Ever wanted to get involved with amateur theater? Ginnia Cheng enters, stage right.

Before you wade in with a damning judgment, no, amdram isn’t all jazz hands and histrionics. In fact, there are loads of local theater companies putting on
fun and thought-provoking shows all around town. And they’re always looking for fresh talent.

The first step when breaking into amateur acting is of course to go online. Alexa Massingham, program director of youth theater company Faust International, suggests joining Facebook groups such as “Auditions and Shows in Hong Kong” that not only supply links to all the essential production companies in town but also provide you with audition updates and information. Other online forums such as www.GeoExpat.com and The Hong Kong Acting group on www.Meetup.com also have audition calls, so sign up and check them regularly. 

But the most fundamental aspect of ensuring recognition is simply to network. Massingham points out that the amateur acting circles in Hong Kong can be rather cliquey, so it’s essential to get out there and enjoy the social side.
If you’re worried your lack of experience might hold you back, Horace Tse, marketing director of local Cantonese company The Nonsensemakers, says not to worry. “A lot of times directors are looking to see whether you’re a team player, and will evaluate you on your chemistry with the rest of the potential cast.”

If you want to gain some acting skills or improve on the ones you already have, try  some drama workshops and courses first. The Academy of Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu) is one school that offers various part-time courses. The Nonsensemakers and other production companies also occasionally hold workshops for budding actors.

Ultimately, Tse believes that the key to being a successful amateur actor lies in genuinely enjoying your art. “With amateur theater, profit is the last thing on your mind,” he says. What keeps you fueled is the satisfaction of a good performance. If you’re having fun and you enjoy auditioning, acting and singing, then you’re already a success.

The Big Break

Some companies to get you started

Baz&Maz Productions
Specializes in Off Broadway, small-scale musicals and contemporary plays. Baz&Maz hold fun performances that include singing, dancing and drama. Details: www.bazandmaz.com.

Big Box Theater
Having put on many successful productions in Hong Kong, Big Box is currently running “Word Up!,” an interactive poetry performance and workshop delivered at schools and clubs. Details: www.bigboxtheatre.com.

Faust International
Offering drama workshops and an extensive range of performances, Faust has programs available to children from 4-16. Details: www.faustworld.com or 2547-9114.

FM Theater Power
A Cantonese theater company, FM Theater Power puts on innovative and sometimes controversial productions to make bold statements. It has regular shows, often on the streets of Mong Kok. Details: www.fmtp.net.

Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation
For people aged 5-25, the Youth Arts Foundation is a charity providing quality, non-competitive arts and performance opportunities. Holds regular workshops for dancers, singers, actors, comedians and more. Details: www.hkyaf.com or 2877-2625.

Hong Kong Players
Hong Kong Players is the longest-running community theater group in Hong Kong. It runs three to four performances a year, from classics to modern dramas, and an annual Panto. It also runs regular workshops. Details: www.hongkongplayers.com.

Hong Kong Singers
Established in 1947, Hong Kong Singers is a non-profit charitable community theater company. Specializing in musicals, Hong Kong Singers has staged nearly all the Broadway and West End classics. It is currently also looking for directors, producers, choreographers and crew. Details: www.hksingers.com or hksingers@hotmail.com.

Katterwall
Specializing in singing, Katterwall offers private singing lessons, workshops, choirs and full-on musicals. Details: www.katterwall.com.

Looking Glass Productions
Specializes in productions that are thought-provoking and edgy, with a focus on the human existence. It aims to bring new and innovative theater to Hong Kong. Details: www.lookingglasshk.com.

Phoenixation Productions
A non-profit performance group, Phoenixation puts on quality productions to raise funds and awareness for community charities. Hosts productions and workshops throughout the year. Details: www.phoenixation.com.

The Nonsensemakers
Formed in 1990, The Nonsensemakers are a Cantonese theatrical troupe dedicated to questioning social norms and challenging traditional theatrical practices. They also hold regular workshops. Details: www.nonsensemakers.com or 3746-5219.

Audition Essentials

Brian Sealy, a.k.a. Baz of Baz&Maz Productions, shares his tips for a successful audition.

1. Be prepared to push your limits – you can be asked to do anything from
talking like a dog to imitating an old person to using foreign accents. If you’re cut off, don’t feel insulted! It’s part of the task and directors are usually on a tight schedule.

2. If auditioning for a musical, choose a song that shows off your vocal range. Don’t just pick a song because you like it.

3. Wear neat and comfortable clothing. It’s important that you can move freely around the room.

4. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. To have a good audition, it is essential that you find yourself the space you need to warm up and settle in.

5. Remember to smile and be confident. Take a deep breath and relax if you are nervous.

6. Do not ask if you will get a callback. The casting director will definitely let you know, and if you do get called back, wear the same outfit as you did during your audition.

7. Be nice to everyone, as you never know if you’re talking to someone important.

8. Finally, just enjoy yourself and have some fun, because that’s what acting is all about!

Check out Baz&Maz’s latest production, “Pippin,” on October 17, 18 and 19 at the Lok Hong Lane Amphitheatre, Lan Kwai Fong.