“Producing Neil LaBute’s work is oppressive to womxn, people of size, people of color, people with disabilities, and many other groups, while simultaneously putting money into the hands of someone known to be problematic and hurtful. Keep your theatre life safe and healthy, and truly consider your choice before producing, or working on, a Neil LaBute piece.”

I’ve even made a job out of doing social media marketing, and actually, I love it. From a business point of view, it’s a great way of promoting yourself, but as an individual and for your mental health, I’m not sure I agree. Is social media good for performers? 

Many people living on low incomes often get left out of the accessibility discussions in theatre, but there are several ways to reach low-income communities with your theatre, and these communities are some who need theatre the most.

For many people, theatre IS their outlet- a way to escape from the average, everyday, 9-5 grind. However, when your 9-5 grind consists of singing "9 to 5" and dancing full out to all the other numbers in that show (while in 3" heels), it may not be the most relaxing thing to leave your paid rehearsal and go to an unpaid rehearsal for a show you're doing 'just for fun'.

This community is big but small at the same time. You'll likely encounter a lot of the same people at auditions. Stick around long enough, and you'll end up doing a show together.

Community theatre is forever thriving and expanding, with a wonderful mixture of big, bold productions and small, intimate performances across the country. But putting on a show doesn’t come cheap. Why is it so hard to make a profit in community theatre?

While theater aficionados are familiar with many titles and shows the average theater goer can only name a handful of show titles that aren’t musicals.  Bluntly put, musicals fill seats, for the most part they are less risky as well. 

Starting a new show is always an exciting time for an actor/ actress, and it’s an excitement I live for whether I’m doing tech on the show or acting in it myself. But I’ve noticed something particular happening in my theatre community.  There is inherent sexism that is prevailing over every single theatre group in my hometown.  We have about 12 different groups, and we all run into the same problem-  the shortage of men.

One thing that I have seen a lot more often around my theatre community is that people are bad mouthing their first theatre community. Sometimes we don’t realize that other people in our theatre circle are listening to what we have to say about different topics. Including this one which has so much to do with how we are viewed by others, especially potential directors you might work with in the future.

Whether you’re a big commercial theatre company, regional theater, community theater, conservatory, or high school, picking a season should never be random and thoughtless. The shows an organization produce are integral to how it's perceived by potential theater-goers. When choosing a season, it’s important to keep the actors and director in mind, as well as the type of theater-goers you’re trying to attract.

The idea of "theatre" is a fascinating concept. People actually choose to bare their souls on stage, allowing themselves and their audiences a chance to experience life through a different lens. They put their bodies and mental health into a state of constant exhaustion while learning lines, perfecting choreography, and mastering songs. We always find ourselves as theatre-lovers romanticizing over the lights of Broadway and the stars we see perform on the Tony Awards.

But what about the "unsung hero" of theatre--community theatre?