Author: Jenn Byers
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10 Haunted Theatres in America & Their Ghost Stories
Haunted theatres combine rich history, emotional stories, and tradition steeped in superstition. From footsteps in an otherwise empty auditorium to unexplained figures appearing backstage, theatre ghost stories have passed between actors, technicians, stage managers, and volunteers for generations. And when you spend enough late nights working in old theatres, it’s easy to understand how those…
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How to Show Volunteer Appreciation
Community theatre wouldn’t exist without volunteers. Often, they’re doing it because they love theatre and want to be part of their community. That doesn’t mean their time has no value. Volunteer appreciation shouldn’t be limited to an annual banquet or a quick “thank you to our amazing volunteers!” Facebook post. It should be built into…
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How to Promote Theatre Auditions
How you announce theatre auditions influences who decides to audition, how prepared they feel, and whether they see the organization as welcoming, organized, and professional. Your audition announcement should do more than fill time slots; it should build trust with performers and encourage participation from experienced actors and first-time auditioners. Learn how to promote theatre…
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Are Community Theatre Board Members Wearing Too Many Hats?
Learn how to encourage volunteerism in your community theatre board of directors and when to let others have the spotlight. Many community theatre boards of directors do more than attend monthly meetings. Board members help build sets, run concessions, stage-manage productions, direct shows, coordinate marketing, usher patrons, and even perform on stage. Their willingness to…
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How to Create Theatre Marketing Graphics Without Generative AI
Generative AI has made creating theatre marketing graphics easy and efficient. For community theatres with small budgets, volunteer marketing teams, and limited design experience, the appeal is clear. But generative AI isn’t always the solution. There are legitimate questions surrounding generative AI in theatre, including copyright, ownership, artist compensation, and the role AI should play in…
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Navigating Theatre with Chronic Illness
Author’s Note: I’m sharing my experience to encourage more conversations about accessibility and inclusion in theatre. Every person’s health journey is different, and this article reflects my own experiences rather than medical advice. If you’ve spent any time in theatre, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “The show must go on.” It’s a sentiment I understand…
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Theatre Social Media Mistakes
Theatres often rely on volunteers, limited time, and small marketing budgets to promote productions, recruit volunteers, and announce auditions. While platforms like Facebook and Instagram make it easy to reach local audiences, many theatre posts unintentionally limit their effectiveness through common marketing mistakes. The good news? Most of these issues can be fixed with a…
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5 Alternative Places to Secure Play and Musical Rights
When community theatres, schools, and nonprofit organizations start planning a season, the conversation often begins with two major licensing companies: MTI and Concord Theatricals. While both offer extensive catalogs of popular titles, the play and musical rights can quickly strain a production budget. The good news? They’re not the only option. If your theatre is…
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Honoring Veterans in Theatre
Theatre and military service may seem like two very different worlds, but both rely on discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and trust. Across community, educational, nonprofit, and professional theatre spaces, many veterans continue to serve their communities through storytelling, creativity, and collaboration. In this post, we’re highlighting six veterans who have made an impact in theatre both…
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What Does a Stage Manager Do?
Some people think stage managers just call cues backstage during a performance. Others assume they’re the person holding the clipboard and yelling, “Places!” before the curtain. The reality is a little more complicated. A stage manager (SM) is part project manager, part executive assistant, and part soccer mom. They keep productions organized, moving, and functioning…