Step1
Check it out! Go see a show at one of your local theater venues. Hopefully, you've got more than one place to go, unless you live in the midwest...then you probably only have one. But go see a show, hang out afterwards and try to chat up some of the cast members. See how they got involved. Basically, do some research.
Step2
Don't worry! You're probably just getting nervous at the thought of getting involved. But the good news is, that's the most nerve wrecking part. Once you start to go for it, you will lose your fear. And remember, you don't have to be Barbara Streisand, just be yourself! Local theater is very low pressure, they just want you to get involved because they love what they do and want you to have fun!
Step3
Get ready to give. Being involved in local and community theater means being willing to give. Give of your time, give of your talent, and doing so because you want to bring some joy and entertainment to your local culture. If you want money, the local theater community is the wrong place to go. But just because there is no money, that doesn't mean they won't need your dedication and time.
Step4
So, you've checked it out and you've shed your diva ways. Next, prepare for an audition. Whether there is one coming up or not. Practice one or two songs and learn a monologue. Get comfortable with some of your favorite material. It's always good to be ready. And don't worry about whether or not you can even find a piano player. All they want to know at an audition is whether or not you have a decent voice and a willingness to participate, they are usualy more than willing to hear you sing acapella.
Step5
Don't quit. It's common for people to bail on local community theater halfway through rehearsals...but that's not nice! Most of the time, people quit because they are afraid and feel inhibited. But don't worry! Find a way to relax, and sometimes the best way to do that is to just keep going forward.
Step6
Make friends. Chances are, you will be socializing with people you may not have otherwise, that's another wonderful thing about local theater. Take advantage of it. So be social, it can never hurt.
Step7
Stay involved. If you manage to audition, get a part, and see the show through, stay involved afterwards. Volunteer to usher. Tell other peole in the community about your experience and encourage them to try it for themselves! Local theater can add so much to your life and enrich your community! Really, it's just another form of volunteer work and there is nothing more precious to donate than your time.
"Sing out Louise!"
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Comments
ChantelAlise said
on 3/11/2008 I SOOOOOOOOOOOO miss this. I started a theater group when we were Germany and had more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
JMOrganizations said
on 3/2/2008 Thank you for the ideas. I am getting my daughter into theater here, so this will be helpful.
favefive said
on 12/10/2007 Great article. My daughter would like to get involved in this type of gig, great pointers :)
ctwwrites said
on 11/8/2007 This is such a useful and encouraging article. Well done, thank you!