Business Details
44 Years
experience
Community Theater in San Diego | Community Actor's Theatre
Community Actor's Theatre has been a cornerstone of San Diego's cultural landscape since our founding in 1982. As a non-profit all-volunteer organization, we provide accessible theatrical experiences that empower local playwrights, actors, and audiences. Our mission extends beyond entertainment to include educational drama workshops for all ages, fostering creative expression through community talent showcases. Housed in a renovated 1998 facility in Oak Park, we maintain a strong commitment to accessibility and grassroots artistic development.With over four decades of service, we continue to produce three annual productions while maintaining our status as a tax-exempt entity since 1984. Our organization has weathered numerous challenges to become a trusted cultural institution, staging performances in schools, churches, and senior centers throughout the region. Through initiatives like our annual Juneteenth Celebration and fundraising cruises, we remain dedicated to serving diverse audiences while preserving the transformative power of live theater.
Services
Theater Productions
Youth Drama Workshops
Community Events
Open Mic Nights
Fundraising Cruises
Audition Opportunities
Cultural Celebrations
Theater Rentals
Volunteer Programs
Donation Programs
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Non-profit organization serving San Diego since 1982
- Offers educational drama workshops for all ages
- Maintains handicapped-accessible theater facility
- Produces three annual community-focused productions
- Hosts diverse cultural events like Juneteenth Celebration
What people say
Top cultural destination
Excellent youth programs
Community-focused events
Accessible facility
Services
Theater Productions
Community Actor's Theatre produces professional theatrical performances showcasing local talent. Our rotating season includes dramas, comedies, and musicals suitable for all ages. Each production provides opportunities for community members to participate as performers, crew members, or audience patrons.
Youth Drama Workshops
Our educational drama workshops develop theatrical skills in children and adults. Participants learn acting techniques, stagecraft, and performance skills through structured instruction. Graduates often appear in our mainstage productions and community outreach programs.
Community Events
We host annual cultural celebrations including the Juneteenth Community Celebration and fundraising cruises. These events feature music, dance, poetry, and educational components that promote community engagement and cultural awareness through artistic expression.
Open Mic Nights
Monthly open mic events allow performers to share poetry, comedy, music, and other acts. Participants receive 7-12 minutes of stage time with audience members enjoying diverse entertainment options. The program encourages creative expression across multiple artistic disciplines.
Volunteer Opportunities
As an all-volunteer organization, we offer numerous ways to participate in theater operations. Volunteers contribute to productions, administrative tasks, and facility maintenance while gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of theater management and performance.
People
Jennie L. Hamilton
Director
Founder and director of Community Actor's Theatre since 1982. Retired San Diego Unified School District teacher with 27 years of educational experience. Led theater company through facility renovations and expansion of community programs.
Gloria Ann Knight
Founding Member
Original instructor and director who guided CAT's early development. Former educator with extensive theater experience, instrumental in establishing the organization's educational mission and production standards.
W.B. (Dub) Hicks
Founding Member
Co-founder and first president of Community Actor's Theatre. Key organizer during the company's formative years, helping establish operational structure and production schedules that shaped the organization's early direction.
Questions
What types of productions does CAT perform?
We produce dramas, comedies, and musicals for adult and youth audiences. Our rotating season includes classic plays, contemporary works, and original productions developed through our community workshops.
How can I participate in CAT productions?
Submit headshots and resumes for auditions, volunteer for crew positions, or join our educational workshops. All experience levels are welcome to participate in our community-focused theater programs.
Are there age requirements for performances?
Our youth programs accept participants ages 7-15. Open Mic Nights welcome performers ages 9-100. Adult roles and volunteer positions have no upper age limits for participation.
Does CAT offer educational programs?
Yes, we provide drama workshops for all ages focusing on acting techniques, stagecraft, and performance skills. These programs develop local talent and prepare participants for roles in our mainstage productions.
How is CAT funded?
We operate through donations, ticket sales, and fundraising events like our annual Hawaii/Tahiti cruise. Contributions range from $30 memberships to $10,000+ super benefactor donations that support our ongoing operations.
Is the theater accessible to disabled patrons?
Our facility is fully handicapped accessible with features including wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated seating areas to accommodate all audience members.
