How did you “break in” to your local community theater scene?

I live in Minneapolis for context.

I’m 26F, and I have recently decided to pursue my hobby in acting again via local community theater. I did theater in high school and college and have found myself missing it.

The theater scene around me is very robust, which is incredible because I can audition for a lot of shows. I am aware that I am auditioning with some incredible talent (and I am also WELL aware that I, as a mid twenties female, am in the most “saturated” age group auditioning) but I was hoping for some tips on how to potentially “break in” to the local theater scene. I ask this because I’ve heard some comments that directors will often cast people they’re familiar with, so I’m hoping to somehow get my face out there. I’ve auditioned for 4 plays/musicals so far, and have gotten callbacks for 2. No casting yet, but I know it’s not personal. I am a little discouraged from this most recent rejection, so I’m going to take the rest of the month off to enjoy the holidays and get back out there in 2026.

Does anyone have any piece of advice for getting into the community theater scene? I am planning on taking acting classes and voice lessons for fun which hopefully won’t HURT my chances, but any other tips or tricks are welcomed (i.e., networking, volunteering, etc.). If anyone has any personal stories as well that would be appreciated! None of my friends are into community theaters so I’m not sure what’s “normal”.