There's more to the Philips Norton
Players than just acting
If you are new to
The Players or considering becoming a member, you might like the idea of getting
involved but be uncertain about acting or simply be unaware of all the other areas
where you can apply your talents. So here we have listed some things that go into putting
on a production, just to give you some food for thought. Just click on the
link and you will be taken to the information for each item.
Directing and producing
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space.
Set design, building and painting
 |
No play is complete without an appropriate set. Whether simple or elaborate,
fixed or moving, the set is first designed in collaboration with the Director and
drawings are then handed to the set-crew for construction. Sometimes exiting items
are modified but more often than not new pieces have to be built to achieve the Director's vision
of the play, so enter the local 'handymen' to
make it all possible. So if you know which end of a hammer to hold (and don't swear
too much when you hit your thumb with it); can wire a plug; and get more paint on
the job than you do on yourself, then why not come along and help make the sets
a reality. |
 |
Managing the props
 |
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space. |
Being part of the Wardrobe Team
Here is an opportunity to make use of
your flair for colour, fashion and creativity, by joining the Wardrobe Team. Over
the years we’ve collected many costumes that are easily accessible and can be readily
adapted to meet your requirements. Stored in a large hanging space that makes it
easy to view and try them on, you’ll be spoilt for choice when considering how best
to dress the cast for any new production. And if the play calls for something new,
why not design a new piece and work with others in the team to add it to our wardrobe.
So whether dressing the cast or creating anew, the Wardrobe Team might be just right
for you!
Helping with make-up
|
Did you ever fancy being a make-up artist? Yes? Then
why not come and join the make-up team, who are so invaluable to bringing all the
characters to life. With a stream of actors lined-up outside, starting with the
first to go on stage, they are each transformed into the blushing bride, the galant
hero, the decrepit butler, or into whatever the script requires. And there are dress
and character changes to support throughout the production too! So if you have the
interest, we have all the powder and eye-liner, so why not give it a try! |
 |
 |
 |
Making music
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space.
Dance! Dance! Dance!
 |
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space. |
Stage lighting
As an integral part of the set design, the lighting
of the stage is fundamental to establishing the right mood and emphasis within a
scene. From the outset of any new production, the Lighting Engineer works with the
Director and Set Designer to understand how best to support the Director's interpretation
of the play. As each combination of zone, light-intensity and colour is identified,
it is matched to a cue within the script that will prompt the Lighting Engineer
to change to the next light-setting during the performance. And, of course, the
Lighting Engineer makes all the necessary physical changes to hang the lights and
route them to the control panel, where they will sit off to one side of the audience
as that silent yet vital member of the Players. So, if you like the technical stuff,
this could be just right for you!
Being the Prompt
'Oh no! What do I say next!' Well, thanks to the
Prompt you need never worry, as they are following every word in the script and
will whisper a gentle reminder from off-stage. Then away you go again... 'til the
next time your mind goes blank! Though never seen by the audience in their little
perch above the stage, the Prompt is
sometimes heard whispering... often to the sound of an actor slapping his or her forehead with
the palm of their hand.
Joining in with the later rehearsals and then ever-present during each performance,
the Prompt provides that welcome safety-net for the aspiring (or is
it 'perspiring') actor. |
 |
The stage manager and his crew
|
Without the stage manager raising the curtain the
show can not start, but then their work for the night has only just begun. If the
set has to move, the back-drop change or key items be taken on or off the stage
between scenes, it is the responsibility of the stage manager and his crew to make
it all happen... both quickly and quietly! The stage manager also advises the Director
during Technical Rehearsals on how best to change scenes with minimum impact on
the performance. |
 |
Front of house
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space
Tickets and publicity
 |
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space. |
Don't worry about auditions
But if none of the above activities take your fancy and you would
secretly like to try a little acting, don't be put off by the thought of having
to audition. It's all very informal, with everyone seated around the Director being
asked to read one or two of the parts. You can express and interest in certain characters
or just let the Director suggest them for you. And there's nothing stopping you
trying a different voice or accent, to help you get into the part. Then usually
after a couple of days the Director will call if they think there's a part that's
particularly well suited to you, then it's on to rehearsals and the stage awaits!
And there's always The Committee
Awaiting content ... Please watch this space.