I love the theater.

As a longtime resident of Chicagoland, I was fortunate to see many incredible productions—some featuring big-name performers—on urban and suburban stages.

Then, a few years ago, I left that world and relocated to a small, rural community about three hours west of Chicago.

“So,” you ask, “you drive back to the city for shows?”

Nope. I’ve yet to travel back to Chicago to see a show. While my little town does lack Trader Joe’s and sushi (so sad), we are not hurting for entertainment. Community theater is alive and well here—not just in my zip code, but in surrounding burgs, villages, and small cities, too.

Just this summer, I’ve seen three musicals, three plays, and an improv show—all in local venues where no one gets paid. In these productions, volunteers are onstage, offstage, and backstage, balancing weeks of rehearsals with their day jobs, home lives, and other responsibilities. They pour their hearts into a production that lasts just an evening, or perhaps a weekend or two. They do it not for fame or fortune, but for love of the theater.

Imagine if your workplace pulsed with that kind of passion.

Your workplace probably does have a few things in common with community theater:

• A cast of strangers comes together.
• Everyone learns their part …
• … then figures out how to connect their role with others.
• In short order, you’re expected to deliver a cohesive performance.

On the stage and where we work, success depends on connecting, communicating, and collaborating. So, as business leaders and communicators, let’s take a few cues from our friends in community theater. Here’s what they can teach us:

1. Everyone has a role to play.

In theater, no part is insignificant. The person who places a glass of water on a table is just as crucial as the comic lead who takes a swig then does a perfectly timed spit-take under a spotlight. If either contributor misses their mark, the whole show feels it.

In business, the same is true. Leaders, managers, and individual contributors must all know their roles, understand why those roles matter, and feel valued for being part of a larger purpose.

2. Rehearsal is not optional.

Actors practice for weeks before they step in front of an audience. They memorize lines, adjust timing and movement, and experiment with different delivery methods. Ideally, they become so immersed in the show that they can relax and feel at home in the story.

You can approach business communication this same way. High-stakes presentations, significant announcements, and sensitive conversations deserve preparation. Rehearsing not only sharpens your delivery, it shows that you respect your audience and believe in your message.

3. Listening is as important as speaking.

The most captivating actors don’t just recite their lines. They pay attention to their scene partners, listening carefully and reacting with genuine emotion to what they see, hear, and feel.

Far too many business “conversations” are one-sided. The subject matter expert who delivers a death-by-PowerPoint lecture, never noticing your confused expression. The colleague who cuts you off with a premeditated comment that sounds remarkably like what you were saying. Need I go on?

True communication requires listening and speaking. Think dialogue, not monologue. Be prepared to adjust your thoughts, words, and actions in response to what’s happening around you.

4. Diverse casts create stronger performances.

Community theater casts are delightfully diverse. A single production may include a 20-something teacher at the local preschool, a 40-something chemist who just moved to the area, a 50-something attorney from two counties over, an 80-something retiree who’s been in 18 shows, and a high school student who’s never tried acting before. This mix brings depth and interest to the show—not just for the audience, but for the cast and crew as well.

The same is true in organizations. Teams that include a wide range of perspectives are more creative and resilient, provided everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

5. The show must go on.

Mistakes happen. An actor forgets a line … or even a whole page of dialogue. The stage crew puts the umbrella beside the wrong door. The phone rings once more, after the actor has already said “hello.” But the audience doesn’t notice the chaos because the cast adapts and moves on.

At work, we face all kinds of errors and mishaps. Technology glitches. Missed deadlines. Unexpected changes in direction. Perfection is impossible, so adaptability is essential. Whether you’re leading or collaborating, master the art of improvisation, so you can sustain positive momentum, even when things start to go sideways.

6. Applause is powerful.

Community actors don’t earn a paycheck. Their reward is applause. A truly appreciative audience might even honor a performance with a standing ovation. As a person who’s taken the stage a few times, I can tell you: that heartfelt expression of approval is enough to keep me coming back to perform—more, better, again.

At work, recognition carries the same power. A simple “well done” or public acknowledgment of success fuels motivation.

It’s especially important for leaders to recognize their team members’ good work. But kudos can come from anywhere. When you notice someone’s accomplishment, say so. You’ll be fostering a healthy culture of appreciation.

Your workplace needs serious actors.

Communicating at work is a serious form of performance. Not in the sense of “putting on a show,” but in the sense of being intentional, prepared, and responsive to others. That’s what I’ve witnessed over this summer of incredible community theater productions. When people know their roles, commit to rehearsals, listen to one another, embrace diversity, adapt to change, and celebrate one another’s efforts, extraordinary things happen.

So, whenever you show up in front of your team—for meetings, presentations, conversations, creative collaborations—channel the habits of your local theater troupe. Prepare thoroughly. Listen deeply. Recognize a strong performance. And go earn that standing ovation!