Edinburgh Theatre ArtsWhat Play?
The first important question arising after the decision to present a play is “What Play?”.
In ETA, however, the play is often chosen for us. This is because of limitations and restrictions placed on a group such as ours. Clearly, lavish stage productions are impossible to present because of casting difficulties and technical difficulties. But, with certain alterations to stage design and with “doubling up” of characters, we have been able to undertake productions of well-known plays, which offer technical and artistic challenges, with a degree of success.
The range of plays may cover historical dramas, comedies, modern plays, farces and productions with a strong musical bias.
The current director will often bring along a copy or two of a play/s which has captured his/her imagination and which he/she envisages as a viable proposition. It will then be presented to the members for reading. If a reading proves to be popular – having read and compared any other play which has been put forward for consideration – then a decision is made and the casting procedure goes ahead at the next meeting..
Having captured the interest and enthusiasm of the cast then decisions can be made concerning stage design, blocking, performances etc.
Rehearsals are often a time when misunderstandings are cleared up, characters begin to develop and the “team” begin to bond. And when the script becomes familiar to the cast then some shining performances begin to emerge.
A “good” director will praise and encourage all the cast for their efforts and offer particular help to anyone in need. In this way most difficulties can be overcome and enjoyment can be experienced by all.
Most of the plays we have presented have validated our choice by providing a rewarding experience for cast, crew and audience.
These experiences are illustrated in the photo gallery on this web-site.
What To Wear?
groups generally have limited budgets for costumes, therefore requiring creative sourcing and imaginative use of materials, all the while still producing an authentic result.
Each piece in a production is created using a variety of materials, mostly reused and recycled. Garments and accessories either from charity shops and car boot sales and other items from inexpensive market stalls and ‘value’ stores are all sourced to get maximum theatrical effect but at low-cost. However, for some productions a costume may have to be made when the right garment for a character cannot be found any other way. Occasionally, especially for a period drama, costumes have to be hired.
Time is taken to research the costume required, and for what type of performance it is being used. Aspects such as ease of movement, effectiveness of the costume in motion and, of course, the safety element all need to be taken into account.
The director will have a vision for the piece, including music, lighting and positioning. Stage accessibility for the performers is also a very important factor, as are the costume changes, which often are required to be extremely quick.
In producing the costumes and - where necessary - headdresses, every requirement must be considered from conception, through to design and creation. Perhaps the most valuable tools required in a theatrical costume creator are; access to lots of materials; a vivid imagination, time and patience – although time isn’t always an afforded luxury!
Here in ETA we have been fortunate in having two costume creators over the years – Maureen Woods and Fran Morrice - both of whom have spent diligent hours measuring, searching, fitting, sewing and adapting costumes to fit our "multi-sized" casts.
The Benefits of Amateur Dramtics
There are many benefits associated with becoming involved with amateur dramatics. This is performed by individuals who are considered to be amateurs as far as the art of acting is concerned. Those who are involved, find that they experience many such benefits as in the following.
Each of us has special talents, skills, and abilities. We all need Extra-curricular activities or hobbies where we can use those talents, skills, and abilities. Most individuals who join amateur dramatics find that there are many different opportunities available that will permit them to share a part of themselves which contribute to the group as a whole in a positive manner. There are many individual roles within a production and it is quite likely that you will find a position that is a perfect match for you based on your past experiences and your general level of expertise. Examples of positions that you may be able to take when working with amateur dramatics include acting, artistic directing, administrative services, choreography, costume specialist, general director, lighting, marketing, playwright, producer, set design and assembly, sound, stage management, technical direction, and other positions such as carpentry, electrician, and painting. You will gain many benefits which include the opportunity to learn new skills.
By taking part in amateur dramatics, you will not be ridiculed for your lack of acting experience and/or training. Individuals who join our group all have one main thing in common and that is the fact that they thoroughly enjoy the art of acting. It is not about perfection with us, it is about enjoyment. However, there are a few individuals who are an exception but don’t be put off.
You will gain almost immediate support from most groups for your love of acting and will become part of a diverse and expansive social network of individuals who enjoy the same hobbies that you enjoy. These individuals will not care how professionally that you act, sing, or even dance. They will boost your self-confidence regardless of how well you do or do not do. Everyone involved in amateur theatre knows and understands that to be truly successful you must make the step to join such a program. Once you make that step, true success comes with effort and nothing more. These groups know, after a while, your acting, singing, dancing, and other skills will strengthen.
Many individuals that have low self-esteem find that they benefit in numerous ways by joining an amateur dramatics group. If you talk to the members of this type of acting group, you will likely be surprised to know that most of them joined when they were experiencing challenging points in their life. They were experiencing bouts of low self-esteem and wanted to connect with others in a non-threatening manner.
Being part of a group which has the same interests as you will assist in building your self-esteem. When you become part of a group that has the ability to take a story and turn it into a stage production that is highly successful, your confidence will sky-rocket. In addition to this, many people find that when they are permitted to act out as someone else for a short amount of time, it is a great emotional release which allows them to reduce the stress in their life and experience higher levels of
confidence. If you want to experience higher levels of self-esteem, amateur dramatics may be perfect for you!
Many do not realize it, but amateur dramatics provides a wealth of educational opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing theatre on a professional level.
If you are interested in joining us you may be surprised to find that the work that you perform in that team will increase the amount of discipline that you have mentally and will optimise your ability to work in a team. Not only will this enhance your social skills, time management skills, and your ability to perform under pressure, it can also have many positive attributes when it comes to the workplace and other parts of your life. Many individuals who have performed in amateur dramatics have not only optimised their personalhabits and lifestyle, but have also benefited from the expertise that
they gain in their professional lives. If you are interested in developing your work ethic, your time management skills, boosting your self-confidence, and joining a team of like-minded individuals who have a joy and interest in the art of acting and assembling a production, you should consider the benefits associated with enrolling with us.
