Final answer:
In noncommercial educational and community theater, plays are usually selected by a group consisting of theater professionals and community members, or a Theatre Department with student involvement. Community interest, educational benefits, and practicalities such as theater rights and budget are crucial considerations in the selection process. Such theaters are foundations for future professional talent and important cultural venues for their communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In noncommercial educational and community theater, the selection of a play is typically a collaborative effort that can involve multiple stakeholders, depending on the organization's structure. In community theater, the decision is often made by a committee or the board of directors, which might include a combination of theater professionals and dedicated community members. These theaters may rely heavily on volunteers and local interest in the productions. For educational institutions such as colleges and universities, the selection is usually handled by the Theatre Department, potentially with input or assistance from a student organization. Regardless, these decisions generally reflect the community's interest, the educational value for the participants, and the practical concerns such as rights and budget.
Amateur theater and community theater both provide important opportunities for theatrical engagement in regions where access to professional theater may be limited. They serve as a key cultural component within their communities, and rely on the passion and commitment of those involved to produce theater experiences. This can foster the growth of future professionals, as seen in cases like Lin Manuel Miranda's In The Heights, which developed from a college theater production to a Broadway success.