My 11yo does that. Maybe not the same, but what I notice is that they’re super serious. It’s not just “a fun time with friends” it’s actually hard work with deadlines and pressure, especially during the last weeks of rehearsal. In those last weeks, all parents have to help out. If you don’t you’ll get angry letters (not actually, but everyone does pitch in)

She loves it though and even blows off birthday parties because Friday night is theater night

Also… my colleague 's girlfriend (probably around 23 yo) is starting her own theatre school. That shows you how much passion these people have. It’s definitely worth. Checking it out. If you enjoy, you’ll properly enjoy it.

I did a ton of it years ago. It can be loads of fun, as long as you go in with reasonable expectations.

There’s a lot to do, whether or not you get a part on stage. For example, many theaters need volunteers to help with sound, lighting, set design, etc. and are happy to train you to help.

And the part about reasonable expectations: all-volunteer organizations can have a wide variety of people - with a wide variety of skills. For example, every theater has at least one person in a high position who doesn’t know what the fuck they’re doing and who plays politics.

Focus on what you yourself are getting out of it, and how you can help others. If you do that, it’s easier to do good work, learn things, and enjoy yourself.

Ask them. That will also give you a feel for how welcoming they are to newcomers.

You might consider taking a class before jumping into auditions. Theater groups and community colleges are good places to look for classes. The people that teach are likely connected to the community theaters.

Well, you should be able to do some short performance, pantomime or improve. Basically, to show them, that you can act. Or they can give you some text or role and ask you, to perform it as best you can with or without preparation.

I’ve done it, super fun, break a leg.

Eh, kind of.

Truth be told, it’s a lot of fun even when you’ve got maybe two lines (hence the kinda lol).

The program I tried out was very relaxed. The lady in charge kept everything focused on doing a good show, with the players that were there. So even noobs, an experimenter like me that just wanted to try it once, and the ones there just to avoid boredom after their kids went to college all got to be active parts of the play.

But I’ve got friends from that, and some of the stories I’ve heard made me realize how lucky it was she was in charge.

If you show up prepared, do the work, and don’t do it half-assed, you’ll be fine though. Worst case, they don’t have anything for you to do on stage, so you end up in the crew helping out.

For me, it was all about trying something I’d never done before. The director knew that, and gave me a role fitting for that level of interest, then took me up on my willingness to play gofer and move heavy things. I had a ton of fun, and the show ended up well attended.

I worked behind the scenes in community theatre before finally stage managing a production of Twelfth Night.

It was fun—lots of fun—but it’s also a major time sink if you’re really into it.

No