About Wisconsin theater spotlight

Community theater: A local treasure

Here in Wisconsin – especially in southeast Wisconsin – we are fortunate to be surrounded by an abundance of first-rate theater, and not just professional theater.  The quality of community theater has been steadily rising, providing locals with outstanding entertainment.

At Wisconsin Theater Spotlight, you’ll find reviews of many of the area’s community theaters, showcasing local talent (and occasionally of professional theater and films).

It wasn’t too long ago that the gap between community and professional theater was wide. Today, local groups such as Lake Country Playhouse, Waukesha Civic Theatre, Sunset Playhouse and many others are attracting talented, dedicated casts and crews whose passion has elevated community theater standards.

The smaller venues of most community theaters provide opportunities for audiences to have a more intimate relationship with the performers—a relationship not easily available in large auditoriums. The ability to see nuances like facial gestures and small movements adds to a patron’s theatrical experience. Often in these small venues, the feeling is that of a voyeur peeking into bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms of characters. Another bonus of your town’s community theater is convenient parking and virtually no traffic issues.

With interest in theater growing -- evidenced by the strong drama departments at area high schools and programs for youths popping up and filling up – the future looks bright for stages to be set with wonderful performances for years to come.

So, I invite you to plan a night or afternoon at the theater. Sure, you can probably get a video of any show, but there’s nothing like that personal interaction with performers that no electronic device can duplicate.

Check out Wisconsin Theater Spotlight for reviews of current, as well as past, shows. You’ll also find a smattering of movie reviews, including unique he-said, she said perspectives.

I look forward to your comments.

See you at the theater!

Marilyn Jozwik