In a recent conversation with a professional actor - they were asked if during their 'resting' periods they even got involved with local drama productions and societys.

They explained that the professional world was bad enough but that the political wrangling, sucking-up and bitching involved in these drama societys and clubs was far far worse and was something they were happy to live without.

They gave the example of their local situation which had firmly been taken over by a lady who turn out to be a complete control freak and now, without whose approval nothing could happen, no one could play a role and who, being seen to disagree with was total social disaster.