Community theatres function as a training ground for the stage-struck of all ages as much as a venue for seasoned non professionals to strut their stuff in front of live audiences. They offer a valuable service by presenting often interesting, varied and sometimes quality artistic productions to loyal hometown patrons. The blending of novices and veterans can lead to uneven performances and effects the overall quality of community theater fare.

Directors find themselves spending rehearsal time teaching as much as directing in any given production (though for many the idea of helping someone along is not considered a burden). As a whole amateurs pick up useful knowledge on a hit-or-miss basis and most require several performances to find their way. In recognizing the need to for an open forum Peninsula Community Theatre will sponsor a free series of seminars called Theatre Talk.

Starting September 9th and continuing throughout the 2006-2007 season on the second Saturday morning of each month (excluding November and December). Each two hour session will begin at 10am on a topic led by experts in that area. The second hour will be devoted to question and answer and networking.

Proceeding logically, Spetember will feature Auditions, followed in succeeding months by Theater Terminology/Backstage Etiquette, Scene Study/Monologue Preparation, Movement for Actors, Makeup and Costumes, Lighting and Set Design, and Theatrical Job Descriptions.

PCT hopes that participants will, by exploring each topic, improve their skills and, as a result, allow them to make better use of rehearsal time and enhance their opportunities in being cast and contributing to any theater production in which they are cast. By making itself home base for the series, Peninsula Community Theatre could reap some benefit as well. There has been interest in a one-act direction workshop, which may follow once Theatre Talk takes wing and makes a go of it.

PCT offers Theatre Talk as a model for the community of theater at large.