Discover the diverse delights of amateur dramatics

The curtain falls. Behind it, the actors gather, preparing to take their bow. Excited smiles are exchanged as a round of applause erupts from the audience. The buzz of pulling together is felt by all involved, both onstage and behind the scenes. The culmination of months of shared creativity has finally come to fruition and there’s no better feeling.

When it comes to beneficial pastimes, activities such as going to the gym, taking up running or learning yoga are among the popular choices, whether that’s for the physical benefits, mental or both. But for a wellbeing boost, it’s also worth considering a different kind of activity – amateur dramatics. From creativity and camaraderie to serenity and increased self-esteem, there are myriad benefits to stepping through the stage door.

Great escape

One key benefit of being involved with am-dram is the chance to enjoy a break from the everyday. The advantages of taking time out from ordinary life are well-known, but there aren’t always many opportunities to do so. Being part of an amateur dramatics group offers escape from the pressures of daily routines. For anyone who finds it hard to completely switch off and do nothing it provides a literal change of scene.

Acting, directing or stage management give people the opportunity to forget their own real-life roles, whether that’s partner, parent, carer or employee. Jenny Landreth, an amdram advocate and author of Break a Leg – AMemoir, Manifesto and Celebration of Amateur Theatre, sees it like this: ‘When you are in the theatre it doesn’t matter where you are from. There’s an equality of opportunity and equal footing and we can shed any rubbish we might carry with us to become a member of a new creative team.’