General Information

General Information

Elsewhere on this site you will see publicity for our future programme, photographs from some recent shows and general information about Broxbourne Theatre Company. On this page we bring together some of the additional things you might need to know if you're thinking about becoming a member and, perhaps, taking part in a show or helping backstage. You'll probably find it useful to look around the site first, then come back here (using the "Membership" link on the left). At the bottom of the page is a button which takes you to a form where you can ask for more information or contact us. Note:   The information on this page is intended for members of the adult company (ie, those aged 16 or over). Broxbourne Theatre Company also has a Young Set for those aged 9 to 16 which has separate activities. Information about the Young Set is here.   When is the best time to join? New members are welcome for the pantomime Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, which begins rehearsal in September for performance in January 2009. But we also have a number of publicity events and other activities where you may be able to meet us informally before rehearsals start. We will also be presenting Thoroughly Modern Millie in May 2009 and work on this will begin at the end of January. If you're interested in working backstage, the main work for Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood begins in December but please contact us now, so that we can invite you along to meet our stage manager and some of the members, and you may also be able to help with additional set construction, making properties, carnival floats etc. We'll also tell you about any social activities. Either way, don't delay contacting us - once we have your details, we'll be able to let you know of arrangements as they arise. When will Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood rehearsals be? From 22nd September Monday and Friday evenings from 7.45pm From 30th November Monday and Friday evgs from 7.45pm plus two Sundays 3-7pm and two Sundays 3-9pm TBA Costume Call Wed 7th January  Technical Rehearsal -- for 7pm start Thu 8th January  Dress Rehearsal -- for 7.30pm start Performances See www.musicals.org.uk Monday, Friday and Sunday rehearsals are at Bollescroft. Tech and Dress rehearsals are in the Theatre . If I'm appearing in a show, will I be needed at all rehearsals? You will need to be available for most of the Monday and Friday rehearsals, all Sunday rehearsals, the costume call and the tech and dress rehearsal (and, of course, all of the performances). Do I need previous experience? If you can sing in tune, and you like enjoyable hard work, then you have all the experience you need to get started in the chorus or in a supporting role. All our members are keen amateurs just like you, and we have an experienced director, musical director and choreographer who will show you what to do, and other friendly members who will help. If you do have previous performing experience then you can also consider auditioning for some of the principal parts. However, you must be a fully paid-up member before being eligible for audition, and a previous appearance in the chorus will ensure you know how we work. How much does it cost to take part? We've had to raise the production fee (for the first time in 10 years) but its still a lot less than playing golf, and most certainly a lot more fun ! a) Annual subscription is £16 (£15 if you pay by direct debit). It is payable on joining, and expires in September each year. b) New members also pay an enrolment fee of £5. c) All performing members also pay a production fee of £25 for each production in which they appear, whether as a principal or as a member of the chorus. There are no daily or weekly rehearsal fees. d) For pantomimes, scripts are usually sold at the first rehearsal, typically priced around £7 per copy and are yours to keep. For musicals, scripts are usually available only on hire, for a £25 deposit refundable if the script is returned after the show in original condition with all marks fully erased. e) We will pay for hire of your main costumes, but you may also need to find or buy some accessories, eg belts and shoes. We are now auditioning the chorus as well as the principal parts. Auditions for principals and chorus are open only to members, so if you wish to audition you will need to become a member (paying the enrolment fee and annual subscription) before the audition day. Backstage workers do not pay a production fee, and are not necessarily required to become members, but are encouraged to do so at either the Full Members rate (as above, which confers voting rights) or as an associate member at a reduced rate of £5 which covers newsletters and allows participation in social events. Will I be able to audition for the main parts? All members are entitled to audition for future shows, and assistance will be given in a pre-audition rehearsal. If you don't have previous experience in a musical theatre group, its a good idea to take a chorus part in one of our shows so you know more about the way we work. You will probably find this helps if you decide to audition for the main parts in future shows. If I'm helping backstage, will I be needed at all performances? It's a lot easier if we do have the same backstage crew at Technical and Dress Rehearsals and for every performance, but it's always useful to have some extra people on the rigging day and the dress and technical rehearsals. There will be also be some jobs during the run of the show that you can help with. We also need programme sellers and ushers during performances, as well as people to help with social events, publicity, carnival floats etc. Need further information? Or ready to join already?