Amateur Theatre In Action! - Getting it on it's feet!

There's nothing quite like starting...

So cold...

In amateur theatre, the process is very simple:

1. You read the script
2. You cast it
3. You read it with the cast
4. You get it on its feet

In Codsall Dramatic Society's latest offering, The Memory Of Water by Shelagh Stephenson, we've started to get the show on its feet. And even though we've got some tables as a bed, a water bottle pulling double duty as a whiskey bottle and a phone(?!?), you can start to see how the production will shape up.

You see, for me, in amateur theatre and when reading plays in general, a script is a tabula rasa. There is no identity in the words themselves. Sure, there are stage directions, and a lot of scripts these days come with a set layout from the production its based on, that can bear no resemblance to the finished product.

In amateur theatre as in all theatre, the director calls the shots.

A finished amateur theatre production is the culmination of the vision of the director. But while it's not always possible due to time restraints, there's a wonderful feeling of collaboration. The cast in this amateur theatre production feel confident in suggesting things, and discussing the finer points with the director.

That is another of the wonderful things about amateur theatre. While at the end of the day, it is the directors choice, the odd suggestion from the cast is welcome. It will often meet with "lets try it" during the formative weeks of the production. But once all is blocked, there can be no more compromise. Already over a third of the way through the play, this amateur theatre production is gathering pace...

Want to get involved in amateur theatre in Wolverhampton and Codsall. Visit Codsall Dramatic Society or like us on Facebook. Come see our next amateur theatre production in Wolverhampton and Codsall, The Memory of Water, by Shelagh Stephenson, 25th-28th September at Codsall Village Hall.