ABSTRACT
Amateur dramatics are often derided by professionals as full of poor or even bad actors and backstage backbiting, and there is probably a little truth in this, but there are some excellent amateur companies. The problem with amateur work is the reason it exists, which is for the actor seen. Very often, to be seen is more important for the amateur actor than to produce excellent work. One such amateur group in the United Kingdom had a theatre built to their own specifications, not everyone in the audience could easily see the stage, but they could all very easily see each other sitting in the auditorium. The performers are sometimes happier to be seen as themselves in a wonderful costume than to create the character who would actively choose to present himself in that way with that set of clothes. This is a wonderful ongoing practice and ever-present tradition that gives a great deal of pleasure to actors and audiences.
