What's the difference between amateur and professional theatre?

Ever wondered about the differences between amateur and professional theatre? While both types of theatre have their unique characteristics, they are also similar in many ways. From the costumes to the sets, sound effects and more – there’s a lot that goes into creating an amazing performance. In this blog post we will explore some of the key differences between amateur and professional theatre so that you can better appreciate each type of production!

1. Amateur theatre is typically done by volunteers who are passionate about the arts.

Amateur theatre - or "Community theatre", as it is sometimes known - is typically done by volunteers who are passionate about the arts and desire to share their talent with their local communities. These individuals don't always have formal theatrical training, but they possess great enthusiasm and commitment, and have learned most of their skills "on the job" as they participate in productions.

Amateur theatre offers performers a platform to showcase their talents, develop new skills, and create meaningful art - but without any payment for services. Over time, many actors find a home in amateur theatre and keep coming back for more - often joining a particular theatre group as a ‘regular’ and participating in show after show, enjoying the social benefits the experience offers. 

Volunteers in amateur theatre often work tirelessly through rehearsals and performances. In addition, they put effort into creating costumes, props, sets, sound effects, and so on; it's rare that professionals are hired to put these things together, unless a particularly unique item is required to make the production work.

Sometimes, the director of an amateur show may be paid, since it is their responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the production are managed. They do a lot of prep work outside rehearsals and also are responsible for getting the show to the stage.

2. Professional theatre usually has a team who are paid for their work. 

Unlike amateur theatre, which is run by volunteers, professional theatre involves a team of highly trained actors, directors and crew who are paid for their work and dedication to the performance. Compensation for cast and crew members is typically considered an essential aspect of the professional theatre, and is necessary to attract and retain top talent. These individuals have not only honed their craft, but have often worked in the industry for many years and have a great deal of experience. This shows in the type and quality of the work that’s produced.  A paid set designer with a good budget is going to produce a stunning set for their production.

In professional theatre, funding may come from the personal investment of the producers, ticket sales, grants, sponsorships, or government support. The goal is to get a return on that investment - professional theatre is often aiming for a commercial outcome. However, while some professional theatre companies are for-profit organisations, and classified as producing "commercial theatre", there are other prominent professional theatre companies that are non-profit organisations, and apply for funding to ensure that all cast and crew are paid.

3. Amateur theatre tends to be more informal and less structured than professional theatre.

In professional theatre, employees are there to work and always take a professional attitude to doing the job. There are deadlines to meet, procedures to follow, plans to fulfil, and certain expectations among the cast and crew - as you might expect in any other paid work.

In amateur theatre, the social aspect tends to be much more important to those who participate. In amateur theatre, while there may be expectations that the “show must go on” and that everyone should do what they can to help the show succeed, if things don’t turn out as planned, or someone doesn’t show up for rehearsal because they have another commitment, the stakes aren’t as high. There’s the assumption that people will make do with whatever they’ve got to work with - everybody is a volunteer, and the director and team have to make allowances for that.

In contrast, in professional theatre, being a no-show at rehearsal or performance may be a breach of contract and result in the loss of your job - and a tarnished reputation among your colleagues!

4. Professional theatre often has actors and crew members with formal education.

The professional theatre often attracts individuals who have undertaken education in their field. Most have attended vocational courses or universities to acquire qualifications. With a deep understanding of theatre's technical and creative aspects, these professionals can bring a high level of expertise to the production process.

In amateur theatre, you sometimes meet people who have trained professionally, for sure! But a qualification is not usually a requirement of involvement.

The exception in amateur theatre would be around activities that are regulated by legislation. For instance, even voluntary crew members may need to acquire a certificate in working at heights in the theatre, for instance, or where there are other safety skills that come under Work Health and Safety legislation.

5. Professional theatre has different expectations on actors than amateur theatre does. 

In a commercial setting, actors are expected to approach their work with professionalism, making it a priority to be on time, conduct their own personal preparation, have lines learned well in advance, and be focused during their performance.

Professional theatre teams in large commercial productions, like musicals, may spend months rehearsing before taking a performance on tour or opening it up for public viewing. This time is essential for perfecting choreography, rehearsing lines and scenes, and ensuring that the show is ready to stage. Other smaller, professional productions may rely on the trained actors’ expertise to turn around a script rapidly, and be on stage in a matter of three or four weeks. Additionally, professional performers must also solve any workplace conflict or problems using the correct channels - human resources, following procedures and so on. Professionals may also have to attend certain publicity calls, tours or promotions, such as media interviews and appearances. 

While amateur actors may also have to help promote their show, especially by inviting friends and family, they typically participate in theatre as a hobby or for personal enjoyment, so there are rarely any contractual obligations to meet. 

Even so, amateur actors still need to be reliable and do the best they can. Having lines memorised is essential, as well as giving a maximum effort onstage. Professional actors aren’t usually required to help with other aspects of the production when there are paid crew with technical expertise to take care of them. 

Both professional and amateur actors play essential roles in the theatre landscape and bring unique perspectives and skills to the productions they participate in. Interested to try acting? Click through here.