Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
'Big River' Production at Risk After Community Theatre Edits Script, Removing Black Characters
“Performances of Big River are at risk after a community theater failed to cast Black actors, then removed the remaining Black characters entirely—rewriting scenes, lines, and songs without permission from the licensing company.”
OnStage Blog's Most Embarrassing Moments On Stage
“Without further ado, here are our favorite embarrassing theatre stories:”
Cast Me Already! - Why Passion Deserves a Place in Community Theatre
“I get it—talent matters. But I’d argue that desire should count for something, too. The people who keep showing up, who support productions even when they aren’t cast, who genuinely want to be a part of the experience—those people deserve a shot.”
Why I Don't Recommend Pursuing a Career in Theatre
“Theatre is a powerful art form that brings immense joy and deep connections. However, as a full-time career, it often demands more sacrifices than most people realize—financially, mentally, and physically.”
Theatre Board Member Accused of Sexual Misconduct; Allegations of Cover-Up & Retaliation Surface
“A Baton Rouge theatre artist is accusing a theatre board member of inappropriate touching. He also claims the theatre’s President and Vice President retaliated against those who reported the incident and attempted to cover it up by withholding information from the full board.”
Theatre's Struggle: Will The Next Four Years Be the Final Act?
“I hate getting political, but there’s no way around that. The climate has changed and will continue this way for the next four years. We don’t have the support that we once had.”
Why Clear Scheduling is Key in Community Theatre
“If we, as the production team, are not clearly communicating schedules, we are doing more work for ourselves when people can’t show up or cast members aren’t aware of schedule changes. It disrupts the process and the flow of productivity.”
Listening to the Crowd: How Audience Surveys Can Revitalize Community Theatre
“In today’s competitive entertainment landscape, community theatres have a unique opportunity to stand out by creating personalized, meaningful experiences. By taking the simple step of asking your audience what they want to see, you’re not just shaping a season—you’re nurturing a relationship that will sustain your theatre for years to come.”
My Hopes for Community Theatre in 2025
“As we look ahead to 2025, I have hope for the future of community theatre. This art form has been resilient in the face of challenges, and it’s poised to play an even more important role in the years to come.”
Creating Theatre Holiday Traditions at Your Community Theatre
“Whether through creative performances, festive events, or heartfelt celebrations, these traditions can become an annual highlight for your theatre and its audience.”
Spotting Red Flags During Community Theatre Auditions
“If the people running auditions seem distracted, disorganized, or just plain bored, take note.”
Nazi Demonstrators Harass Community Theatre Production of "The Diary of Anne Frank"
“There are reports coming out of Michigan where a group of demonstrators carrying Nazi flags appeared Saturday night outside a community theater performance of the "The Diary of Anne Frank".”