Chesil Theatre: get involved...

Introduction

The Winchester Dramatic Society has been performing plays in Winchester for over 100 years. Since 1966 we have been based at the Chesil Theatre - a former 12th century church in Chesil Street. We provide high quality amateur drama for the people of Winchester and the surrounding area, performing mainly at our own theatre but occasionally elsewhere. There are around 250 Chesil members, including two thriving youth groups, and we put on a varied programme of six plays during the season, which runs from October to July. 

The Chesil Theatre has a members' bar and an active social scene. Every member receives a newsletter six or seven times a year, which covers what is happening in the society and gives details of forthcoming productions.

The rest of this page tells you more about how you can become actively involved. If you are interested in joining please contact:
The Membership Secretary,
The Chesil Theatre
Chesil Street
Winchester
SO23 OHU

You can also download a membership application form (pdf format, 35 kbytes)

Or email us at (please note: you need Javascript enabled on your browser to view this address): -

ActingTop

The latest newsletter advertises the reading and audition dates for the next production. Come along to the reading to hear the play and decide whether you want to be involved; you can just listen to others or you can take part yourself. 

Auditions are open to all and copies of the play are available in advance from the director. Casting is done by the director with the support of the Production Sub Committee. 

If you are not already a member when you are cast, you must join the society. Being a member means you are covered by the society's insurance and enables you to buy alcohol at the bar! There are ticket concessions for members too.Top

Directing

We encourage members to suggest plays they would like to direct. Contact any member of the Production Sub Committee, preferably with a copy of the play and your comments on which time of the year would suit you best.

New directors may be asked to start with a one-act play, or be assigned a codirector/ production assistant who will help and advise. Don't be put off by this- assistance with administrative or technical matters will make your job easier.Top  

Backstage

Stage management

The stage manager runs the show during the week of performance. As a newcomer, you would start as an assistant stage manager (ASM), prompt, props or other backstage teamworker. From this, you will gain an insight into what stage management involves at the Chesil. Contact the backstage manager and add your name to the list of volunteer helpers, or contact the director of the current or forthcoming production.

Set design, construction or painting, set dressing

Sets are sometimes designed by the director, or worked out between the director and someone else with experience of set design. It must be possible to build the set within the
limited space and facilities we have. It helps if you have some DIY experience, but unskilled help is also useful and welcome. 

Set painting is similar to normal domestic decorating, and can be great fun. Contact the stage manager or director of a particular production, or the backstage manager.

Costumes

We use costumes from our own wardrobe, hire them, or make them. Sometimes a play will be costumed by one person, more often by a small team of people. You do not need to be an expert dressmaker - help and advice is always available. Talk to the wardrobe supervisor or the director of a production in which you are interested.

Props

We have a wide range of stage properties (props) available for use on stage, but most productions also need things to be specially made or acquired - you could help with either.
Most productions need a person to manage the props during each performance. Talk to the stage manager or the director of the production which interests you.

Lighting and sound

We have a Sirius 24 computerised lighting board and a mini-disc sound system. Those with experience can help to design lighting or rig the lamps, and training can be given to those who wish to learn. Every production also needs someone to run the lighting board - again, we'll show you how. 

Similarly with sound, recording mini-discs for a show needs some experience, but running the sound system during a performance is easy once you've been shown how to do it.

Contact the backstage manager to volunteer help, or talk to the director or stage manager for a particular production.Top 

Front of house

Front of house (FoH) involves dealing with tickets at the theatre, selling programmes, helping to ensure the safety and comfort of the audience and offering them general assistance. Our FoH manager welcomes volunteers, and will give you any training you need for this very responsible job.Top 

Bar work

The bar provides drinks during shows, for most rehearsals and at social events. Contact the bar manager if you would be willing to help. If you have no experience of working behind a bar, don't worry. We'll be glad to train you how to spend a sociable evening or two!Top

Social activities

There is a varied programme of social events -quizzes, parties, walks, theatre visits, etc. which we hope you will support and enjoy. We are always open to new ideas and offers of help. Contact the social events organiser.Top