A shift in standards and funding is propelling amateur theatre into the critical mainstream, says Claire Morris.
At the heart of many villages and towns across the UK, there’s a community centre or theatre that’s home to the local amateur dramatics society. When most people think of amdram, stereotypes abound: angry directors, melodramatic divas and scandal backstage. In reality, behind these stereotypes lie a group of people so passionate about performing that they’re willing to give up large chunks of their spare time to do it without pay. They do it simply because they love it, and they enjoy the social aspect that comes from spending so much time with like-minded company members.
In fact, amateur theatre is now so popular that there are over 2,500 groups in the UK affiliated with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA). A survey carried out by NODA in 2012 highlighted that societies across the UK are staging 30,000 productions a year on average. This huge number suggests that, for many, amdram is more than just a hobby – a fact which is reflected by its ever improving standards and the shift in audience attitudes towards amateur theatre... Keep reading on The Stage
At the heart of many villages and towns across the UK, there’s a community centre or theatre that’s home to the local amateur dramatics society. When most people think of amdram, stereotypes abound: angry directors, melodramatic divas and scandal backstage. In reality, behind these stereotypes lie a group of people so passionate about performing that they’re willing to give up large chunks of their spare time to do it without pay. They do it simply because they love it, and they enjoy the social aspect that comes from spending so much time with like-minded company members.
In fact, amateur theatre is now so popular that there are over 2,500 groups in the UK affiliated with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA). A survey carried out by NODA in 2012 highlighted that societies across the UK are staging 30,000 productions a year on average. This huge number suggests that, for many, amdram is more than just a hobby – a fact which is reflected by its ever improving standards and the shift in audience attitudes towards amateur theatre... Keep reading on The Stage