Amateur versus Community

I've just seen an advert for the Heidelberg Theatre Company where they refer to them selves as a "non-professional company". Is that the way to go? Or then will we be accused of having a non-professional attitude. It is becoming harder and harder to make a living in this business. performing Arts becomes more expensive to mount and there are fewer and fewer producers around willing to risk money and reputation. Smaller cast shows are chosen and so the depth of employment in the industry reduces. A closer relationship between amateur and pro could seriously assist in this area. In the south of england where I was living the pro-am opera company flourishes. The company hires a pro orchestra and pro singers from among the young emerging artists and puts them on stage in front of an amateur chorus. It gives the young singers a chance to sing roles that they would normally not get a crack at for some time and gives an opportunity for reasonably priced opera for the public as well as giving enthusiastic amatuer singers the opportunity to sing some glorious scores. A model we could all do well to examine. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au