AMATEUR THEATRICALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18942, 13 February 1925, Page 14

AMATEUR THEATRICALS.

It is a great mistake to begin with a play of Shakespeare's. Many attempt this, to their undoing. A play which taxes the powers of great actors and actresses is not likely to prove a great success with novices. The choice of a play is, in. fact, the greatest difficulty with which an organiser has to contend. Any attempt at fine speaking on the part of amateur players will be doomed to failure, so a play in which the speech of the people will be quite natural is essential. If possible, a play in which there is a crowd should be chosen, as this will bring in so many characters. A stage manager ought not to take one of the parts. She must insist on an adequate number of rehearsals, and those who do not attend these regularly must be made to retire from the cast. She must be a woman of infinite tact, for what she will have to contend against most is jealousy. No personal feelings should be allowed to enter into the choice of actors for the various parts. Local talent should always be encouraged. If the singing or dancing is good a play that gives the talented ones an opportunity of displaying their skill should bo given. If thdr'e is someone gifted enough to write it, a play centred round local legends, with a view t-o individual characters, woulcl be certain of success.