The cast warms up before rehearsal for A.C.T.’s
West Side Story
Devon Gale as the narrator in Korda’s The ‘Obbit
last December
In Windsor and Essex County, there are many ways and
places to participate in the theatre arts and pass along ideas.
From established companies such as Windsor Light Music
Theatre to Korda Artistic Productions or the newly formed
Arts Collective Theatre, each brings its own style of
production and gives everyone in the community a chance to
contribute. From direction style to material selection, the
region’s theatre community offers a diverse range of
opportunities for actors to practice their craft.
Taking part in the dramatic arts has multiple benefits in
addition to exploring your personality or spreading ideas.
From emotional and physical benefits to teamwork and social
skills, drama can positively impact children and adults at
every stage of life. Theatre can help people develop more
self-confidence through performing onstage, solve problems
quicker through improvisation and improve memory through
“rehearsing and performing words, movements and cues.”
McCurdy says the best part about theatre is you’re always
working with other people, which offers a community
atmosphere.
“Theatre can be a comfortable place to learn to do that
(speak in front of people)...there’s a lot of trust in the work
you do in theatre and there’s a lot of support for people who
are really working to try and stretch outside of themselves,”
says McCurdy.
McCurdy says it can also give people a sense of
commitment because joining a theatre production takes a lot
of work and a lot of time.
“A cast is a team, it’s a family and if you’re missing and
not doing your part, you’re letting everyone else down,” says
How to audition
Ready to take the plunge and give community theatre a try? Keep your eye on these
local production companies for news about upcoming shows and audition calls.
Windsor Light Music Theatre
Korda Productions
Theatre Ensemble
Arts Collective Theatre
Purple Theatre Company
Riverfront Theatre Company
Sun Parlour Players
u Read audition calls carefully so you
know what will be expected of you at
the audition.
u Check rehearsal and performance
schedules before auditioning so you
know if you can make the commitment.
u If cast, be prepared to also work on sets,
costuming, makeup, etc. In community
theatre, it’s usually all hands on deck!
u Don’t be afraid to ask questions.