Supporting the Arts: Why Community Theater Matters

Why is it important to support the arts in your community? Looking at the big picture, does it make a difference if you attend a community theater production?

The answer is yes. Whether semi-professional or completely amateur, community theater contributes, not only to the arts, but to their community as a whole.

First, community theater allows aspiring actors and lifelong theatergoers to come together and hone their craft. Create a sense of accomplishment and build a community spirit as the cast and crew work toward a common goal. Whether performers intend to fly to an audition in New York City after the curtain falls, or simply plan to return home to their families and day jobs, a community theater production provides its cast and team a second family, a support system, and a strong sense of pride in their contribution to the arts in their community.

But a local production doesn’t just give back to those on stage, it also gives the community a chance to come together to celebrate creativity and teamwork. This side of theater is too often dismissed when discussing its advantages in a community setting. The role of the audience is as important, if not more so, than that of the actor. Getting together to see a local production is an exciting experience, whether the performance is fantastic or a dud. Maybe a local production of a musical is the first time a future Oscar winner has experienced live theater, or maybe it’s the setting for a romantic evening that leads to a lasting relationship. You might make a new friend, discover a new interest, or just find a new set of tunes to sing in the car.

Aside from the social aspect, theater can be educational while still being entertaining. For example, a local production of Shakespeare allows high school students to view the Bard’s work, rather than simply reading it in the classroom. Many plays and musicals deal with important historical events; they might pique the writer’s interest in you or liven up a research project for a class, especially if they highlight an aspect of a particular era that isn’t usually focused on.

Community theater is a place of new discoveries and lifelong learning. It can open your eyes to a new hobby, a new relationship, or a new path in life. It contributes to the arts in a community, as well as teaching many important skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, and public speaking confidence. It strengthens the cultural environment of a community, provides catharsis for its participants and viewers, and is a safe place for people of all ages, cultures, and experiences to come together and work towards a common goal.

Support the arts in your community by visiting your local theater!