These guidelines have been compiled to give new and current company members general advice pertaining to membership of a theatre group. We have included some detailed information regarding requirements for auditions and how to prepare for them correctly.

SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ACTOR?

1     ATTITUDE: Having the correct attitude towards stage work is almost as vital as talent itself. However, without a combination of both, one is unlikely to survive in show business at amateur or professional level. You must have the ability to take direction and the ability to accept criticism. Many young actors are happy to accept praise, but refuse or are too proud to accept constructive criticism. Remember, a production team will have little to no time for difficult or problem actors.

2     PROFESSIONAL JEALOUSY: Always be courteous to your fellow performers and directors. Do not spread malicious gossip because you fear that someone is going to be cast in a principal role instead of you or because you’ve been unsuccessful in gaining that coveted role. Work harder and you may be cast in the next production.

3     BE A TEAM PLAYER: Being a member of a theatre company can be a most joyous and rewarding experience. Don’t cut yourself off from the rest of the group by assuming that you are more talented than they are. Don’t ever assume that you are the only one who can play a certain role. Be confident, but don’t be derogatory or derisory to your fellow performers.

4     WEEKLY FEES: The present weekly fee per member is £4.00, paid at a Sunday rehearsal. There is no longer a family membership fee. This is due to the rising costs of putting on a production. Ensure that your fees are paid regularly and are up to date. Do not allow fees to fall into arrears.


AUDITION PROCEDURE

1     PUNCTUALITY: Arrive Promptly at the Audition or Rehearsal Venue.

2     BE PREPARED: Make sure you have prepared properly for your audition, having researched the show and the part you’re auditioning for as much as possible. If it is a singing role, you should have practised the song or songs thoroughly prior to the audition. Most shows will require an accent, which is not your natural accent. Make sure you are familiar with the accent required, i.e. Received Pronunciation (RP), Standard American, New York, Cockney, Liverpool, Irish or whatever. If you require assistance with an accent, ask one of the Artistic Directors for their help and advice. If you have any questions of a musical nature, ask the Musical Director (MD) for his assistance. Remember, the production team is there to help you and they will have a clear knowledge of what is required for any given role in a show.

3     SHOULD I MEMORISE THE AUDITION PIECE? If you intend acting out your audition, which is much preferred but not essential, I would say YES! However, if you do intend performing your audition without a script, be quite sure that you have learnt it sufficiently. There is nothing worse than getting frequent prompts during an audition, which could result in jeopardising your chance of getting that role.

4     OWN CHOICE: If you have been requested to sing a song of your own choice, you should supply sheet music in the correct key for your chosen song.

5     AM I SUITED TO THAT ROLE? Unless there is an age limit, you are entitled to audition for any role in a production. However, be realistic about your suitability to play the role, i.e. voice range; singing, acting and dancing ability (if required); age; height; build.

6     AVAILABILITY AND RELIABILITY: You should always inform the Artistic Directors if you are unable to take part in a production or are unable to attend the auditions on the given date. If you cannot attend the auditions, it is then up to the production team to decide whether or not another suitable date can be allocated for you. It is also essential that you inform the Artistic Directors of any rehearsals you will be missing during the rehearsal period.

7     CASTING: If, after auditions, the production team feels that a certain role cannot be cast from within the company they may advertise or invite someone from out with the society to play the role. If it is not possible to cast a number of roles in a production, it is likely the production team will choose another show to present.