The Chipstead Players Youth Theatre is the junior section of the Chipstead Players, and consists of a group of enthusiastic actors, singers, dancers & backstage workers, ranging in age from 7 to 18. In the last few years Youth Theatre members have been involved in everything from panto and big musicals, like ‘Oliver’, to serious plays, like ‘Lord of the Flies’ and ‘The Crucible’.
How do I join the Chipstead Players?
Click on the Join Us page on the website and you will find a membership form – membership for Youth Theatre members is £10 per year.
What do I get for my membership?
You will get our regular newsletter ‘Noises Off’, with all the news, as well as audition notices. You don’t have to join up to be able to audition, but you will have to do so if you end up in a show as a member of the cast or crew.
How do I get to be in the shows?
All shows are by open audition. Auditions are advertised on the website and if you are a member you will receive details via email.
When are the shows?
The season runs from September to July and the programme is normally announced at the AGM in June, sometimes earlier. There are 7 shows a year and normally the September and April productions are for the Youth Theatre (of different age groups) and the January production has a mixed cast of both adult and youth members. There are often Youth Theatre roles in the adult productions too.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsal dates and times are normally set out in the audition notice so you will know in advance if you can make the commitment. There are normally 2 or 3 rehearsals a week – one or two in the week and on Sundays. They normally start about 3 months before the show goes public.
Do I have to go to all rehearsals?
Directors can normally work round some unavailability of the cast (e.g. school trips, holidays or family events), as long as these are not too close to the show dates and as long as they are declared on the audition form. The director will do an itemised audition schedule and it is unlikely that you will be called to every rehearsal unless you have a very large role.
What if I want to help back stage?
There are lots of opportunities to help back stage. Please get in touch if you want to know more.
Other than the shows, is there anything else?
We also run ‘ad hoc’ workshops and social events for Youth Theatre members: some are run free of charge by volunteers and some by paid drama practitioners, for which, understandably, there is a small charge. Once you join, you will receive emails of forthcoming events, or be able to read about them in the newsletter.
If you are wishing to meet up on a regular basis, then the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy may well be for you. These classes provide drama workshops at the Courtyard Theatre on a Friday evening, promoting confidence, communication and creativity through drama. For more details see www.dramaschoolforkids.co.uk or call 020 8667 9812.
