Professional Venue VS Community Theatre Company

Some interesting variations in the state of WA. Quick queston: "Is it still community theatre when performed in a professional location?" *Example: Established amateur community theatre group Have their own facility/theatre Book a professional venue (eg Burswood or Regal) Put on a musical production (eg Beauty and the Beast) Charge professional ticket pricing ($60 - $100 +) Maintain all funds/profit for amateur community group Is this still Community Theatre? Should it still be judged as community theatre? Should it be judged against other community theatres? Should it be permitted to enter community theatre awards (Finley etc..) Just trying to get my head around the different set up here than in NSW. I look forward to your thoughts. Anna x

Just a few comments on the initial posting... Hal Leonard (did I get that right?) who have the rights to "Beauty & The Beast" won't permit any Amateur production to be shown at an 'A1' class venue. I suspect the 'baited question' due to B&tB going on next year here in Perth had dreams of going on at Burswood and the above reason contributed to the change of venue. The cost of rights increase with a show when it is pro also. And there is naturally other factors... I'm always curious that some Am companies are doing rather well for themselves. Some are finding new and innovative ways to continue to be classed as Am. And as I read in a recent thread - Am Com Theatre companies are a thriving multi-million dollar industry. But here's a challenge & proposal. Essentially many people have their phases of enjoying acting (and thankfully some essential ones do so every spare minute)It is a fabulous platform to improve skills (& enjoy life). This is less the case with techs & muso's. There's fewer of them around that just want to work for free, and partly due to it being rather stressful. I don't know too many techs that want to mix coz it's fun. And muso's would be in the pub scene if they wanted to perform. (Or barely make it out of the garage for all the beer cans) So. Paid techs & muso's (and AD's, MD's & Choreo's) will improve the standard of a show because they really know their stuff. The Am companies that are at the head of the local industry have a responsibility to take it to the next step. Their shows will now train pro-am actors and the ladder of success can continue for individuals. The public are not stupid. They recognize and positively respond to strong productions. MPAC's 2nd week of Beauty & The Beast shows filled on the success of the 1st week. (All above roles were paid - if just a little)It's actually very affordable for many companies to do this. If they do it smart. The end result is a thriving & healthy industry that is supported by the public. This has little to do with the original post but I'm including it on the chance that committees can grasp the vision and help build local theatre into an industry that they themselves will thoroughly enjoy! ...come on, let's keep dancing... Luke

Are we being baited here???

Thread (16 posts)