Giving the theater a monetary donation, if you have the financial means, can be a mutually rewarding experience. Not only does it help the theater cover their overhead expenses and put on more shows, but it’s a way for you to get involved and to make a charitable donation that are likely tax deductible.^{[4]
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Research source} Everyone's a winner!
2
Donate furniture. Theaters are almost always looking for set and prop donations. If you happen to have old furniture around, or something you think could be useful onstage, ask about bringing them over.^{[5]
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Join the board. Many theaters have a board that includes community representatives.^{[6]
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Research source} See if your local theater has a board that you can join and help in the daily running of the theater.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Having Fun!

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Enjoy cast parties. One of the best parts of being involved in community theater is meeting new people and making new friends. After the final performance of a show, the cast and crew often throw a closing or "wrap" party to celebrate all the hard work you put into the show and all the camaraderie you've built while doing so.
2
Reap health benefits. Studies have shown that getting involved with acting and improve can actually help to reduce work, school, and other life-related stress.
3
Get discovered. Maybe you'll discover a hidden acting talent that can take you into commercial work or other acting endeavors. Sometimes casting agents pop-in to local theater productions, too, to scope out up-and-coming talent.^{[7]
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Research source} Who knows, maybe you'll catch their eye!