community theatre

Community theatre refers to acting in or producing plays for enjoyment rather than as a profession. It can also describe the plays produced by such groups or the small theaters where they perform.1

While the term is sometimes used interchangeably with "civic theatre," which is a professional or amateur theater subsidized by its city, community theatre specifically emphasizes non-commercial, locally based groups. These groups are often amateur, though they may have a professional manager-director. Community theatre is a way for individuals to engage with the performing arts on a local level, fostering a shared appreciation for drama within the community.2