When I auditioned for my first show with The Regals Musical Society (Carrie, 2023), I was hoping for a fun creative outlet, the thrill of performing again after many, many several years, and maybe even a few new friends. What I didn’t expect was to find myself part of something much bigger—a community built on passion, collaboration, and something called membership.
I’ll be honest: at first, I wasn’t sure what being a “member” of a community theatre company really meant. Was it just a formality? A fee I had to pay to be in the show? But over the course of rehearsals, tech runs, and performances, I started to understand: being part of a membership-based organisation like The Regals isn’t just about performing—it’s about belonging.
What Does “Membership” Actually Mean?
In a community theatre setting, being a member means you’re more than just a castmate or crew member. You’re an official part of the organisation—a valued contributor to its present and its future.
At The Regals, this means you pay a small annual fee, which goes straight back into the running of the society. In return, you’re invited to be involved in key decisions, vote at general meetings, and even help elect the committee that oversees how the society is run.
It’s about giving performers, creatives, and supporters a voice in the theatre they love. It’s about building something together.
Why It Matters (Even if You’re Just Here to Perform)
When I first joined the cast, I figured membership was mostly a technicality. But the more time I spent with The Regals, the more I realised how important it is to the heartbeat of community theatre. Here’s why:
1. It Keeps the Show on the Road—Literally
Membership fees help fund the less glamorous, behind-the-scenes essentials: rehearsal spaces, insurance, scripts, royalties, and venue hire. Without that support, putting on a full-scale musical wouldn’t be possible.
2. It Builds a Stronger, More Connected Cast
Being a member made me feel like I wasn’t just in this show—I was part of this company, this society. It created a sense of investment and pride that extended beyond opening night. I wasn’t just showing up for me—I was showing up for us. The Regals has such a colourful history of amazing casts and volunteers – I was joining a legacy of hundreds of members spanning decades!
3. It Gives You a Say
Have ideas for a future show? Want to see more opportunities for performers of different ages or backgrounds? As a member, you’re encouraged to share your voice, shape the direction of the company, and help create the kind of theatre you believe in.
4. It Fosters Growth—Both Artistic and Personal
Members often get access to workshops, special events, and early audition opportunities. But even beyond that, there’s a deep sense of personal development that comes from being part of a bigger picture. You’re not just here to sing your solo—you’re here to help build something that lasts.
Membership in Action: What I’ve Seen First-Hand
What struck me most about The Regals is how invested everyone is—onstage, offstage, and behind the scenes. There’s a feeling that we’re all in this together. When someone needs help with harmonies, someone else steps in. When the set needs another coat of paint, there’s a volunteer ready to go. That spirit comes from a sense of shared ownership—and membership is a big part of that.
Since joining, I’ve met people who started as cast members and now help design sets, manage front-of-house, or sit on the committee. Everyone’s journey looks different, but the common thread is the love for theatre and the desire to keep it alive.
Thinking of Joining a Show? Go All In.
If you’re considering auditioning for a Regals production—or any community theatre show—my advice is this: say yes to more than just the part. Say yes to being a member. Say yes to becoming part of a legacy. You’ll not only support the theatre, but you’ll also deepen your connection to the community around it.
And who knows? You might walk into your first rehearsal just hoping to land a role and leave with a new passion, new friends, and a place that feels like home.
Final Bow
Being a cast member is about telling stories. But being a member of a community theatre society like The Regals means you’re helping write the story of the society itself.
It’s not just about this show, or this season. It’s about building a future where community theatre can thrive—where there’s always another curtain to rise, another song to sing, and another new face to welcome into the fold.
So come for the show. Stay for the community. Join us, not just on stage, but as part of the heart that keeps The Regals beating.
-KC Fonzi
The Regals Musical Society member since 2023
Committee Member 2024-2025
Want to become a member of The Regals Musical Society? Visit TheRegals.com.au to learn more. We’d love to have you as part of our story!