AMATUER THEATRE

I have always had an interest in theatre like many people out there, but I don't belong to any theatre groups and besides lurking around this site I don't have that much to do with it. I do however, make it my business to go and see occassional performances around Perth - by both pro and am companies. I have to say that it seems to be the case among Perth circles that if you have a "passion for acting" then that's a good enough reason to subject audiences to second-rate dribble because you are "just doing what I love". But I think to be taken a bit seriously there needs to be some strong and often harsh criticism of the standard of local theatre dished on Perth audiences. Considering the limited funds and audiences in the marketplace, resources and good acting could be much better located. I can think of one semi-pro company that has put on some shocking efforts in the past year - I think high school productions give them a run for their money. I think there's no harm in setting high standards for ourselves. Some people need to be told that they are probably better off pursuing their passion at home in front of the bathroom mirror than boring the rest of us to death - or even worse - making us squirm in our seats.