I Can't Stand Censorship in Community Theatre

For over forty years, I have been performing and directing in community theatre, and one thing has been a real concern to me…censorship of a published work.

I guess for me; it is about presenting the piece as it was written for the stage. By not doing this, you are not giving an audience the real product as it was meant to be. I was involved in a production of The Full Monty, and we did THE FULL MONTY at the end of the show. Audiences loved it! You do need to have the right lighting effects in order to pull this off, of course. But we did, and it went off without a hitch.

When allowed to direct it for another theatre company possibly, I asked if they would be going all the way. Their answer was, “No.” That cemented my answer for that opportunity.

Community TheatreChristopher PetersonJuly 24, 2024Timothy Fitzgerald

If You're Charging People to be in Your Show, You Can't Cast Your Kid in the Lead Role

“I was recently alerted to a situation where the director of a summer theatre program, that charges in order to participate, routinely casts their son in the lead of their shows.”

Community TheatreChristopher PetersonJuly 17, 2024Chris Peterson

20 Ways To Be The Actor Everyone Wants to Work With

“If these ethics and habits are not demonstrated, not only do one’s chances of being cast dramatically decrease but also people simply do not wish to associate with them or support them in any of their theatrical endeavors.”

Community TheatreChristopher PetersonJuly 15, 2024Adriana Nocco, Guest Editorial

Man to take plea deal regarding sexual assault at Texas theatre

“A former employee at the Wichita Theatre in Wichita Falls is expected to accept a plea deal regarding the allegations that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at the theater. Josiah Alan Derbyshire was charged with sexual assault of a child in connection with an incident in July 2018.”

Community TheatreChristopher PetersonJuly 12, 2024News

What Community Theatre Gave to Me

“I am what I am…a community theatre performer and director and proud of it.”

Community TheatreOnStage Blog StaffJuly 10, 2024Timothy Fitzgerald, Guest Editorial

How Community Theaters Can Be More Inclusive And Accessible

“I’ve learned that many able-bodied neurotypical people in the community have the perception that inclusion and accessibility are incredible insurmountable feats. They aren’t, at all. If you’re running a community theatre, you have a responsibility to find room at the figurative table for performers that reflect your community. I guarantee that your community is diverse in terms of how their bodies and brains work.”

Community TheatreOnStage Blog StaffJuly 4, 2024Bekah Harbison

Everyone Should Give Theatre a Try

“Theatre is where I can put on a costume and zip up the zipper to become someone else. I don't have to worry about my problems; they melt away as I become someone completely different than myself.”

Community TheatreOnStage Blog StaffJuly 2, 2024Morgan Good

How Political Should Your Community Theatre Season Be?

“When it comes to community theatre, political issues are a touchy subject. Typically, many theatres will stay away from politically themed shows or ones with divisive topics. After all, the goal is to make money and if you're angering half your audience with perceived political statements, you're putting your theatres future at risk.”

Community TheatreChristopher PetersonJuly 2, 2024Chris Peterson

Local actor charged with stealing thousands from community theatre

“A local actor and former finance manager for a Pennsylvania community theatre has been charged with embezzling over $2,000 from the nonprofit organization.”

Community TheatreOnStage Blog StaffJune 18, 2024News

Theatres Must Prioritize Volunteer Safety As Much as Paid Workers

“June is National Safety Month, so in honor of that, we are listing a few basic areas every single community theatre and high school theatre should prioritize for the safety of their volunteers.”

What happens when no one shows up to audition...

“Nothing is guaranteed in the arts. Even if you do a good job spreading the word, there’s no promise that people will show up, either for auditions or the show itself.”

Community TheatreOnStage Blog StaffJune 6, 2024Elizabeth Stinnette

There Shouldn't Be Audition Fees for Community Theatre

‘Recently I was alerted to a community theatre that was charging $50 to audition for their upcoming shows. I was more than a bit surprised by this because it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a community theatre charge, let alone that much, for someone to simply audition for their shows.”

Community TheatreChristopher PetersonMay 30, 2024Chris Peterson

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