Is there anything more thrilling that live theatre? The heat of the lights, the colorful costumes, the pain of the mic tape? I think not, and whether you’re a veteran of the stage or a newcomer, an audience member or a Broadway star, community theatre is where most people get their start.

Community Theatre Blessing #1: You Find A Place Where You Are Always Welcome.

I have been blessed to have taken part in countless community theatre productions. I’ve danced through West Side Story, I’ve sung through Seussical, and I’ve been over the rainbow with The Wizard of Oz – twice. These community productions mean more to me than just a check mark on a bucket list or names on a page – these productions have allowed me to become who I am today. I’ve shared too-small dressing rooms (and makeshift dressing rooms) with 15 of my closest friends. I’ve stayed late after shows, not just cleaning and tidying for tomorrow’s run, but simply because I didn’t want to leave. I found a home within the walls of the theatre; I have left my name backstage as part of a legacy started before I was born.

Community Theatre Blessing #2: You Get To Be Involved With All Aspects Of Theatre.

Community theatre teaches you more than just one aspect of theatre. Although I started out acting, singing, and dancing, I have credits as a director, costumer, producer, and sound tech. In just this past week, I’ve had my house overrun with felt and glitter glue for a production of Peter Pan Junior – I jumped on board to have something to do over break. When break ends, I’ll be in rehearsal for a production of She Kills Monsters and I’ll be busy in the costume shop with The Minneola Twins.

Community Theatre Blessing #3: Lasting, Permanent Friendship.

I’ve made friends I would have never met otherwise. Many of my closest friends in community theatre are homeschooled, while I attend public school. Community theatre pulls in people from the surrounding towns as well. While I do most of my shows in Milford or Amherst, New Hampshire, I have friends from Pepperell, Nashua, Hollis, and Manchester. Just as I seek out these companies year after year for my friends, my friends seek out the same companies for the comradery they find.

Community Theatre Blessing #4: It Showcases The Talents Of Many, In Many Different Ways.

I’m not choosing to pursue theatre as a career, but on the community level, no one cares what you have a college degree in. My town’s annual PTA Play usually features some of our elementary school teachers in a tap dance – and I know from experience, tap isn’t easy! Community theatre allows people to showcase their talents that would otherwise stay hidden. Who knows, maybe your next-door neighbor has the voice of an angel!

Community Theatre Blessing #5: You Can Make It Anything You Want It To Be.

Community theatre doesn’t have the same kind of pressure as the professional world. I don’t have to do community theatre to survive, but I still choose to because I enjoy it. That’s what most people in community theatre do – they have a job that pays the bills and puts food on the table, but they get to live out their dreams and passions. One day, this will be me too – I’ll teach by day, and I’ll learn by night. If I’m too busy to commit to the entire rehearsal period, I know at least someone within the production will appreciate another set of hands. I know even if I cannot perform, I can still be involved.