Is there a double standard.....

[BwayLeadman]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 1:56am

Do you watch an amateur performance the same way you do a Broadway performance?

I was discussing this with a friend. When we saw an amateur show, I don't even think she enjoyed it because she was so critical. She was looking for the small minor details and looking for mistakes.

Yes it's true that a Broadway show costs a lot of money, but besides that, they both take a lot of time and they both try to work hard to make you have an enjoyable time.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 1:59am

I watch a show depending on what level it's at. I think, "well, based on what they had to work with..." THEN I give my opinions. I've seen shows in fringe theatre that I've found MUCH better on Broadway. Urinetown played an almost 3000 seat theatre when it came through town, and I think it would be MUCH better when done by a fringe company.

When watching amateur shows, I still don't let them get away with bad direction, or bad acting. I just realize that it's community and not professional, so it might not be the most brilliant thing in the world.

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:01am

To judge a community theatre or high school or other amateur production with the same standards as you would a broadway show is just foolish. When I watch a community or high school show, all I look for is commitment to character and just a general sense of people enjoying themselves up there while entertaining an audience. For amateur performers, its important to first develop a love of theatre and performance. Once a performer starts getting paid for their work, then the harsher judgement can be welcomed.

[zzannahk]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:02am

i think it's also matter of $ vs. quality.

When i see an amateur shows, i realize that they dont have the training/workshops/practices that the professionals do

But always keep in mind that they are trying. And sometimes raw talent is better than polished!!

[otis33]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:06am

One of the most amazing shows I've seen on stage was a junior high production of "Bye Bye Birdie." My friend's daughter was in the ensemble. I hadn't seen, in a long time, the total willingness to give over to the show, and make big bold choice and commit to them. It remains one of the only shows I've seen where I've felt like everyone on that stage REALLY wanted to be there, and in return made their audience feel the same way.

And then I've seen Broadway shows that have left me cold because it had lost it's fun for some of the performers.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:14am

I agree that budget has nothing to do with artistic quality.

I think the more theatre you experience (and especially if you are an artist in the theatre), the more critical you become--by choice or not. You become bored with what you have seen. You become bored by cliche. And, I have always been told that for me as a performer, I must always be critical, so that I can learn from what I have seen. How COULD this have been better? What could I have done if I were in those shoes?

I try not to have these thoughts until after the performance, but if there is dullness to leave my mind room to think about such things, that in itself is poss failure on the show's part. When a show can make me forget all--it's magic.

And, of course, I give amateurs the benefit of the doubt based on their level of experience. But, privately, I dissect what needed to be improved. That's the only way I can hopefully avoid similar mistakes.