Arts debate

Should it be easier for amateur theatre to receive greater funding?

Michael T J Walker, who sits on the Concordia Theatre Council. gives his personal thoughts on amateur theatre.

Thirty eight years ago in Hinckley, Leicestershire Michael T J Walker became involved in a group who purchased a disused hosiery factory and without any outside funding, and turned it into a 400 seater theatre. A charity was formed (Hinckley Concordia Association) and Hinckley Concordia Theatre was born. It became the home for all the local drama, music, pantomime groups and continues to flourish on a purely amateur basis. There are just two paid personnel - the cleaners. Concordia Theatre have never received any outside funding but have expanded the building and purchased adjoining property. Last year they catered for some 50,000 patrons.

When the Arts Council was founded in 1946 it is reported to have claimed that “it was only going to fund excellence”. With over 7 million people attending amateur shows in Britain there must be some excellence on show in amateur theatre but still the Arts Council appears reluctant to take it seriously.  This is despite the fact that it is the training ground for many actors who go on to turn professional.  It is also the bedrock for many technicians, scenic designers and stage managers.  The latest issue of this Regions Arts Council News has no mention of amateur theatre but does have articles on Internationalism and cultural diversity, cotemporary British culture and “grants helping thousands of creative and inspirational people make artistic and cultural life in this country the envy of the world”.

At present the Arts Council asks amateur theatres what their artistic policies are and if they have an outreach programme. The simple answer to artistic policy is;  “Yes! Bums on seats!”.

By giving value for money and often achieving sell out performances this is the only way that groups can survive.  Increasing overheads and the cost of licences coupled with Performing Rights charges mean that margins are being squeezed.

As for “outreach” most people involved in putting on amateur shows have full time jobs and have no time to look outside their group.

Not all amateur shows are performed in church halls and schools but there are many small and medium size theatres throughout the country that provide live entertainment for Communities.  Often these are the only entertainment available in an area and attached to them are various Youth Groups and other community activities.  They also provide centres for retired persons to continue to exercise their skills in carpentry and electrics etc and also to have a social evening whilst they help with front of house duties, selling programmes, providing coffee and bar facilities. (This is supposing you can get a volunteer to undertake all the training now required by the new licensing laws).

I contend that whilst there is a need to supply funding for the “Big” national projects and even for the way-out art creation, which are appreciated by a small minority, that a little more financial help to Amateur Theatre would enable it to continue to expand, ensuring that the bed rock of live theatre in this country is alive and kicking.