JON LASH
BOARD PRESIDENT
CARLSBAD COMMUNITY THEATRE
What happens onstage at a theatrical performance is often described as magic. When most of us attend a live theater production, we sit in anticipation of the opening scene. Then, when the curtain rises, we are drawn into a make-believe world for two hours of singing, dancing and dialogue that bring smiles, cheers and even tears. But many don’t really know what it takes to bring a show to life onstage.
In order to create this magic, it all begins a year prior, before the show is cast and a creative team sets their vision of bringing a well-known story to life. At Carlsbad Community Theatre, the year starts by searching for venues, selecting shows and asembling creative teams. These activities are driven by an all-volunteer board dedicated to supporting the performing arts in our community. This board of committed volunteers contributes over
9,000 hours a year preparing for opening nights.
Besides a devoted board, we also depend on community volunteers that spend over 6,000 hours on rehearsals, set preparation, program design, costumes and props. This doesn’t include the hours of the tech crew, backstage monitors and hair and make-up team. Don’t forget the ushers and concessionaires at intermission who all help to create a special experience for the audience.
This August, Carlsbad Community Theatre, which has offered performing arts opportunities for 36 years in Carlsbad and the surrounding region, brings the beloved Seussical The Musical to the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center. We couldn’t continue our efforts without the community stepping in and helping us.
If you’ve never had the chance to volunteer at a theater performance, we encourage you to do so. You’ll have a new appreciation and understanding of what it takes to stage a live show; what happens backstage is magic in itself. While the audience watches a performance, there is another equally impressive show taking place backstage. Tech crew racing to get the next scene ready and actors scurrying around for their next entrance.
Serving as a volunteer or a board member of a nonprofit organization offers new perspectives and insights on the road traveled to achieve the goal of keeping the arts as an essential element
of daily life. Volunteers and board members bring experience and expertise that often assist an arts organization to deepen its impact within the community. By supporting an organization as a board member or volunteer, you will find that you get more than you give.
So, the next time you enjoy a live performance, possibly featuring one of your children, a friend or neighbor, just remember the magic you are enjoying is a direct result of the work of a dedicated board of directors and many volunteers that aren’t in the spotlight, but certainly deserve to take a bow!
Editor’s Note: Culture Buzz is a joint effort of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the Carlsbad Arts Commission and the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office. This monthly column focuses on sharing the perspective of artists, arts leaders and arts organizations, unified by a shared goal to enhance and expand the role of the arts in our community.