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Post by WireHangers on Jan 1, 2017 22:38:11 GMT
What amateur companies do you know of that are consistently professional standard.
I ask because I've recently returned to Glasgow from Australia where I performed professionally for a few years. Before Australia I lived in Paris and London so I've been out of the amateur scene since I left for drama school at 18. Since coming back I'm amazed by how much amateur theatre has improved, there is an incredible amount of talent in the local community! I've always known, growing up in the Scottish Highlands as a gay 10 year old, that the Apollo Players in Glasgow were one of the leading amateur companies in the UK. The writers of FAME even wrote the sequel, FAME FOREVER!, for them. Since becoming involved in the Glasgow theatre scene I'm truly amazed how many other amateur companies have popped up are now as good as the Apollo Players.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jan 1, 2017 22:52:36 GMT
To be honest, I don't think enough people see enough amateur theatre round the country on a regular basis to make a fully informed opinion. Most of us probably support local companies and those involving friends - and possibly see a show when we are away and see a title that appeals.
In terms of musical theatre groups, there are those who are viewed by rights companies as being at the top end who get offered new shows ahead of companies at large. However I think that is a judgement made on the basis of sales/royalty payments rather than quality - as very few rights companies actually send representatives out to see the shows.
Groups that I am involved with regularly perform at the two big theatres in Oxford - Oxford Playhouse and the New Theatre - but I haven't seen enough comparable companies to know how they compare. I know that everyone in those groups aspire to being as professional as possible in terms of quality - but there is always a cap on that ambition.
Last year, a show I had directed was reviewed very favourably by a local journalist who despises 'am dram' (and makes reference to that at every opportunity) - and she reported that her companion had no idea that it was an amateur cast and the two of them had enjoyed it as if it were a professional show. That is only the opinion of one critic - but one I will treasure.
Does that mean that particular company is one of the best? Absolutely no idea. Just mean we tried really hard to deliver something good and on that occasion got it right.
It reported that 2 million people are involved in amateur theatre in some way in the UK - there will be some really good shows and some really awful ones, and many more in between. In order to survive in the bigger venues, amateur groups now have to charge near professional prices just to make the economics of it all work - so they have to work to match the expectations of the audience.
I am not sure that it would be right to try to rank amateur groups - just support them as they give up their time for something they really love. WHen that love shines through, it is worth celebrating.
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543 posts
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Post by WireHangers on Jan 1, 2017 23:02:12 GMT
I am not sure that it would be right to try to rank amateur groups - just support them as they give up their time for something they really love. WHen that love shines through, it is worth celebrating. Still wouldn't mind hearing what other companies are pretty good. I should have made it clearer, I don't want to rank any group above the other - I simply want to know what amateur groups out there deliver consistently high standard productions. If, in your opinion, that's every single group in Oxford then please let me know! That's what the post is about, not creating a hierarchy of AmDram. Since I doubt I'll ever be aware of all of the amateur groups up and down our great nation and since I'm newly back to the country but still regularly travel then I'd love to hear other users of the board's opinions on companies they recommend. That way I, and any other interested party, can look into their work and from across the country and support them via of a Facebook page.
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Post by firefingers on Jan 2, 2017 0:35:45 GMT
SEDOS do some good stuff.
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Post by zsazsa on Jan 2, 2017 11:17:26 GMT
I live in Glasgow also (also originally from the Highlands) and I am involved in the am-dram scene as a musical director. I think Glasgow has one of the most diverse am dram scenes in the UK. The last year alone companies have tackled the latest releases (Priscilla, 9 To 5), classic shows (West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof) as well as some rarely produced shows (Carrie, Curtains).
It is an exciting community to be part of who constantly strive for excellence.
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Post by matt on Jan 2, 2017 12:15:22 GMT
Having just moved back to Glasgow it's nice to be reminded how important and thriving the am dram community continues to be. As a youngster it is what prompted me to head off to London to work in theatre. Now that I'm back I really will need to get involved again. Am dram does great work across the country in keeping old shows alive and giving life to new ones. Long may it continue to pursue excellence.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2017 12:40:54 GMT
Here in Cardiff, Everyman are known for being one of the strongest amatuer/semi professional company, they put on a big open air festival every year that's always a high standard, as well as other productions across the year. Everything I've seen them do in recent years has been a high standard.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 2, 2017 13:23:34 GMT
I recently saw the SEDOS production of Candide and it was really good. I haven't seen them before but I would see them again
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Post by junet on Jan 3, 2017 2:01:24 GMT
In Kent the DAODS are very good. I think it stands for Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. They do have their own theatre but often put on their shows at the Orchard ~Theatre in Dartford. Have seen them a few times now and you really do come out thinking that you have seen a professional company perform.
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543 posts
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Post by WireHangers on Jan 3, 2017 7:14:42 GMT
I live in Glasgow also (also originally from the Highlands) and I am involved in the am-dram scene as a musical director. I think Glasgow has one of the most diverse am dram scenes in the UK. The last year alone companies have tackled the latest releases (Priscilla, 9 To 5), classic shows (West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof) as well as some rarely produced shows (Carrie, Curtains). It is an exciting community to be part of who constantly strive for excellence. Where are you from in the Highlands and what groups are you part of? (so many questions!) I've moved back because my fiancé is off to uni to study Photography. Sadly, that means I have to semi-retire from professional performing and get 9to5 job as there can only be one starving artist in the family at a time. I'd love to be involved with some AmDram during my time here but it's terrifying having all these companies to choose from and not knowing anyone.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2017 10:24:46 GMT
Sheffield have many societies that put on amazing shows. Manor Operatic Society perform at the City Hall and are the biggest. They are currently in a very successful run of this year's panto Jack and the Beanstalk and in May they do Singin' In The Rain. They put on the biggest amateur production of Ghost a couple of years back and did Barnum last year. We also have Ellesmere Musical Theatre Company who did an amazing production of 9 to 5 and are doing Betty Blue Eyes this year. There's Croft House who are doing Priscilla and have recently done Sister Act and Into The Woods. STOS are doing My Fair Lady and have lately done Made in Dagenham and Legally Blonde. There are many many more. I have to give my own youth theatre a mention. We did Les Mis last July and Joseph in December and are about to start work on Sister Act. Our shows are always of the highest standard.
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923 posts
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Post by Snciole on Jan 3, 2017 14:41:34 GMT
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Post by zsazsa on Jan 3, 2017 15:43:22 GMT
I live in Glasgow also (also originally from the Highlands) and I am involved in the am-dram scene as a musical director. I think Glasgow has one of the most diverse am dram scenes in the UK. The last year alone companies have tackled the latest releases (Priscilla, 9 To 5), classic shows (West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof) as well as some rarely produced shows (Carrie, Curtains). It is an exciting community to be part of who constantly strive for excellence. Where are you from in the Highlands and what groups are you part of? (so many questions!) I've moved back because my fiancé is off to uni to study Photography. Sadly, that means I have to semi-retire from professional performing and get 9to5 job as there can only be one starving artist in the family at a time. I'd love to be involved with some AmDram during my time here but it's terrifying having all these companies to choose from and not knowing anyone. I have sent you a DM.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2017 17:05:09 GMT
After a childhood in amateur theatre and then shunning all theatre for a decade I have recently(ish) seen 5 amateur productions (including one at SEDOS(?)) and 4 of them were just what it says on the tin - amateur. The other one was full of ex-pros and people about to enter the profession and was almost to a good standard
What's the point in going amdram if they are charging what it would cost to go see a pro production? And the audiences can be REVOLTING (I'm looking at u Sunset Boulevard SEDOS - just because you're friends with the cast is no excuse to SHRIEK. At EVERYTHING)
I'm not dissing amdram and in me kiddie years I saw a lot that influenced me and at a really cheap price but when you start paying £12+ to watch a lot of people play dress up, well I just don't see the point. It's NEVER as good as spending on a proper show and at least with that u r actually helping support people financially. I like to know that my decision to have an ice cream at interval will have a direct affect on if Johnny Ensemble can turn on the heating that night or not!
Or something
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Post by partytentdown on Jan 3, 2017 20:34:26 GMT
CentreStage in London and Geoids are the other two big London ones along side SEDOS. I absolutely loved 'on the 20th century' by Geoids and '9 to 5' by Centre Stage last year... some of the cast members seem to be ex-professionals or semi-pros.
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Post by grannyjx6 on Jan 4, 2017 23:09:16 GMT
After a childhood in amateur theatre and then shunning all theatre for a decade I have recently(ish) seen 5 amateur productions (including one at SEDOS(?)) and 4 of them were just what it says on the tin - amateur. The other one was full of ex-pros and people about to enter the profession and was almost to a good standard What's the point in going amdram if they are charging what it would cost to go see a pro production? And the audiences can be REVOLTING (I'm looking at u Sunset Boulevard SEDOS - just because you're friends with the cast is no excuse to SHRIEK. At EVERYTHING) I'm not dissing amdram and in me kiddie years I saw a lot that influenced me and at a really cheap price but when you start paying £12+ to watch a lot of people play dress up, well I just don't see the point. It's NEVER as good as spending on a proper show and at least with that u r actually helping support people financially. I like to know that my decision to have an ice cream at interval will have a direct affect on if Johnny Ensemble can turn on the heating that night or not! Or something I understand what you are saying, but where would you see a professional show for under £20? Unless I sit in the back of the gods and have my arthritic knees in agony through lack of leg room, my local theatre's tickets are all around £30-£45 (and sometimes a bit more if it's a really big show).
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2017 23:16:47 GMT
After a childhood in amateur theatre and then shunning all theatre for a decade I have recently(ish) seen 5 amateur productions (including one at SEDOS(?)) and 4 of them were just what it says on the tin - amateur. The other one was full of ex-pros and people about to enter the profession and was almost to a good standard What's the point in going amdram if they are charging what it would cost to go see a pro production? And the audiences can be REVOLTING (I'm looking at u Sunset Boulevard SEDOS - just because you're friends with the cast is no excuse to SHRIEK. At EVERYTHING) I'm not dissing amdram and in me kiddie years I saw a lot that influenced me and at a really cheap price but when you start paying £12+ to watch a lot of people play dress up, well I just don't see the point. It's NEVER as good as spending on a proper show and at least with that u r actually helping support people financially. I like to know that my decision to have an ice cream at interval will have a direct affect on if Johnny Ensemble can turn on the heating that night or not! Or something I understand what you are saying, but where would you see a professional show for under £20? Unless I sit in the back of the gods and have my arthritic knees in agony through lack of leg room, my local theatre's tickets are all around £30-£45 (and sometimes a bit more if it's a really big show). An awful lot of west end shows u can get front row seats for under £20. National, Old Vic, Almeida, Royal Court, Young Vic all do great seats for under £20. Most (?) fringe shows r around £20.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2017 23:54:48 GMT
lI understand what you are saying, but where would you see a professional show for under £20? The National Theatre, the Old Vic, the Young Vic, the Globe, the Donmar, the RSC, Chichester, the Royal Court, the Almeida, half of the West End, half of the fringe, and even my local theatre as long as it's not one of the big touring musicals. Getting tickets to professional theatre for under £20 is EASY.
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Post by Snciole on Jan 5, 2017 11:47:54 GMT
After a childhood in amateur theatre and then shunning all theatre for a decade I have recently(ish) seen 5 amateur productions (including one at SEDOS(?)) and 4 of them were just what it says on the tin - amateur. The other one was full of ex-pros and people about to enter the profession and was almost to a good standard What's the point in going amdram if they are charging what it would cost to go see a pro production? And the audiences can be REVOLTING (I'm looking at u Sunset Boulevard SEDOS - just because you're friends with the cast is no excuse to SHRIEK. At EVERYTHING) I'm not dissing amdram and in me kiddie years I saw a lot that influenced me and at a really cheap price but when you start paying £12+ to watch a lot of people play dress up, well I just don't see the point. It's NEVER as good as spending on a proper show and at least with that u r actually helping support people financially. I like to know that my decision to have an ice cream at interval will have a direct affect on if Johnny Ensemble can turn on the heating that night or not! Or something I agree, you can see plenty of professional productions for the same price or cheaper if you know how to abuse the comp sites. Slightly off-topic but how do people feel about drama school productions? I refer to them as amateur but I recently saw City Lit's Actors Training Company's winter production of Separate Tables, which had about the same level of good and bad performances as a professional production would.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2017 13:23:23 GMT
I like drama school productions. I haven't seen many, I tend to go mostly when it's the only reasonable opportunity to see a particularly beloved play, but the price can't be beaten and it's really nice when someone you saw as a student goes on to do well in the professional arena.
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Post by bellboard27 on Jan 5, 2017 13:50:06 GMT
Drama school productions vary quite a bit. I went to several last year (LAMDA, Rose Bruford, E15, etc). Some were quite basic, with some dodgy acting, but others showed good promise. Some merely showcase the actors, while others showcase other skills learned, such as stage design, multi-media, etc., which can add more than one would normally expect. One downside is where the audience contains a lot of the students' friends, who I have found tend to laugh at inappropriate moments (e.g. because their friend has put on a different hat!). Overall I quite enjoy them and will continue to check them out.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2017 16:03:04 GMT
Drama school productions can be excellent, I'm lucky that RWCMD consistently puts on excellent productions and as Baemax says it's a chance to see much loved plays that aren't done professionally or for a fraction of the cost. Conservatoire schools like that tend to have a higher production value standard, and do on the whole more 'mainstream' stuff, but likewise Universities with a decent drama department sometimes put on a good show (admittedly more hit and miss and more of the experimental type)
Meanwhile, I can see both Amdram and professional for around the same price locally, but it's also about what they do- so I can see many a 'classic' play or a Shakespeare by amdram companies that I might not see/afford/travel for with a professional so it works out well.
Admittedly SOME audiences can be vile, but you get to know which local companies/which shows are likely to incite what behaviour.
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Post by profquatermass on Jan 5, 2017 16:26:27 GMT
It's not as simple (at least not for me) as saying 'why see amdram when you can see a professional show for the same price?'. I use the comp sites and can see lots of professional shows (some good, some awful) for a couple of quid. But when an opportunity to see Candide (to quote one show mentioned upthread) comes along, I don't want to miss it. There are loads of shows it's really hard to see professional productions of - why would I deny myself the opportunity to see them just because the cast have chosen t do it for free? I'd rather see an amdram musical than yet another dreary pub Hamlet...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2017 16:34:21 GMT
Yes, I try to see all the RWCMD productions. As Bellboard says, it makes a huge difference that they have Production and Design students as well as Acting. Recently, for example, the design and production for Killer Joe were outstanding. Some of the acting really stands out (in a good way! - like Anthony Boyle's first show last year). They also involve Music students occasionally, on an ad hoc basis dependant on the director. Most of the directors are visiting professionals, with only a few college lecturers each directing just one public production each year. For example, Ned Bennett directed Pomona at RWCMD six months before the Orange Tree production, and electrified us all! And last summer he returned with a new play based on The Rover which was one of the best shows I saw anywhere all year, and I know that the RSC production of the original play will seem insipid in comparison when I see it. It must be different at other drama schools which have training for Directors who direct some shows there.
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Post by notmymuse on Jan 5, 2017 17:17:48 GMT
Interesting topic, and a complicated one. I've seen some amateur companies do a great show, then turn around and do a terrible one following.
Here in Birmingham the two companies that tend to be good are BMOS (Birmingham Musical and Operetta Society I'm guessing it stands for) and Bournville Musical Theatre Company. They are both harder to get into as they are considered to be the best so usually have waiting lists and can be more selective. But they all tend to vary over time. If an Am Dram society says it has a waiting list to get in, or competitive auditions, you can usually be sure it'll put on better shows.
Drama School productions are usually worth a punt. Arts Ed in London is usually decent and they put on things you can't see elsewhere sometimes. LIPA in Liverpool similar.
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