How to Get Involved in Community Theatre Even If You Don’t Act
Think theatre's only for starlets and drama queens?
Think again! Community theatre is like an iceberg; you only see the actors, but it's all the hidden support that keeps the whole show afloat.
At Theatre Huntsville, you don’t need a dramatic monologue, just passion and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.
Here are seven ways to get involved with our community theatre without getting on stage.
1. Volunteer at a Work Day
Looking to be part of the magic without memorizing lines or committing a lot of time? Join us for a work day to build scenery, paint sets, sew costumes, or wrangle props.
These roles are the unsung heroes of every show, and let's face it, glue guns are cooler than stage lights.
Not sure when to come help out? Check out our calendar for upcoming opportunities.
We can also send you a weekly summary of our upcoming volunteer work days, auditions, and other fun stuff to make life easier. Sign up here.
2. Join the Backstage Crew
From lighting to sound, stage management to backstage run crew duties, there’s a spot for every skill set behind the curtain.
Typically, signing on for a tech crew position (like helping with set changes or make up) only involves you being there during Tech Week and the show’s performances. Other positions, like stage manager, need you to be present during rehearsals, which typically start 6 to 8 weeks before the show.
No need to act like you're invisible; these roles make the actors look good (literally and figuratively).
3. Flex Your Creativity
Want a more involved role? Our Creative Teams always need designers.
These roles include Costume Designer, Director, Lighting Designer, Scenic Designer, Props Master, and more. Someone purposefully chose everything you see on our stage, and we could always use more talented folks.
You don’t have to be a pro to fill these roles or be the principal designer. You can assist with props, costumes, or directing. Who knows, you may like it so much that you want to take the lead one show.
4. Pitch in at The Office
Theatre Huntsville operates with a very small staff, which means we can always use help in our office.
Everything from answering the phones to making copies to selling tickets, helps give our staff more time to see to the business of running a theatre company (and there’s A LOT of it!)
5. Spread the Word
No megaphone required, just your voice.
Tell your friends about our organization, share our social media posts, and invite folks to our shows.
A quick “Hey, let’s check out this show!” can make a world of difference.
6. Attend & Engage
Maybe you're not wielding a brush or hammer, but you can be front-and-center by showing up. After all, what’s theatre without an audience to perform to?
Buy a ticket (or better yet, bring a group of friends and get discounted tickets), applaud during the show, and smile big.
7. Fund the Magic
Theatre Huntsville, like most communnity theatres, is a nonprofits, and that means we rely on donations to keep our lights on, sets built, and actors in costumes.
A lot goes into producing shows from purchasing scripts to lumber and paint for sets to paper to print promotional posters. We count on the support of our community to bring our productions to life.
There are so many ways to give to Theatre Huntsville:
Sponsor a show
Advertise in our playbills
Make a recurring donation
Donate materials
Sponsor a cast meal
Donations ensure the next act and the act after that, too. See how you can give today.
Final Curtain (but not really)
Whether you’re wielding a paintbrush, pushing props, liking social posts, or cheering from the front row, your contribution sells more than tickets. It builds community.
If you don’t act, that’s okay because without folks like you, the show simply wouldn’t go on.