Amateur theatre

Amateur theatre groups may stage plays, revues, musicals, light opera, pantomime or variety shows, and do so for the social activity as well as for aesthetic values.

Productions may take place in venues ranging from the open air, community centres, or schools to independent or major professional theatres.

[3] In the United States, the Actors' Equity Association[4] serves a similar purpose: to protect the professional industry and its artists.

While the majority of professional stage performers have developed their skills and studied their craft at recognised training institutions such as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London), Juilliard School (New York) or National Institute of Dramatic Art (Sydney), amateurs are not usually professionally trained.

[5] Locally organised theatrical events provide a source of entertainment for the community, and can be a fun and exciting hobby, with strong bonds of friendship formed through participation.

[6] François Cellier and Cunningham Bridgeman wrote, in 1914, that prior to the late 19th century, amateur actors were treated with contempt by professionals.

They are now accepted as useful training schools for the legitimate stage, and from the volunteer ranks have sprung many present-day favourites.

[10] A survey carried in 2002 by the major UK umbrella organisation for amateur theatre, National Operatic and Dramatic Association ("NODA"), noted that "Public support in the UK for amateur theatre is patchy", but found that the annual turnover of affiliated groups was £34 million from 25,760 performances with 437,800 participants, 29% of whom were under 21; attendances were 7,315,840.

[13] An earlier, limited survey in England in 1991 revealed that only 19% of amateur drama groups were affiliated to a national "umbrella" organisation,[16] suggesting that NODA's later survey may not reflect the true level of grass roots community involvement with amateur theatre.

This is supported through the provision of training, new writing initiatives and access to an extensive specialist lending library containing plays, playsets and technical theatre books.

[25] Community theatre organisations are eligible for non-profit status under article 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

[28] The Independent Theatre Association is the peak body for amateur or Community drama in Western Australia.