Community Theatre Handbook

 

I have been reading as much as I can to try and reinforce my growing knowledge base with as much relevant information as I can. I blogged before about the book by Petra Kuppers 'Community Performance: an introduction, which had reflective exercises throughout which were really useful. I have just finished another really useful book, 'The Community Theater Handbook' by Gary P.Cohen.


This book gives a step by step guide for everything you would need to know if you were considering setting up your own theatre company, and I would say it is an essential read. 


The book gives breakdowns in each chapter of: 

• The Theatre Building- giving examples of different types of buildings and stages, as well as theatre terminology and other areas which you may need to know about in the theatre.
• Personnel- a breakdown of the different roles which could be needing within the theatre company setting, such as creative staff, crew, board members and office staff.
• Securing the Rights- how to go about the legalities of putting on shows.
• Planning the season (term)- planning what you will aim to do for that specific term, how you will advertise and get people to the theatre.
• Auditions and Rehearsals- how you will generate interest, publicise your company, and how to handle planning of rehearsals, length etc. 
• Technical Aspects- lights, costume, props, set design. 
• The role of the Director- how to direct, how to lead a group, dealing with obstacles.
• Essentials- any other thing you would need to know.