Community Theatre is a very popular form of theatre in which all or most of the participants are unpaid or "amateur" in the most literal definition of the word. Community theatre generally resembles professional theatre in all ways except in the unpaid nature of the artists. Though community theatres are generally more traditional in nature, all forms of theatre are practiced in these non-professional venues. They are especially well known for producing musical theater and children's theater. It is not a technical definition; many companies that are made up of unpaid members do not identify themselves as community theatre; usually the distinction between a "standard" theatre group and a community theatre is made by the company itself. Community theatre provides the opportunity for diverse individuals, many of them in other professions, to create plays and have the satisfaction of being part of an active social and artistic community. Often this involves individuals who have little or no background in theatre or the arts but who wish to get involved and to develop skills in theatre.

Community theatre is often ridiculed or lampooned, reputed to have lower quality than professional theatre. However, a great number of community theatres are respected establishments in their community, and the great majority of professional artists in the theatre report that they began their career in non-professional theatre.

There is a growing number of community theatre companies and groups that sponsor the writing, production and performance of original theatrical and dramatic work, as opposed to the usual performance of well-know musicals and plays. These original works often involve local writers who have a strong sense of the community in which they work, and whose work touches on themes relevant to community-based audiences.

Community theatres range in size from small groups led by single individuals performing in borrowed spaces, to large year round companies with elaborate well equipped theatres of their own. Many community theatres are successful non-profit businesses with a large active membership and, in some cases, a full time professional staff. Because the performers and other artists are also involved in other aspects of their community, non-professional theatre can develop a broad base of support and attendance among those who might not normally patronize the professional arts. Community theatre is in fact well documented as being the most widely attended venue for theatre in America and Australia.

Community theatre is often seen as adding to the social capital of a community, in that it develops the skills, community spirit and artistic sensibilities of those involved. It can also create a place for debate, self-expression and interactivity that is important for the health of a community. When this involves children, for example, it can disarm problems with delinquency and bring a forum for youth to have a say.

SEE ALSO: Pro-Am Community Theatre.