If you are speaking to a business association, then you can explain that it's in thier best interest that the local community theater does well because it bring people into the town who may then patronize other businesses in the area. For example theatres can be great for local resturants because people will often come into the town and do dinner and a show. This doesn't exactly answer the question you posed, but if you can show the value of the theatre, then it's easier to get people to volunteer/support the theatre.

I am a teen who has loved musical theater and dreamed of being on broadway since i first heard Annie when i was four. Unfortunately, both my parents have jobs and the sense not to let me waste my teen years, so the only outlet for my skills would be community theater. Volunteering for community theater is a good idea, because, 1. It helps one get out of one's comfort zone.

2. It will provide great memories for years to come.

3. Anyone can do it.

4. It sparks a creative side that people will not realize they ever had.

5. When one has worked with a group of people for so long on a show, one begins to feel a close sense of family and friendships that they would never have begun if they hadn't had a community theater available.

Hope that helps, and good luck!