If you haven't been to a community theater production recently, what are you waiting for?

Better yet, if you 've never been in a community theater production, what are you waiting for?

Community theater is always incredible. It has a few things working for it that set it apart.

The actors aren't being paid. Anyone performing in a community theater is doing it because they love it--because they want to be there. They're not there to pay the bills or make ends meet.

It's a big deal to almost everyone involved. There are no "just another show" performances. The performances might be grotesque or misguided but they are rarely wooden and boring.

You get to see young or upcoming actors.

Community Theater puts on a good show.

To be in a community theater is to finally "get" the movie Waiting for Guffman.

Joining a community theater is a great way to learn. If you can do just one production, you'll learn more about theater than you can while your butt is in a seat.

There are at least twelve community theaters spread across San Diego County.

CCT Musical Theatre, Common Ground Theatre, Community Actors Theatre, Coronado Playhouse, North Park Vaudville, OnStage Playhouse, Pacific Coast Theatre Co., Patio Playhouse, Pickwick Players, Point Loma Actors, PowPAC, San Diego Jr. Theatre.

Go check one of them out and give them some money while you're at it.