h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Another important highlight of community theater: it builds community. I didn't know many in my town for too many years. But after joining one of our local community theater groups, I got to know two middle school nurses, one of the librarians, a former police officer (who knows everybody), the town supervisor, two real estate agents, several high school students, a podiatrist, an accountant and countless others. Grocery shopping, a visit to the dry cleaners, even posting a letter became social outings. And I never had to go to another play or movie alone unless I wanted to as I had a ready list of people with similar interests. And to reiterate the earlier posting: community theater groups are always looking for help, particularly backstage.

It also allows people who used to be recessed, shy people to completely change.
Many a person (myself included) has been completely changed (most times for the better) by a little
roleplay. Manytimes, this is when said shy one does not quite lose this character
at production's end.

And would you believe it works even better with an ex-patriate community where no-one really knows the background of anyone else.