You Know It's Community Theatre When... — Page 2

Carl - I wouldn't worry about it too much. I wouldn't bet money on it, but there's probably at least a CHANCE that those posting these thoughts haven't done any professional work.

The grass is always greener - especially through green-tinted lens.

I don't think the thread is negative (except the 'Everyone gets in'). It's reminiscing about the commonalities of community theatre.

"when all the sound effects are created manually backstage by whichever cast member feels like doing it that particular night."

My gosh, that's so true. There are times when we're supposed to sing from offstage, and we're running around backstage going, "Guys, we're supposed to be singing the 'Ah's' right now!" And there are, like, 3 people offstage doing it. Hah.

I love how I'm still in community theatre, and these things happen.

Bravo DG! You warm my heart more than you know. I shall bake you a goodie.(just visit the OT board under" Do You Bake?" and pick a favorite).

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Updated On: 10/26/06 at 10:40 PM

I'm in community theater. I just don't think I could handle rejection after rejection, or if my entire career depended on "making" it.

I do it for fun, and because I'm told I have talent. I don't think I do, but I do love acting and singing. Dancing I can leave or take. It depends on the kind and the difficulty.

What I can live without in community theater (key word: COMMUNITY) are the petty rivalries, nasty comments and overall stupid attitudes some people have. And these are adults! It saddens me deeply sometimes.

Oh, this is a fine thread. None of this is being said in a malicious manner, and I'm sure most of the people posting have their share of community theatre experience. It's not they're a bunch of elitist pro actor snobs just getting their kicks by knocking amateurs. Community theatre is great because of the opportunities it allows people. Where else could a white guy play Coalhouse? It allows people with a common goal of putting on a show to do so by whatever means possible, even if they are completely under-prepared, under-qualified, and under-funded. What's great is the fact that so many audience members have a great time regardless, either because they are supporting a loved one or because this is the only theatre they see so there's nothing to measure it against. In any case, I don't think anyone is trying to demean the value of amateur theatre and these stories all seem rather endearing.

I have one. A friend of mine was stage managing a community MAN OF LA MANCHA production a few years back and called me one hung-over Sunday morning because they needed an extra ticket taker. Upon arriving at the theatre I discovered that I had been lied to and next thing I knew I was being forced into an unwashed, much-too-large costume so I could fill in for a missing ensemble member in a show I had not seen and was not too familiar with. I was pissed off but I couldn't very well refuse. Before each scene the tech guys would fill me in quickly on any lines/cues that were important and would literally push me out there when it was my cue. There was no time to learn any blocking, so they just told me the places NOT to stand so I wouldn't end up in the middle of the scene or in the path of moving set pieces. In the end nothing horrible happened and a good time was had by all. And I put it on my resume.

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they do annie and triple cast all the orphans... someone's golden retriever plays sandy

The leads of Bye-Bye Birdy look to be in their early fifties.

Sadly, I'm not making that up.

When I directed Seussical at our community theatre, I was director, musical director, choreographer, orchestra and lighting designer...I had a six year old girl as JoJo, my Mayor and Mrs. Mayor were in their 70's, I had a 40 year old math teacher as Horton, my wickersham brothers were three junior high boys, my Sour Kangaroo was a white girl that sounded more country than gospel, my cast members were also the set crew, and everyone in the cast played like ten parts..."Mayzie, you aren't doing anything during Here On Who, well put on some yellow and get out there..." and, although I won't be taking my production to broadway ANY time soon, it was so much fun! community theatre can be really great!

Yeah, I saw a production of No, No, Nanette and I swear none of the boys, be it chorus or lead, sung more than 3 different notes. It was all some sort of bass line and no harmony.

After you've just sat through the most godawful performance of anything you've ever seen, everyone starts applauding wildly, does an immediate standing ovation, and glares at you if you don't join in.

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Let's not oversentimentalize community theatre, shall we? You couldn't sit through as many community theatre auditions as I have and still retain your "starry-eyed idealism." Although their intentions may be noble, several people I know who spend their lives in community theatre are just as difficult, demanding, and egotistical as any professional, if not more so.

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"You couldn't sit through as many community theatre auditions as I have and still retain your "starry-eyed idealism."

Don't assume anything, roquat - you don't know what some of the backgrounds here are, or what their attitudes are becuase of them.

Of course some Community theatre people are difficult - they're part of the human race - and some of us are BITCHES (and yes, I used the word 'us' intentionally )

When the program misspells not only your real name, but your character's name as well. And you're the lead.

When you walk into the the theatre ONLY to pick up your left-over stuff from the last show...and end up being cast in the next two shows, and also assistant directing the youth show.

To expand on what Michael Bennett said, you wear a dress in Annie Get Your Gun, and next thing you know, a chorus member of Hello, Dolly is wearing it.

Joseph's Dreamcoat was made the day of, by his mother.

I live for community theatre.

Updated On: 5/9/09 at 12:40 AM