Since the thread on who is a professional has raised plenty of thought and opinion on what is and isn't a professional performer I have been thinking about a question around that area that probably needs it's own thread.

What value do you have on a performers status? Do you value a professional more than a semi-professional? Do you find the most joy comes from the amateur performers? Are you only interested in the hobbyist and those doing it for a bit of a laugh?

The field is yours to respond, but please own your statements to avoid arguements.

An example of owning a statement would be:

"I would not use a performer unless they were a professional. For me the professional is what I want on my stage."

An example of NOT owning a statement would be:

"You shouldn't use anyone for a show who is a professional, they arn't worth the price tag for shows."

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Silk Stocking Striptease Show

For me it has no impact on how I receive a performance, nor does it influence me on choosing to attend an event. After all when 'billing' or introducing a performer as a 'full time professional' or 'hobbyist' doesn't happen, so shouldn’t really affect matters.

If I enjoy or dislike an act I do so for aesthetic, technical and narrative qualities not due to a performer’s status/value.

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'...Sir you should not address a lady in that manner!'
'Madame, if you were a lady I would not be in your boudoir'

From an observer I want to see a good performance and screw the "status" of the performer! It's actually sometimes the case that a amateur performer can be better than a pro one in the right settings. In a small friendly pub for example an amateur or semi-am with a friendly inclusive style will go across better than a top ranker with more of a technical ice-queenish style. Put them in a big show and the reverse is often true.

The status of a performer is irrelevant to me when I stand in the audience - all I care about is whether or not I'm entertained and I feel that what I'm seeing on stage justifies the ticket price.

I get pissed of at the huge number of events where the publicity promises me "the best/top performers in the UK" and what I get is a stage full of mediocre amateurs (and weak professionals) who completely fail to be original, professional (amateurs are perfectly capable of behaving like professionals) and entertaining (the most important label of all).

When I'm booking a performer for an event all I care about is the quality of their work, not their status (or even their fame). We've turned down some very professional (and high-earning) performers just because we don't think they're that good and gone on to book relative newcomers because we've loved their act!

I'm a professional perfomer; I pride myself on that because it's taken me a long time to get to the stage where I don't need to hold down another job (in a bar, etc) in order to pay the bills but I'd still be a professional if I did have to have that extra job because I have over 15 years experience at what i do, several courses, diplomas and dozens of workshops under my belt as well as the on the job training of over a decade on the stage. However, this means jack if I don't provide the goods on the night.

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RwP

I agree, we all have our place. One has to be an amateur before they than become a professional I'd say. Without one there cannot be the other.

as a Producer i prefer to give bookings to proffessionals as they have the necessary experience , insurance etc

as an audience member i prefer to watch polished entertaining acts regardless of status.

as a proffessional performer it is important to me that my status is recognised ...

x x x

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Winner "Best Female Performer 2007" MOB Awards
Mistress of Make Believe
Veteran of Circus and British Burlesque
http://www.redsarah.com
http://www.myspace.com/cherrybombola

Yes but everyone has to start somewhere!!!!!

kisses
PixieParasol

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It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice!

Bugger all - in short.
As a performer I want to entertain, as an audience member I want to be entertained. Whatever the official status, entertainment is paramount.

I want to be described as 'professional' in my attitude and I describe myself as 'professional' in status so I recognise what it means. But for me, personally, it doesn't mean much.

Got to agree with Leyla Rose. Back in the late sixties, 1968, according to Wiki, Wimbledon voted to drop all reference to amateur and professional. I bet the stands were full when it was all amateur, and likewise professional. The same with Rugby Union in the mid nineties.
I've danced, as an amateur, with a professional and with an amateur, didn't seem to cause a drop in audience numbers.
It's like others have said, who really cares as long as you have been well entertained and feel you have had good value for your money?

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Ooh la la!

I totally agree... as long as there is entertainment who cares about the tag. It's great if you can make money from it but just because you don't doesn't make you any less entertaining.

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Rock 'n' Roll me baby