Theater: All of the world's a stage

When you hear the word theater, your mind usually goes to the movie theater. You think about which movie to see and wonder if you want popcorn or not. Sometimes, you think about how crowded the place might be and who you might see there. But, do you ever think about going to a theater to see a play or a musical?

For many people, a theater is about the movies but for members of local civic theaters, it's about the art and the craft that goes into a production. It's about the words coming to life.

"[It's about] those moments when you're up on stage with the actors, figuring things out, and it's just all *working*. Love that." Miranda Prince states. Prince no longer is involved with theater but she was a long time volunteer at ACT.

"I do theater for a number of reasons" Cheryl Nye, a local volunteer at Albany Civic Theater. "The family connections and friendships, the creativity of it and to give back to the community."

Cheryl, like many other members of ACT, feels as if she is a part of something bigger, something that helps bring art to our community.

Encouraging people to get involved is the easy part, the part that is difficult is extending your hand and love to the people that decide they want to become part of the theater.

"I love the comradery" said June Buechting, who was a part of Flinn's Dinner Theater. 

The idea of finding friends that become like family is something that theater brings. It's not just about the art but about the bond that each person shares. Like ACT, Flinn's was a great way to give back to the community. LBCC also has a theater that many people have been able to find a release of creativity in.

Getting involved with theater doesn't just mean getting on stage, in fact, there is so much more that happens than just acting. As you head into a theater, you see people dressed all in black or the box office person selling tickets, you see ushers seating people.

There are many ways to get involved. Just head down to ACT or LBCC's theater and ask how to volunteer because you never know, it may be something that you will enjoy.

At a Glance:

     Other theaters in our area:

Corvallis Community Theater in Corvallis, Oregon

Majestic Theater in Corvallis, Oregon

Pentacle Theater in Salem, Oregon