Leave it to the amateurs

At first I thought the event was perhaps misnamed, as its usefulness extended beyond those of the world of ‘am-dram’. We were told in the welcome that it aimed to ‘break the boundaries between professional and non-professional theatre’. The word ‘amateur’ can have such a negative connotation and, to quote Simon Callow in his opening address, ‘too often it is bandied about as a term of abuse’. I soon came to realise that the word ‘amateur’ was not one to be ashamed of and that perhaps we, as ‘theatre non-professionals’ should reclaim it.

Each delegate could choose their workshops and talks from a host of options and the brilliant organisers had individualised itineraries for each of us. As well as Simon Callow's talk, I also enjoyed a discussion and Q&A with Mike Bartlett, a directing masterclass with Stephen Unwin, and an audition surgery with Andy Johnson. Other choices I didn't make included voice workshops, introductions to new drama games and short extract performances by local companies. Books by the practitioners in attendance were available at discountedc prices.