When you hear the words “community theater,” what do you think? A bunch of kids doing a middle-school-level production? A bunch of old-timers doing another rendition of A Christmas Carol? That’s the norm that people expect, but maybe it shouldn’t be.

As someone who has been heavily involved in theater since the time I was twelve, of course I suggest it as something to explore. Over the last nine years, it has kept me out of the trouble that teens are known for getting into, broadened my horizons to new experiences, new people I more than likely would not have interacted with otherwise, and bred some of the closest friendships that I still hold dear. I could not imagine my life without it, and I’m glad that I don’t have to. I will be the first to say that I did not expect the caliber of production that I became so proud to be a part of every summer when I first started.

Now, I got lucky. I found myself with an opportunity to work with what is (in my opinion) one of the best community theater companies in my local area. Changing Faces Theater Company (CFTC) of Lodi, CA is a community theater program that offers young and old (and anyone in between) a chance to be a part of the production process. Founder, Mike Bartram, started this non-profit theater company after years of running a summer theater program at a local high school. When he decided to take a summer off from this program, a group of students approached him and asked if he would direct them in a show hosted on the stage of a local winery. 15 years later, the company is celebrating with a production of Peter Pan and Wendy, bringing back the pirate genre that they have done so well with in the past. While they plan to continue bringing magic to the stage in the summer, the long-term goal is to provide training for anyone who is interested in theater to hone and pursue their talents.

CFTC has been introducing people to theater at every level for the last decade and a half, meeting the goal of community theater as a whole, which is to "provide entertainment in a world that can be scary sometimes," according to Bartram. And can we really argue with that goal, after the events of the last few months? Theater is a way for people to escape the real world for just a little bit, falling into the magical world presented by the people embodying the characters they have lived with throughout the process. Those who participate often come away with enhanced time management skills, greater self-discipline, and even better interpersonal communication and collaboration skills. It is not necessarily for everyone, but "if you think of it as something that could be fun, even for a second, you should definitely dive in and see if you enjoy it."

In the last 7 years, I have had the opportunity to play many roles with this company, both figuratively and literally. I have moved from ensemble actress, to assistant stage manager, to co-lead, to assistant technical director. I have found myself and grown into a completely different person than who I was in 2009. In the last several years working on the tech crew, I have even found a passion that I intend to pursue. Without the help of CFTC and the amazing support system that exists within it, I would not have the knowledge, the passion, or the confidence to pursue this goal. In my experience, CFTC has lived up to its goal to center around the education of young potential professionals and the nurturing of their talents and their passions. In the end, I'm not sure whether they have taught me more about theater or myself, and for that they will always hold a special place in my heart and my life.

So, maybe I'm a little biased on the topic. But seriously, if you find that you are even the least bit interested in acting, stage management, set building, sound or lighting, directing, or any other part of the theatrical process, EXPLORE IT! The worst thing that could happen is you don't like it, and then you don't have to do it again. But like me, you could find yourself falling in love with a new world and finally discovering your passion. Or you could fall somewhere in between! And even if you don't want to be on the stage or behind the scenes, support your local theater companies. Go see their shows; I promise, they worked hard. Many of these companies are non-profit organizations, so even the price of the ticket is tax-deductible, if the promise of entertainment isn't enough to convince you.

And if you happen to be in the Lodi area these first two weeks of July, come see what we do here. Peter Pan and Wendy runs July 7, 8, 14, 15, and 16 at Jessie's Grove Winery. We will have food trucks, carnival games, and a beautiful night under the stars watching this classic story. You will laugh, you may cry, and you will certainly be entertained. Call our box office at (209) 327-2754 for tickets. We would be pleased to have you join us in Neverland.