Community Theatres, Thank Your Actors

by Bekah Harbison, Guest Editorial

Around this time of year, I see theatres gearing up for the holidays by promoting themselves for “Giving Tuesday”, thanking their donors and volunteers, and sharing their gifts with the community through caroling or community service. Time and time again I continue to see the same group neglected in these acts of gratitude: the actors. 

Many community theatres run on the backs of unpaid or underpaid labor. As a director and producer, I understand that this is often unavoidable, unfortunately. But regardless of financial circumstances, it’s unforgivable to see companies take their actors and technicians for granted time and time again. 

There are few things people do for free as an adult that are more vulnerable than performing. Community theatre actors not only work unpaid part-time jobs for these non-profit organizations but are asked to open themselves up both onstage and in the rehearsal room. And yet, their passions are sometimes taken for granted by the very organizations that make money from their gifts and hard work. 

I see actors taken for granted in a variety of ways. Some directors don’t treat performers with care and respect during the audition process. They don’t provide an environment conducive to success. Auditioning isn’t easy, and we as production team members have a responsibility to provide warmth, transparency, and kindness in the audition process. Actors have a right to know the timeline they’ll be notified of casting in and to have that timeline kept whenever possible. Actors have a right to be given a fair shot, regardless of if they have existing relationships with the production team. 

Once the show is in rehearsals, some companies forget that actors and technicians are in a partnership with leadership. They have chosen to be a part of a collaborative process, they haven’t volunteered to be workhorses for the company. Directors often feel entitled to actors’ time beyond the rehearsal schedules they present- they keep actors late, schedule rehearsals at the last minute, and misrepresent their willingness to work with conflicts. They disregard the fact that community theatre actors are nearly always working jobs, taking care of their families, and/or going to school. 

Theatre companies must understand that they cannot treat volunteers as if they’re employees. Applause doesn’t pay the bills. If you’re working with actors or technicians for free, you have a duty to provide a positive and enriching experience for all involved. And when in doubt, lead with gratitude. Lead with gratitude in the audition and rehearsal room, and don’t be afraid to tell the public how much you appreciate those on the ground doing work for the company.

This Thanksgiving, I am overwhelmingly grateful for all of the wonderful artists I’ve worked with this year, most of all those who have donated their time and talents to the pursuit of making art. Don’t forget to give thanks for everyone who makes community theatre possible.