MACT

Live theatre positively impacts neighborhoods to major metropolitan areas across the United States unlike any other arts and culture genre. It requires the creativity of dedicated volunteers – ticket takers to actors, designers to directors – to produce high quality live shows that entertain audiences, leave a lasting impression and provoke important societal conversations. Live theatre allows the community to participate in the performing arts as a patron, participant or student.

Theatre changes lives in our communities. Here are five ways this vital genre fosters creativity, grows economies, strengthens families and more.

Empowerment for all

Live theatre provides everyone with the opportunity to express themselves on a judgement-free stage. That’s not just a chance afforded to people auditioning for shows. It extends to lighting designers, directors, costume designers, choreographers and more. Volunteer opportunities are available at your local theatre, and there’s a place for everyone!

Productions are the path toward freedom of expression. Harnessing inner creativity helps us learn about ourselves, build personal confidence, take risks and be an advocate for an array of differing voices within our communities.

Promoting education and creativity

Productions are the perfect educational incubator, since teamwork is a key component for every act performed onstage. It’s an environment in which children can learn how to interact with their peers, explore creativity and achieve a common goal. This is a vital experience that helps fill an expanding educational gap since K-12 schools’ arts budgets have been shrinking by the year.

A 2019 report from the National Endowment for the Arts also cited one study that suggested children engaged in a three-year performing arts program exhibited a more optimistic outlook toward their futures including planning for college.

A spark for social change

High quality live theatre offers a unique vantage point for audiences, allowing people to be fully immersed in the life story of the characters they’re watching. These performances include emotional situations and cultural issues that open the door for important discussions about society.

Theatre can open the door to understanding relevant issues affecting society and motivate people to champion change.

Joining a ‘family’

Live theatre is a shared experience between audiences and cast members, whether you’re heavily involved behind the curtain or in front of the crowd.

For the cast, community theatre is a support system. Many volunteer actors called it a “family” in talking about their experience. The bonds formed at your local community theatre last a lifetime.

Evolving – and entertaining

You’ll never see the same performance twice. It’s authentic and different every night. Cast members undergo a unique experience during each show – and that creates entertaining, unduplicatable moments for the audience.

Live theatre leaves lasting impressions on everyone, which is why its preservation remains important for growth within communities nationwide!