The frightening shadow of college looms over every high school student that plans to expand their education. For theater kids, there is more than just a quick essay and an application to apply. Auditions for high school productions are terrifying, just imagine college auditions! Some students may be questioning whether their high school productions will actually cut it on their resumes. For some schools, sadly, it’s not. But what else can they do? Community theater.
There are a lot of differences between high school and community productions of shows. For one, it’s a whole lot more professional! That doesn’t sound very exciting. Why do a more professional show with some people you may not know versus a production with your friends? Friends are exactly the reason! When your buddies surround you, hi-jinks will occur. Whether you’re whispering about the choreographer tripping or trying to mess up your friend on her monologue by making faces, there will be distractions! The last thing you want while working is distractions! In community theater if you cause too much distraction, you’re out! Yes, that means the annoying kid in the back won’t last long.
One of the biggest problems that currently go around in the high school theater is the issue of seniority. Yes, we all understand that the seniors don’t have much time left, so they get first pick. It’s not that big a deal. Unless, there is a sophomore who was better. If there is a better Olive Ovstrovsky than Sally the Senior, give the part to her! Seniority doesn’t exist in Community Theater In a lot of companies, there isn’t an age limit. The part goes solely to those who deserve it. For example, all three high school productions I’ve been in, I’ve been stuck in ensemble roles (which are fun, too, but you can’t blame a girl for wanting a lead or secondary character every once in a while!). But the two community productions I’ve performed in so far, I’ve gotten my first roles, secondary and primary!
A lot of students in high school drama don’t end up perusing a performing arts career. But a lot of people who do community theater want to do theater for the rest of their lives! When these credits are put on a resume, you look a whole lot better! You will have roles that thicken up the credits portion of the resume, rather than having four credits of ensemble and an understudy job.
Yes, a lot of theaters require tuition to perform, have weird rehearsal times, and probably fewer rehearsals, but all of this is worth it for the good that it will bring you! If the money is an issue, there are nonprofit theaters in almost any town that does community theater. So, I encourage you: check out your local community theaters and get involved with your town’s arts scene! You won’t be sorry.
Photo via Spirit of Omaha