Directing in Musical Theatre in the Context of the Evolution of Amateur and Professional Theatrical Art

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine amateur theatre as a socio-cultural phenomenon and to determine its role in the development of professional musical theatre, particularly in relation to opera studios and the development of theatre directing. Research methodology. The historical-genetic method was used to analyse the evolution of amateur theatre, a systems approach to consider it as an open socio-cultural system, and a comparative analysis to contrast amateur theatre, opera studios and the professional stage. Scientific novelty. Amateur theatre is established as the structural foundation for the formation of professional musical theatre, and the opera studio is identified as an intermediate link between amateur creativity and the professional stage. Furthermore, the role of amateur theatre in the context of the creative economy and contemporary cultural transformations is explored. Its significance as an open socio-cultural system that promotes the creative self-realisation of the individual and the formation of cultural identity is demonstrated. The economic and organisational aspects of amateur theatre activities are analysed separately in the context of grant practices and cultural industries. Conclusions. It has been demonstrated that amateur theatre, opera studios and professional theatre form a coherent system for the development of theatrical art, which ensures a gradual transition from amateur creative activity to the professional stage and contributes to the formation of society’s cultural identity.