Abstract
A small university theatre program is examined through its relationship to the surrounding community, campus, and prospective students. The article reflects on how theatre programs in small towns may function as bridges between university and local audiences while also becoming accountable to community expectations, traditions, and tastes. Examples include a long-running summer stock company, an annual student production of A Christmas Carol, touring theatre for high school audiences, and plans for a high school arts camp. These programs are described as forms of outreach, recruitment, public service, and experiential learning, but also as sources of financial strain, artistic constraint, and administrative pressure. The article presents community engagement as both a sustaining and limiting force for small theatre programs, shaping decisions about programming, participation, audience development, and student recruitment.
Recommended Citation
Swanson, Margaret M.
(1984)
"The Concept of Community for People Working in a Theatre Program of Limited Size,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 50, Article 29.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol50/iss1/29
