CLIPBOARD : HOW TO JOIN A COMMUNITY THEATER

“It’s strange how the (acting) bug gets you,” reflected Wil Thompson, president of the Irvine Community Theater.

It bit Kevin Costner . . . hard. In fact, the Academy Award-winning actor/director is a graduate of an Orange County community theater. In 1978 he played a secondary role in Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse’s production of Invitation to a March .

“At first I didn’t remember him,” said Pati Tambellini, who directed Costner in the Arthur Laurents play. “It was obvious to his co-star, though, that (Costner) was going to go on. He was dedicated, intense and definitely here to improve his craft.”

Improving one’s acting skills is only one reason people join community theater. Those involved thrive on the camaraderie, love of the genre, making new friends and the sheer excitement and adrenaline rush of a putting on a stage production. But community theater doesn’t just get one involved--it consumes. There’s plenty to do--from acting, directing, costuming and set construction to ushering and selling tickets.

So how does one join community theater?

“It’s pretty easy,” said Terry Hanrahan, a founding member and former president of the La Habra Community Theatre. “You walk in and say, ‘What can I do?’ The better question is,” she said with a laugh, “‘How do I get out?’ ”

For those with an acting itch to scratch, here is a list of community theaters full of the similarly afflicted:

Ana-Modjeska Players

Free to join. No permanent home yet. Call to find out about membership and auditions.

P.O. Box 3354, Anaheim 92803

(714) 991-4135

Buena Park Civic Theatre

Free to join. Auditions are announced through fliers, press notices, Drama Log, the Fine Arts program of the city of Buena Park, and mailing lists.

8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park 90620

(714) 821-1394

Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse

$7 per year to join. Auditions are announced through the member newsletter, newspapers and Drama Log.

661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa 92627

(714) 650-5269

Cypress Civic Theatre

Free to join. Auditions are announced through fliers and newspapers.

5700 Orange Ave., Cypress 90630

(714) 229-6796

Garden Grove Community Theatre

$5 per year to join. Auditions are announced through fliers, newspapers, programs and Drama Log.

P.O. Box 5991, Garden Grove 92645-5991

(714) 897-5122

Huntington Beach Playhouse

$5 per year to join. Auditions are announced through Drama Log and mailings.

21141 Strathmoor Lane, Huntington Beach 92646

(714) 832-1405

Irvine Community Theater

Free to join. Auditions are announced through Drama Log, various newspapers and fliers.

12 Fuchsia, Irvine 92714

(714) 857-5496

Laguna Playhouse

Free to join. Auditions are announced via bulk mailings.

606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 91651

(714) 494-0743

La Habra Community Theatre

Free to join. Auditions are announced through mailing lists and Drama Log.

311 S. Euclid Ave., La Habra 90631

(213) 691-5693

Newport Theatre Arts Center

Free to join. Auditions are announced through Drama Log and newspapers. 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach 92663

(714) 631-0288

Stanton Community Theatre

$6 per year to join. Auditions are announced through mailing lists, word-of-mouth or information available by calling the Stanton Recreation and Leisure Services Department at the listed number.

11081 Cedar St., Stanton 90680

(714) 220-2220, ext 276

Westminster Community Theatre

Free to join. Audition are announced through newspapers, Drama Log, show programs and theater mailing lists.

P.O. Box 764, Westminster 92684

(714) 893-8626

Source: Individual theaters

Los Angeles Times