To the Theory of Amateur and Professional Theater
The author considers theoretical aspects of amateur theater functioning in the present time, criteria of its determination and distinction from the professional theater. For the first time in home theater studies the art studies, the philosophical and aesthetic as well as the economic and legal aspects of the issue are studied. These issues are outlined by the author due to intensive development of different types of theater groups in contemporary Belarus. Thus, from the point of view of art studies it is necessary to differentiate the notion and category apparatus, to specify the economical, the legal, the aesthetic, the sociological and the philosophical approaches to identify criteria of «the amateur», and «the professional». Basic normative acts of the Republic of Belarus are mentioned, which have to do with setting up theater activities; design models for amateur and professional groups are considered as well as forms of work on creating an artistic performance.