Having recently acted in BP's production of Oklahoma!, my perception is naturally skewed, but familiarity bred the opposite of contempt in this experience and I'm compelled by a sincere appreciation of BP to provide a review. In all fairness, I've never seen a BP production. Rather, I'm reviewing BP from the inside, from the position of an actor and volunteer, because BP's just as interested in getting people into shows as they are getting people to come to shows.
Beijing has an abundance of talented veteran theatre people, and many of them have come together in Beijing to work with BP for their love of theatre alone. Similarly, Beijing's full of both amateur and seasoned actors, who find BP with a similar artistic altruism at heart. The combination of these people in BP makes the "community" in "community theatre" more than a reference to the local population, it refers to a camaraderie within BP that prospers it's labor - the production of quality shows in a strange land.
For anyone considering theatre and acting, I recommend trying out for a BP show. They're as interested in pulling in raw talent as they are in finding more seasoned actors, and this provides the former with an excellent opportunity to learn and grow in the company of intelligent and aesthetically-motivated professionals.
Joining the gang aside, I've heard a ton of second-hand accounts that BP's shows are phenomenal! Shows come but twice a year, though there are some small things here and there, so remember to get yourself a ticket next time a production rolls around.
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