October 2017
The Improvisation workshop planned for 20th/21st October has been postponed.
Autumn Production 21st – 25th November 2017
“Star Quality”
Tickets on Sale Now!
Buy now to avoid disappointment, tickets are selling fast!
Does anybody currently have a brown janitor/warehouse coat in the cupboard? We had a couple for ”Daisy” and can only locate one!
Friday 10th November Play Reading 7.45pm Funtington Church Room
Still Life by Noel Coward, organised by Heather Birchenough
Monday 13th November: Traditional sound effects workshop 2 – 4pm, Bognor Regis Youth & Community Centre, Westloats Lane. PO21 5JZ
An invitation from Hilary Strong…….
Making Theatre Gaining Skills
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this unique opportunity is open to adults interested in the history of theatrical effects and how the amazing machines can create authentic sound live, without the need for electronic recordings. Participants will get to build their own special effects and try them out with a scripted scene. Find out how to use a wind machine, slapstick, rain tube – and many more!
Free of charge but places are limited. Email to reserve a place.
Making Theatre Gaining Skills trainees have been researching theatrical staging and sound effects from the 18th century through to the early 20th century. In particular, manual and mechanical sound effects that are still effective today and can be operated by stage crew rather than relying on electronic methods.
The machines developed were often highly complex and sometimes built into the fabric of the building. Cues would be written in the script for music and sound effects to be played at the appropriate time. Stage managers specialising as "effects men", created and performed offstage sound effects using a mix of mechanical contraptions. Some of the built-in machinery (for example the 18th century ‘thunder’ run) are still in use in older theatres such as the Bristol Old Vic and the Tyne Theatre but the smaller, manual effects are being abandoned in favour of recorded sound effects. The lack of professional prop making workshops in repertory theatres has compounded the situation and there is not the same ‘passing on’ of skills which was common in the later part of the 20th century.
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we can now share our knowledge of this amazingly fertile period of theatrical innovation.
www.makingtheatre.co.uk
Audition - Thursday 7th December 7.45pm
West Ashling Village Hall
Spring Production 10th – 14th April 2018
Rehearsals begin 23rd January
“The Ghost Train” by Arnold Ridley. Directed by Leafy Scott
Filmed no less than three times, this classic drama accidentally strands six passengers at a small Cornish wayside station. They decide to stay the night….. a decision they will regret…..
All are welcome – even if you do not want to read for a part.
Saturday 6th January 2018 – Old Time Music Hall and supper
A message from Gwen :-
“We have had many offers from performers but there is still room for any last minute items in case anybody forgot about it during the summer holidays. I'd also like to remind all participants that there will be a run through at the Hall on 10 December at 2 pm.Everyone will be required to come so that we can work out timing and order!”
Contact Gwen:-
Tel: 01243 375939
Dates for your Diary.
Friday 10th November Play Reading 7.45pm Funtington Church Room
Monday 13th November: Traditional sound effects workshop.
Tuesday 21st – Sat 25th November – Autumn Production “Star Quality”
Thursday 7th December – Audition for Spring Production – The Ghost Train.
7.45pm West Ashling Village Hall
Sunday 10th December 2pm – Run through for Old Time Music Hall participants –
West Ashling Village Hall
Saturday 6th January 2018 – Old Time Music Hall and supper
Saturday 17th February - Ceilidh, details to follow.
NB:
Please amend your membership list:-
Barry Jarvis
Flat 27 Watersmeet,
Appledram Lane North
Chichester
PO19 3RW
Tel: 01243 465098
Web Site – access to members page – user name: fpmember password: Bolton
Newsletter editor – Jan Copsey 01243572150
Next Committee meetings, 6th November, 11th December, 15th January.