Inevitably it is those on the stage who get the glory when a production comes off well, but a successful show depends on a whole army of people, many of whom are content to work quietly in the background with little or no recognition. The average show will probably involve something close to 50 people in one way or another.
Here is just a selection of those who come immediately to mind.
- Set building and design (carpenters, electricians, painters, wallpaper hangers, interior designers, properties … or, in the absence of any of the above, anybody with a bit of common sense)
- Technicians (lighting engineer, sound engineer, special effects)
- Backstage (wardrobe, make-up, hairdressers, prompt, curtain puller)
- Hospitality (front of house manager, refreshments, bar, raffle, ticket sales, programme sales)
- Maintenance (seat putter outers, seat numberers, seat straightener uppers, cleaners)
- Publicity (poster design, programme design, printing, distribution, communications)
- Committee (the team who keep the “ship” afloat by making decisions and attending to the nitty-gritty of running the organisation)
- Director (the one who gets the blame if it all goes wrong)
The Players are always keen to recruit new supporters to help in any of these roles, and those who are already involved will witness to the great team spirit that exists within the group. Some individuals will devote a significant amount of time to the group – others maybe just a few hours once every six months. Few, either way, will claim to do so begrudgingly.
If you feel that you have a skill, or just time and a willing nature, that you would like to offer, please do get in touch with us. If you are new to the area, it is a great way to get to know people in the village, and whether on or off stage, you’ll have a lot of fun.
