Writing The Script In Amateur Theatre

You want to put what in the play?

During the current production, thoughts are already turning to the next production (in amateur theatre, you've always got to think one, probably 2 plays ahead!).

It was actually quite warm in that costume!

Our next amateur theatre production in Wolverhampton and Codsall will be one that is always highly enjoyable, and warmly recieved, our Children's Play. Yes, bright colours, crazy costumes and slap stick comedy that once every 12 months we come back round to and make fools of ourselves doing, all for the enjoyment of normally packed houses of children and adults alike. Last year was another successful year with Snow White being staged, but in the past, Dick Whittington, Robin Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Jack & The Beanstalk, Aladdin and many more wonderful productions have been staged.

Right, who killed a member of the cast again?

  While not revealing what the next production is, we haven't performed this for some time (I was only just born the last time it was staged) so the script feels a bit rusty. So we need a rewrite!

That however does bring new amateur theatre challenges. How do you balance it? There are hundreds of things to consider, not least the available cast. No point writing a script for 6 men and 3 women if you've only got 2 men and a Chihuahua. And think about the audience. Macbeth is a phenomenal play, but isn't going to be suitable to 5 year olds.

Writing a script is a challenge I have never been able to master. Thankfully, there are far more talented people than me in the society. I look forward to reading the fruits of their labour. Because no matter what, its going to be a scream!

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.