Amateur Stage Magazine to Present AMATEUR STAGE EXPO, March 31-April 1

In a world first, the UK's Amateur Stage Magazine will present THE AMATEUR STAGE EXPO on Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April 2012, at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. The Expo will bring amateur theatre groups and corporate exhibitors from all over the UK together to celebrate the vibrant and exciting amateur theatre community.  

 

For two days, visitors to THE AMATEUR STAGE EXPO will be entertained by over 1600 performers, have the opportunity to take part in free demonstrations, join in workshops and talk to over 100 companies who serve the amateur theatre industry.

THE AMATEUR STAGE EXPO is the first time that an event has bought together all aspects of amateur theatre in the UK, with representatives of the major industry players including the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), The LittleTheatre Guild, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Josef Weinberger, the Ambassador Theatre Group and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group are all taking part. West End composers George Stiles & Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk, PeterPan) will also make an appearance.

The UK's amateur theatre community has been active for over 150 years and continues to prosper with over 5000 groups involving over a quarter of a million participants each year, performing invenues of up to 2,000 seats in productions which often rival their professional touring counterparts. For many professional performers currently appearing on the West End stage, amateur theatre provided their entry level experience of performing. Stars such as David Jason, Sheridan Smith, Robbie Williams, andDame Judi Dench all trod the boards in amateur productions ahead of their professional careers.

Event Co-ordinator, Douglas Mayo said, “Amateur theatre remains a vibrant, successful sector generating millions of pounds towards the local economy and encouraging young people to participate in a positive community activity. Whilst some will choose to enter acting as aprofession, for many others amateur theatre provides a hobby, which also helps raise money for charities and entertain people in the process. It’s an exciting pastime that millions enjoy.” 

THE AMATEUR STAGE EXPO is expected to become a regular event in the amateur theatre calendar in years to come. It is being presented by Amateur Stage Magazine in conjunction with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

For more information, visit www.amateurstageexpo.co.uk.