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Behind the Curtain — How Community Theatre Really Works

🎭 Welcome to the Series!

By KC Fonzi

If you’ve ever been captivated by the lights, music, and magic of a Regals Musical Society production, you’re not alone. But while the show might last only a few months, the work that makes it happen goes on all year round.

This blog series is a peek behind the curtain—into the heart, structure, and community that keep local theatre thriving. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a curious newcomer, or someone who just loves the arts, these posts are here to share what community theatre is really made of (spoiler: it’s a lot of passion, admin, teamwork… and popcorn).

We’ll explore the roles people play offstage, the importance of being a member, how our finances work, and why volunteers are absolutely essential.

We hope this series helps you feel more connected, more informed—and maybe even a little more inspired to get involved. After all, theatre is a group activity. And there’s a place for everyone!

📚 Table of Contents

How Community Theatre Really Works – A Blog Series by KC Fonzi, Chelsea Holland, and various members of The Regals Musical Society

🔹 1. Foundational Structure & Governance

  1. Understanding Membership-Based Organisations in Community Theatre
    What it means to be part of a membership-based society and why it matters.
  2. The Constitution: The Guiding Document of Community Theatre
    Why every society needs one, and how it keeps things fair and transparent.
  3. AGMs: More Than Just a Formality
    What actually happens at an AGM, how you can participate, and why it matters.
  4. DGR, Charity, and Incorporation: What It All Means
    An explainer of the difference between being an incorporated association, a registered charity, and having DGR status (and yes—we do!).
  5. Understanding Our Membership Types
    A breakdown of our member categories, benefits, and what your fees support.
  6. A Cast Member’s Perspective on Membership
    The performer’s point of view on being a financial member and part of the community.
  7. Financial Sustainability in Community Theatres: The Role of Membership Fees, Sponsorships and Donations
    → How we keep the lights on without a commercial model.

🔹 2. The People Who Make It Happen

  1. The Heartbeat of Community Theatre: Why Volunteers Are Essential
    → Exploring how vital volunteers are, and the many ways to get involved.
  2. Behind the Scenes: The Role of the Committee in Community Theatre
    → A look at how the committee keeps the society running, year-round.
  3. Leading Roles Offstage: President, Secretary & Treasurer Explained
    → What the “big three” committee positions actually do behind the scenes.
  4. The Power of Many: Supporting Roles that Keep the Society Going
    Advertising, Front of House, Fundraising, Tech, and more—how you can help even if you’re not on the committee.
  5. Burnout in Community Theatre: Why We Need More Hands on Deck
    A heartfelt post about committee fatigue and how even small acts of help can make a big impact.
  6. What Does It Mean to ‘Wind Up’ a Society?
    A look at how organisations responsibly close, even though The Regals is not going anywhere!