It's Showtime | Amateur Night

The syndicated television program “Showtime at the Apollo” was a trailblazer during its time, showcasing the talents, skills, and uniqueness of both professionals and amateurs from the late 1980s into the early 2000s. While the predominant audience and talent showcased were primarily from the black American community, "Showtime at the Apollo" welcomed individuals from all cultural backgrounds and was one of the leading theaters in America to do so.

The show is best known for its “Amateur Night” series, where people had the opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities, comedic skills, craftsmanship, and other artistic talents. For almost 100 years, the Apollo Theatre, located in Harlem, New York, has been a nurturing ground for novices and amateurs who dare to perform in front of an audience.

Continuing its presence today, the show serves as a reminder that it’s okay to “start” as an amateur.

An Amateur in Front of an Audience 

Many factors contributes to the profound success and memorable nature of “Amateur Night” television series at the Apollo Theater. One essential factor was the audience's participation. The engaging and authoritative voice of the audience shaped the night's energy, as they were the main judges of each performer. Amateurs quickly learned what it meant to stand before a crowd. Unlike today’s popular television talent shows, where audiences can influence outcomes but in less direct way, Apollo’s "Amateur Night" during the late 80's and early 2000s provided no coaches or judges to offer critique or correction. It was an authentic experience for amateurs in “the big apple”! The audience had the power to boo, applaud, mock, laugh, celebrate, and rejoice with each performer. They expressed their feelings openly and LOUDLY.

One thing is certain: an amateur who can endure negative feedback from a live crowd can handle scrutiny from “almost” anything.

 An Audience All Around Us

Everyone has an audience in their lives. For many, the first audience is family, who shape perceptions through their judgments, critiques, and corrections of behaviors, abilities, thought processes, and even potential.

Additionally, the outside world, including friends, neighbors, schools, and workplaces, serves as another layer of an audience. Over the past two decades, social media platforms (like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, etc.) have created even larger stages for people to gain approval or disapproval from others. Anything can become a stage, even if it's just for one person who is watching.

Drawing a parallel to "Amateur Night" at the Apollo, the audience during those performances revealed the persistence of amateurs. If the audience disapproved of a performance, could the individual keep going or pivot in a different direction? The audience at the Apollo made judgments that were sometimes ACCURATE based on their applause or disapproval. While some amateur artists lacked vocal skills, humor, or craftsmanship, others showed great potential. Some needed further development, resources, and time to hone their skills. An amateur is simply someone who needs to increase their skill set.

This concept isn't limited to the arts; it applies to all professions and personal endeavors—whether as a nurse, teacher, skateboarder, cook, trainer, spouse, parent, writer, or chief financial officer. The more a person willingly work on a skill or develop their belief system, the better they can become—or can pivot.

Although there is a strong influence from the audience around us, we must always strive to be our own greatest judges—in a healthy and honest manner. A reminder to know your “why”.

The Show Must Go On

No matter the circumstances, the show goes on. In front of an audience or not, the show goes on. With the approval or disapproval of the audience, the show goes on.

Most importantly, "Showtime at the Apollo" Amateur Night revealed those who could persist despite rejection or criticism. Artists like Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, Jamie Foxx, Dave Chappelle, and many others were initially discredited and booed off the stage at the Apollo theater, yet they found success in the entertainment industry years later -- they all began as amateurs.

Regardless of the stage we occupy—personal or professional—whether we face approval or are met with criticism, the show must go on!

It’s Showtime | Amateur Night!

Apollo Theater | Harlem, New York