Friday 15 March 2013

Brass monkeys

March open meeting
Just back from a week in Cyprus and though I was sorry to miss the open evening I was not sorry to miss the bitterly cold weather.  It sounds as if you had a very entertaining evening in the pleasant upstairs room at Peepo's, with a selection of one acts and play extracts and some new people taking part.  Well done all.

April/May
I hear that "Intimate Exchanges" is progressing well.  Producer Liz F is pleased, and a little relieved too, that so many people have offered their services to help get the production rolling.  Thank you Players all.

Monday 4 March 2013

Invitation to local thespians

Have you always had a secret desire to tread the boards, but didn’t know what was involved or how to go about it? 
Bridgnorth Players will be holding an Open Meeting in the upstairs lounge at Peepo's restaurant in the High Street, Bridgnorth from 7.30 pm on Wednesday 6th March, when anyone interested at having a go at acting will have a chance to read from a variety of one act plays and scenes.  It’s fun and commitment-free - you won’t be coerced into anything further if it’s not your cup of tea.  So why not come along and give it a go?  You might surprise yourself!  The £2 entry charge is a stupendous bargain as it includes a slice of Peepo's excellent pizza plus a glass of wine or a soft drink, so not only will this be a taste of amdram, but a deliciously convivial evening too.   
Oh, go on….you know you want to!

February frolics

February meeting
Despite the chill in the upstairs room of the Shakespeare we had a jolly time with our readings.  Yapping and woofing was in order when we read "A Dog's Life" by Pam Valentine, luckily doggy actions were not required!  "Pygmalion" gave us a chance to hear a pretty good cockney accent and a pared down version of the film script of "Kind Hearts and Coronets" gave the gist of the story.

NODA District 7 meeting
Organised by outgoing representative Jean Beard, who is standing down after 25 years.
Speakers were Alison Norton, compiler of the am dram column for the Express and Star; Peter Cutchie, Chief Executive for the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and Tony Gibbs, CEO of NODA.
A well attended meeting.  Lots of useful information, but too much to record here.  70% of drama or theatre groups report that they are losing money; realistic ticket prices are needed.  Audiences do not realise the cost of putting on productions.  Getting the best from your venues. People no longer join and remain "faithful" to one group: actors spread themselves around.  Every member should have a role, a job, a contribution to make.  Put your best bits on You tube. 

Audience development and marketing for touring groups
Organised by Shropshire Council in partnership with the Audience Agency
Lots of useful info on sources of data, from the Audience Agency and the Arts Council.  Pat and I had to cherry pick the bits that were relevant to Bridgnorth Players as it was aimed at lager touring groups; the Pentabus attendee found it particularly helpful.  Whilst developing strategies for audience development we were reminded not to forget our core audience!  As far as Bridgnorth Players is concerned I suggest that our members are at the centre of what we do, with audiences a close second.

The Sound of Music
What can I say?  Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company excelled again.  A fantastic production and a great evening out.  Well done!