In our most recent contest, we asked our readers the question, “Why is community theatre important”? Congratulations to our top 3 submissions! The winners will all receive a MD Theatre Guide T-Shirt!
From our article on June 13th, 2012 called “The Crucial Role of Community Theatre,” Anna Pullman summarized the importance of community theatre by saying “community theater is also the bedrock where audience interest is generated. Interest in live drama needs to start locally. If Americans are not attending local performances, featuring people in the community they may know, there is little chance they are going to become interested in live theater…”
1. Winning entry from Jane W.
Some artists and arts patrons consider community theatre the red-headed stepchild of the theatre world. I’m looking pointedly at you, theatre snobs, and I ask you the following questions:
Without community theatre, where will the next generation of actors, playwrights, directors, stage managers, designers, dramaturgs, and critics (yes, even the critics) turn to develop their skills?
Without the next generation of actors, playwrights, directors, stage managers, designers, dramaturgs, and critics, who will expose the next generation of audiences to new ideas?
Without new ideas, how will theatre survive in the future?
Community theatre is the foundation upon which those new ideas are built. No brand of theatre is perfect, but community theatre is just as essential to the survival of the art form as its professional counterpart… no matter what the theatre snobs say.
2. Winning entry from Danny S.
Putting on a show is a chance to show how team work can truly work. Everyone in the crew and cast come together to build the set and put on the show and the audience comes together to enjoy it.
It’s also a chance for local actors to develop their craft on a smaller stage before moving to Broadway or other larger stage productions.
Community theatre is usually closer to most audience’s homes then traveling to the larger stages, so it saves on money, gas and traveling time.
3. Winning entry from Calvin G.
Speaking from an actors perspective, I can say that community theatre changed my life. Before being involved in a play I was very shy and didn’t have many friends. Now because of our local community theatres I have more confidence, acting skills, and friends.
Since I’m new to acting, my chances of being in a professional show aren’t the greatest. At least for now anyways! With each new show I am in, I get better. My school doesn’t offer a drama program, so that is why I am also thankful for community theatre!
