What Is Community Theatre? How Local Groups Work and How to Join
Community theatre is a local, non-professional theatre group where members of a community produce plays and performances together, usually as volunteers. It differs from professional theatre in that participants are typically not paid, and it differs from school drama in that it is open to adults of all backgrounds. If you want to act, direct, build sets, or simply watch live theatre close to home, a community group is often the most accessible entry point. Franklin Players, based in Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg, is one example of this model.
How community theatre differs from professional and amateur theatre
The three terms overlap, but the distinctions matter when you are deciding where to spend your time.
| Dimension | Community theatre | Professional theatre | Amateur/school theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who participates | Local residents, all experience levels | Trained, hired practitioners | Students or enrolled members |
| Payment | Usually unpaid/volunteer | Paid contracts | Unpaid, part of a programme |
| Who decides the season | Committee or group vote | Producer/artistic director | Teachers or faculty |
| Main goal | Participation, community, expression | Commercial or artistic product | Education and grades |
| Entry route | Open auditions or volunteering | Auditions, agents, credentials | Enrolment |
The practical takeaway: community theatre prioritises access and involvement over credentials. You do not need a drama degree to walk into an audition.
Typical activities in a community theatre group
A group like Franklin Players, which describes itself as providing a platform for creative expression and community development through the arts, generally runs a cycle of activities across a year:
- Productions — full staged plays or shows, usually the main focus.
- Auditions — open calls where anyone can read for a role.
- Rehearsals — recurring evening or weekend sessions leading up to a run.
- Festivals — one-act play festivals or similar events, which the group's own keywords reference.
- Backstage and front-of-house roles — set building, costumes, lighting, sound, props, publicity, box office, and ushering.
The last category is the most underrated. If you are not ready to perform, these roles still put you inside the production and are usually the fastest way in.
How to find a community theatre group near you
- Search by area plus the term. For example, "community theatre Roosevelt Park" or "community theatre Johannesburg" surfaces local groups directly.
- Check the group's own site. Franklin Players' site (franklin.org.za) is the authoritative source for its current activities, auditions, and contact details.
- Look at what they have actually staged. A group's past productions tell you more about its style and scale than any description.
- Ask about the next open event. Auditions and festivals are the natural first contact points.
How to audition or volunteer with little or no experience
The steps below apply to most community groups; confirm specifics with the group you contact.
- Find the audition notice. Groups publish these on their site or social channels. Note the date, venue, and whether you need to prepare anything.
- Prepare the minimum. If a monologue or reading is requested, choose something short and rehearse it aloud. If nothing is specified, expect a cold read from the script.
- Arrive early and sign in. You will usually be given a form with your contact details and any experience.
- Read, take direction, and be yourself. Directors at this level are assessing whether you are reliable and receptive, not whether you are polished.
- If you are not cast, ask about backstage roles. This is the standard route from spectator to participant.
- For volunteering, state your practical skills. Carpentry, sewing, design, admin, and social media are all in demand.
What to expect: no payment for your time, a real time commitment during rehearsal periods, and a social group that depends on people showing up.
Costs, time commitment, and what to expect
- Costs: Community theatre is volunteer-based, so participation is generally not a paid service. Any membership fees, ticket prices, or production contributions are set by each group — check directly rather than assuming. Franklin Players' site does not publish pricing details, so contact the group for current information.
- Time: Rehearsals typically run over several weeks to a few months before a production, often on weekday evenings and weekends. Backstage work can be more flexible or more intense close to opening night.
- As an audience member: You get local, affordable live theatre and a direct connection to the people on stage. Ticket and booking details come from the group itself.
Why groups like Franklin Players matter
Franklin Players is a community theatre group based in Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg, providing a platform for creative expression and community development through the arts. That description captures the core function of the model: it gives local people a structured way to make theatre together, whether they are on stage, backstage, or in the audience. If you are in the area and curious, the group's site is the place to check for auditions, productions, and how to get involved.