How to become part of a play, whether it’s on or off the stage

There’s so much more to theatre than just acting!

It couldn’t be easier to become part of a play at the Royal Manor Theatre. We’re always looking for new talent, or even people who have had stage experience in the past.

If you’re thinking… “I would like to try that, but I’m not good enough” – how do you know? If you haven’t given it a go, you’d be foolish to say that you couldn’t do it because you haven’t tried! That’s why we are recruiting NOW! Don’t worry though, it’s not a Boot Camp, and there’s absolutely no pressure!

At the Royal Manor Theatre, we have a good team of dedicated directors who are extremely good at teaching new and old alike, the art of stagecraft. Some people, who have joined within the last couple of years, have wondered why they hadn’t joined sooner. Many have been in several plays in a row, because they had enjoyed the experience that much!

To become part of a play, you basically need to ‘pop-in’, when something’s happening. For example, you can come along to any event such as a play reading, or perhaps a rehearsal for the next production. When you’re there, make yourself known. If you don’t tell us why you’re there, we can’t get you involved!

You don’t have to act to be part of a play. That’s right, you don’t even have to step onto the stage in order to become part of a play. Perhaps you would like to do something ‘off-stage’? We still need all the assistance we can get when it comes to stage work. Whether it be curtain operator, prompt, props, make-up, stage manager, or whatever else needs doing, there’s something for everyone.

Whatever you want to help with, we need you now! Or, if you’re too shy to come along to an event, but still want to become involved, you can contact us for more information. But whatever you do, give it a go. That way, at least you’ll know whether or not you like it!

But what if I don’t want to be on the stage. Can I help in other ways?

Absolutely! If you’re not someone who yearns to be onstage but you still would like to contribute to the success of an amateur dramatics society know that there are many behind the scene roles for men, women and even teens! After all, what goes on backstage is just as important as the end result the audience sees.

Check out the following behind-the-scenes responsibilities… maybe one will call to you!

Director

Have you ever seen a production that was organised without a director? Probably not. Unless your amateur dramatics society will only conduct improvisational theatre pieces, directors will be needed.

The director’s job is complex and includes:

Reading and evaluating the script
Conducting auditions
Setting up a rehearsal schedule
Helping actors overcome barriers
Working with all backstage folks
Making certain thespians are stage-ready and a host of other items.

It’s demanding, but highly satisfying.

If you’ve never directed a show before, it’s a good idea for you to apprentice with a seasoned director for a few different plays, musicals, operettas, operas or recitals. That way, you’ll know the ropes when it comes time for you to direct solo.

Costume Designer

Do you have a knack for sewing? Do you know every consignment and bargain clothing shop this side of the English Channel? Are you interested in style and fashion? If you said “yes”, you’re an ideal candidate to become a costumer. Because most amateur dramatics troupes operate on shoestring budgets, you’ll likely be forced to use your imagination and innovation to clothe actors and dancers. Ultimately, this can be both frustrating and rewarding. You’ll also be expected to work collaboratively, as your designs will need to be negotiated and okayed by the director and/or set designer [see next role].

Set Designer

Some performances require very detailed sets; others need only a chair and table. But regardless of their scopes, almost all productions can benefit from the assistance of a set designer. A set designer works hand-in-hand with the director (and sometimes costumer) to match the performance with its setting. Set designers are in charge of creating an atmosphere that takes onlookers to another place and/or time. It’s a good idea for set designers (like directors) to apprentice before they tackle a piece alone, mainly because they’ll be efficiently brought “up to speed” that way.

Stage Manager

The stage manager is like a shepherd, herding actors onto stage. The stage manager is also a “time keeper”, notifying thespians when they should be in a certain place. And, finally, the stage manager is a friend to the director, who is typically too busy to be concerned with details relating to time management.

If you’re someone who can wield an invisible “stick” and likes to keep people on task and focused, you’ll adore being a stage manager. However, if you can’t stand being disliked at times, stage managing might not be for you. Often, the stage manager is seen as a lifesaver… and an annoying stickler. But remember that without him or her, a production could easily fall into complete disarray if not utter chaos!

andy_at_desk Lighting operator

If you were thinking that this kind of role is too complicated, you’d be surprised how easy it really is. The Royal Manor Theatre can boast some great technicians who would be happy to help guide and train you on using the theatre’s equipment. At no time would you be expected to simply ‘get on with it alone’ if you weren’t happy to do so. Nearly all of our equipment has been designed and built to suit our production demands. Not only does that mean it’s suitable for pretty much all we could want, it’s easy to operate too. Setting the lights prior to a show is a completely different job. This is something that is done for you by our trained lighting technicians. All you’d have to do is follow the script, and where the director has asked you to perform a task, you do it. There, simple! Rehearsals help you to establish the time required and work needed to achieve the desired effect. Then, by the time the dress rehearsal comes, you’ll be all familiar with what you need to do, and when you need to do it. Then, you can say you’re actually enjoying it and tell everyone how much fun it really is.

Sound operator

Just like the lighting operator, you’ll need to follow the script and play requested material at the required time. This could be anything from sound effects to music. The sound operator would usually play all sound which is pre-recorded. There are of course exceptions. More sound effects are actually performed on the stage nowadays, to give a more ‘realistic’ feel. However, sometimes there is a need for pre-recorded effects such as a car horn or the sound of dogs barking outside, or weather effects. Sound can be enjoyed as well. Just like the lighting, sound effects and pre-recorded sounds are prepared for you in advance so that you only have to operate them, not prepare them. If however you’d like to learn how to get more involved, and take on the role of preparing sounds before a show, you’d be most welcome.

Refreshments

We are always looking for people to help us provide refreshments to both members of the company and members of the public during the interval. All you need are basic cash handling skills, good kitchen awareness and a smile.

Front of House

Do you like meeting and greeting? If you do, then we’d love to meet you! Front of House take the responsibility of making sure the public are looked after before, during and after a production. The role starts even before the public enter the building. You would be required to be in attendance from at least 15 minutes before the doors open to the public, until after all members of the public have vacated. Typical example would be from 6.45pm to 9.45pm. You wouldn’t be expected to do it every night of the show, and it’s a role that can be shared throughout the week. However, if you’re able to spare more time, we’ll always be grateful.

Programme Sellers & Ticket Checkers

During many shows and events, we sell programmes. Also, because tickets are required to see a performance, we need to know that everyone who enters the building has got a ticket! If you’ve got an eye for detail, and basic cash handling skills, we’d be delighted to welcome you as part of the team.

Workshop assistant

Due to the age of the building, the theatre and other parts of the premises require constant maintenance. Because of this, we have our very own ‘Wednesday Workshop’.

Believe it or not, there is far more to the building than a hall and an auditorium. We have our very own workshop where we create sets and props. We have a carpenter’s area where a lot of things are repaired and maintained. We have our very own make-up department, green room and dressing room and so much more. Here anyone is welcome. Whether you fancy having a go at building maintenance, painting, decorating, cleaning (yes even cleaning), making refreshments for thirsty workers or just fancy a look around – pop in and see what it’s all about. Maintaining the theatre is one of the most important roles the company has, and it’s so important to keep it in tip-top shape, so that the building can be enjoyed for many years to come.

For further details on Wednesday Workshops, check out our Wednesday Workshop page on this very website. Even if you’ve no skills at all, we’re sure you’ll find something you enjoy doing, and perhaps (we hope) will even make the job your own.