BRINGING A PRODUCTION TO STAGE

An ambitious Maddermarket Theatre production could include all the following roles/responsibilities:

and would follow much the same pattern of development as any professional theatre company’s production. The main difference is that the cast and crew are, for the most part, unpaid volunteers, mostly amateurs, who share a passion for good quality drama.  Most have full time ‘day’ jobs and give up many hours to ensure that the final production of a play is of a high standard.  Their reward is to experience working within the very special and unique environment that is ‘The Maddermarket’.

Volunteers with or without experience are always welcome, so come and get involved!  (Link to volunteers)
The Maddermarket season of twelve plays, is usually planned well in advance (six months to a year), to allow for Directors to be secured and performing rights to be obtained.  The Artistic Director of the Maddermarket  directs up to half of the productions each year.  The rest of the season’s plays are directed by experienced guest directors. These guests also work voluntarily.

Directors and cast  collaborate to agree a schedule of rehearsals that suits their other commitments.  Most Maddermarket  productions involve rehearsals taking place on weekday evenings for about 3 hours.  The rehearsal room is generally used for an upcoming show, unless the auditorium is free.

During the rehearsal period, actors’ costumes are fitted, publicity photographs are taken, press releases and interviews with local radios are held and a programme for the show is prepared and printed.

Most importantly, tickets for the show are sold! Read more . . .

During rehearsals, the stage manager will assist by prompting actors with lines, preparing a ‘prop’ list (properties required by actors to fulfil their roles) and making notes about e.g. which entrances actors will use in each scene and what furniture or scenery will be moved by the crew in performance.

Meanwhile scenery is constructed in ‘the dock’, furniture and properties are collected from storage, costumes are made in the wardrobe and lights are rigged in preparation for the technical rehearsal.

If you think any of the above sounds interesting and you have relevant skills to offer, or even if you haven’t but are enthusiastic and energetic come in to meet other members of the company and the staff at the theatre and join the Maddermarket Theatre Company now!  Read more . . .