My Hopes for Community Theatre in 2025

Sugden Community Theatre

by Chris Peterson

Community theatre has long been a vital and cherished part of the cultural landscape, offering opportunities for local artists to share their voices and for communities to forge deeper connections through the power of storytelling.

As we look ahead to 2025, I have hope for the future of community theatre. This art form has been resilient in the face of challenges, especially in the wake of the global pandemic, and it’s poised to play an even more important role in the years to come. Here are my hopes for community theatre in 2025—a future filled with creativity, inclusivity, and growth.

A Revitalization of Local Connections

In 2025, I hope that community theatres will once again become hubs of connection and unity. Theatre has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, to spark conversations, and to make individuals feel like they are part of something larger than themselves. I envision local theatres not just as places to watch performances, but as spaces where neighbors come together to create and support art. By embracing a more inclusive approach to programming—offering a wide range of shows, from beloved classics to contemporary works to original local stories—community theatres can encourage participation from a broader cross-section of the population.

Additionally, I hope community theatres will continue to evolve and embrace the idea of “theatre for everyone.” It’s not just about the performers on stage; it’s about creating an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities feel welcome to participate and enjoy the art. Whether through workshops, educational programs, or community-driven productions, the future of community theatre can be built on collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

A Focus on Diverse Stories and Representation

I hope that community theatres will embrace a wider range of voices and stories. This means not only producing works by diverse playwrights but also offering opportunities for local artists from underrepresented communities to take center stage. By embracing diversity in casting, programming, and creative leadership, community theatres can provide platforms for new, untold stories and showcase the richness of the human experience.

Community theatre has always been a space for experimentation, and I believe that it’s in these smaller, local theatres where we can see some of the most groundbreaking work when it comes to representation. By fostering a culture of inclusivity both in the stories they tell and the people they empower to tell them, community theatres can become true catalysts for social change and reflection.

Embracing Technology and Innovation

In 2025, I hope that community theatre will continue to embrace new technologies and innovative ways of engaging with audiences. While community theatre has always been about the art of live performance, there’s incredible potential to harness technology in ways that can enhance productions and expand reach.

Additionally, I hope to see more community theatres integrating multimedia elements into their productions. With advancements in lighting, projection, and sound, community theatres can create more immersive experiences that draw in audiences and enhance storytelling. Whether through projection mapping, digital set designs, or interactive audience experiences, these innovations can open up new creative possibilities for local artists and theatre-makers and can even be budget-friendly.

Theatre as a Tool for Social Change

Finally, I hope that in 2025, community theatre will continue to embrace its potential as a tool for social change. Local theatres have the ability to tackle pressing social issues, address local concerns, and give voice to those who may not otherwise have a platform. Whether through programming that highlights environmental justice, racial equity, mental health awareness, or political activism, community theatres can inspire action and create meaningful dialogue within their communities.

I hope that community theatre will continue to be a space where important conversations take place and where the power of art is used to spark change. Theatre has always been a mirror to society, and by 2025, I hope it will remain a mirror that reflects both our struggles and our triumphs, our challenges and our potential for growth.