The performing arts are a much under-appreciated art form. Unless, of course, it's Broadway. Big, money-making musicals are all well and good, but what about classic straight plays? There's a whole world of theatre that most people have never experienced, and it is such a shame! Straight plays are extremely powerful, when done well.

Why should you do it?

Theatre teaches you everything from performance values and voice projection to the complex history of different time periods and it's common items as well as emotional balance and catharsis. Performing is an experience that helps all of you as a person grow. You're taught how to bring emotions from within and channel them into a beautiful art. You're taught confidence and time management and how to work as a team. It is a life changing experience that you'll never understand unless you do it!

Doing technical theatre is similar. You experience things you never thought you would, because each show requires a specific and unique set of knowledge and skills. It's a "learn as you go" type of thing", and that's the best! You gain physical and emotional strength all well learning incredibly marketable skills- how to light people, props and set properly, how to design and rig sound, and a plethora of other things such as learning construction skills and computer tech skills.

Why should you see it?

When you see a play, you are contributing to multiple things. You are contributing to an art form that has been around for thousands of years, and can only continue with your help. You are supporting each individual dream of every person putting on a show. You are also, and most poignantly, having a shared emotional experience with everyone in that theatre. Actors, produces, directors and tech people are all putting in their time, energy and all other resources to create an incredible emotional experience, for you. So go and take advantage of it! So go buy tickets and make some little girl or boy's future career possible. Go buy tickets and make some person's current dream possible. Go buy tickets and experience the most complex, powerful, and wonderful art form there is!