Finding Confidence Through Theatre

As St Stephen’s School looks forward to the second production with Joondalup Encore Theatre Society (JETS) as part of our special community engagement partnership, Sharon Joseph a long time committee member for JETS reflects on why community theatre is just so important in our society…

When most people think of theatre, they picture bright lights, colourful costumes and performers on stage. While those things are certainly part of the experience, community theatre offers a place where people of all ages come together to create something special, building lifelong friendships and developing skills that extend beyond the stage.

I’ve been fortunate to be involved in community theatre for many years, and it has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Every production brings together people from different backgrounds, professions and age groups, all working towards the same goal. It is a wonderful reminder that teamwork, commitment and creativity can achieve amazing things.

One of the greatest benefits of community theatre is the confidence it builds. Standing in front of an audience can feel daunting at first, but with encouragement and practice, even the shyest person can discover a confidence they never knew they had. That confidence doesn’t stay on stage—it carries into school, work and everyday life. Public speaking, presenting ideas and meeting new people all become much easier when you’ve learned to perform in front of hundreds of people.

Community theatre also teaches resilience. Not every audition results in the role you hoped for and sometimes things don’t go according to plan during rehearsals or performances. Learning to accept feedback, support others and keep working towards a common goal are valuable life lessons. Success isn’t about being the lead performer; every person, whether on stage, backstage, in costumes, lighting, sound or front of house, plays an essential role in bringing a production to life.

For students, theatre is an incredible way to develop communication and teamwork skills. Rehearsals require commitment, time management and responsibility. Cast members learn to trust one another, solve problems together and support each other through challenges. These are qualities that employers and universities value just as highly as academic achievement.

Perhaps my favourite part of community theatre is the friendships it creates. There is something special about spending weeks rehearsing together, celebrating opening night and sharing the excitement of a successful performance. Many of my closest friendships have been formed through theatre, and the sense of belonging it provides is something truly unique.

You don’t have to dream of becoming a professional actor to enjoy the benefits of theatre. There are opportunities for singers, dancers, musicians, artists, builders, technicians, photographers, marketers and volunteers. Every production relies on a wide range of talents, meaning there is a place for almost everyone.

If you’ve ever considered giving community theatre a try, I encourage you to take that first step. Whether you find yourself in the spotlight or behind the scenes, you’ll gain confidence, new skills and unforgettable memories. You may even discover a passion that stays with you for the rest of your life—just as it has for me.

Follow their journey or join in yourself – https://www.facebook.com/JoondalupEncore/

Joondalup Encore Theatre Society have announced their next show! ‘A Nice Family Christmas’ by Phil Olson showing this December!. Excitingly, we are on the look-out for some stellar backstage crew for our upcoming production! If you’re interested in set-dressing, set-painting/crafts, stage management, stage handling, lighting or sound – we’d love to hear from you! Keep an eye out for an expression of interest heading your way! Or for any general queries, feel free to contact us at joondalup.encore.theatre@outlook.com.