work experience advice please!

I was wondering if anyone could help me. I have recently emigrated from the UK and am hoping to go on and study Comunity Theatre/ Acting at degree level. Obviously I am looking for experience either in Theatres or with companies themselves learning the ropes. I dont mind doing voluntery work at all, being paid would be a bonus but not a necesity. The thing is I dont really know where to start looking and any advice offered would be great. I have emailed various theatres around the city but feel like there must be other places I can try. As i mentioned i only moved here three weeks ago so i don't really understad the way things like this work out here! Any advice at all would be extremely welcome. Megan PS) Apologies for any spelling mistakes/ not posting this in the correct place!