Difference between revisions of "Professional"
| (16 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | [[Professional]] is a term used to refer to any person (or company/business) earning a living as a specialized worker in a chosen field . | |
| − | + | In [[Afrikaans]] it is referred to as [[professioneel]] or [[professionele]]. | |
| − | = | + | ''Though providing a '''general definition''' to start with, this entry naturally tends to refer specifically to anyone who earns a living as a specialized worker in the [[performing arts]] profession (i.e. [[theatre]], [[film]], [[radio]], [[television]] and [[performance]]).'' |
| + | |||
| + | =Basic definition= | ||
| + | The term [[professional]] can be used as a noun or adjective, as well as an adverb in the form [[professionally]], | ||
| − | == | + | == As a noun== |
| + | Used to basically refer to anyone who earns a living as a specialized worker in the theatrical profession (ususally in the form "he/she is a [[professional]]). It means that the person performs or works as an occupation or for payment. This in opposition to a '''[[non-professional]]''' or an [[Amateur|'''amateur''']]. A slightly vague yet complicating category is the so called '''[[semi-professional]]'''. | ||
| − | + | == As an adjective == | |
| − | |||
| − | + | === Professional worker === | |
| + | [[Professional]] is used of any production employing skilled/trained workers ([[actor]]s, [[designer]]s, [[director]]s, [[stage manager]]s, etc.) and paying them. However this distinction is complicated by the skewed [[theatrical system]], based on an inequitable social system under the colonial and apartheid rule. For this reason the term '''[[Semi-professional]]''' (see below) is more appropriate in the cases of so-called "[[black]]" and "[[alternative]]" theatre productions, since many workers and [[performer]]s in these contexts do it part time (i.e. like amateurs), but get paid for it. [[Amateur]] is thus generally reserved for the notion of anyone who does theatre simply for the love of it - i.e. as a hobby - and receives no pay. Unfortunately a stigma has also attached itself to this notion, implying work that is “not up to standard”, even though for a very long time – and in some contexts still – some of the more innovative work has come from this source, and for long times in the history of the country the “amateurs” have constituted the only theatre available. | ||
| + | === [[Professional theatre]] === | ||
| − | + | Theatre presented by a company consisting of [[professional]] artists and workers, working for financial gain and for whom the income is their sole (or major) source of income. | |
| + | === [[Semi-professional theatre]] === | ||
| + | Theatre presented by a company consisting of [[semi-professional]] artists and workers, working for financial gain and for whom the income is NOT their sole (or major) source of income, but is undertaken for love of the craft and/or additional income. | ||
== For more information == | == For more information == | ||
| − | + | See further [[South African Theatre/Overview]] and also [[Amateur Theatre in South Africa]] | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | See also [[Amateur Theatre in South Africa]] | ||
== Return to == | == Return to == | ||
Latest revision as of 17:56, 27 July 2024
Professional is a term used to refer to any person (or company/business) earning a living as a specialized worker in a chosen field .
In Afrikaans it is referred to as professioneel or professionele.
Though providing a general definition to start with, this entry naturally tends to refer specifically to anyone who earns a living as a specialized worker in the performing arts profession (i.e. theatre, film, radio, television and performance).
Contents
Basic definition
The term professional can be used as a noun or adjective, as well as an adverb in the form professionally,
As a noun
Used to basically refer to anyone who earns a living as a specialized worker in the theatrical profession (ususally in the form "he/she is a professional). It means that the person performs or works as an occupation or for payment. This in opposition to a non-professional or an amateur. A slightly vague yet complicating category is the so called semi-professional.
As an adjective
Professional worker
Professional is used of any production employing skilled/trained workers (actors, designers, directors, stage managers, etc.) and paying them. However this distinction is complicated by the skewed theatrical system, based on an inequitable social system under the colonial and apartheid rule. For this reason the term Semi-professional (see below) is more appropriate in the cases of so-called "black" and "alternative" theatre productions, since many workers and performers in these contexts do it part time (i.e. like amateurs), but get paid for it. Amateur is thus generally reserved for the notion of anyone who does theatre simply for the love of it - i.e. as a hobby - and receives no pay. Unfortunately a stigma has also attached itself to this notion, implying work that is “not up to standard”, even though for a very long time – and in some contexts still – some of the more innovative work has come from this source, and for long times in the history of the country the “amateurs” have constituted the only theatre available.
Professional theatre
Theatre presented by a company consisting of professional artists and workers, working for financial gain and for whom the income is their sole (or major) source of income.
Semi-professional theatre
Theatre presented by a company consisting of semi-professional artists and workers, working for financial gain and for whom the income is NOT their sole (or major) source of income, but is undertaken for love of the craft and/or additional income.
For more information
See further South African Theatre/Overview and also Amateur Theatre in South Africa
Return to
Return to South African Theatre Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
