Amateur Dramatics – a Marmite title if ever was. You either embrace the concept whole-heartedly or cringe at the thought.   An Amateur Society’s reputation stands or falls on its choice of productions. Great classic plays performed by enthusiastic amateurs are not always a recipe for success. More importantly neither do they attract audiences, with their hard earned cash.

First rule – know your limitations, the director has to work with what he is given. Resist those acting members who yearn to perform emotionally challenging roles. The typical Am Dram audience will want a good night out, – an interesting plot, preferably funny, fast moving, and not too many intellectual challenges.  The astute committee will choose their production carefully, bearing in mind the actors will want a good script, the treasurer will want a crowd puller, the set builders a set they enjoy building, and the sound and lighting team something more than just switching the lights on and off.

GRRRRRRRRR…..

The sight of an audience leaving the hall, exhibiting the signs of a feel good factor, relaxed and smiling is proof that the committee has chosen well.  This is not to say that all sense of adventure should be quashed- nor should reliance be placed on the perennial old faithfuls. There is a limit to the number of who dunnits, or sixties comedies, popular in their time, that can be presented. Modern audiences will expect ,for the most part, modern plays they can relate to, and which cast and crew find stretches their abilities , without becoming out of their depth.

All amateur societies have had their turkeys, but only the ones who learn from their mistakes live to raise the curtain on another (successful) first night.