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Chameleon Theatre Company has been
presenting plays to the people of Chandlers Ford since 1965. We perform
three plays and a pantomime each year, so there is always a play in
rehearsal. We also participate in drama festivals, take "one act''
plays on tour to residential homes and organisations such as the W.I. In
addition to the productions, there are plenty of social events, such as
parties, meals out, play readings, quiz evenings and car treasure hunts.
The normal course of a production is:
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Regular rehearsals in the Ritchie Hall on
Tuesdays starting at 7.30 p.m., involving all cast members * Usually a
second rehearsal in the director's or cast member's home on Thursdays,
concentrating on the script, attended by all cast or as suggested by
the director.
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Planning commences for the NEXT production,
including a read through of the chosen play, perhaps at an evening
party, followed by auditions, usually before the set building
weekends.
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Two weekends before the run devoted to set
building and technical rehearsal at the Ritchie Hall, attended by the
director, stage manager, cast and members of the company.
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The week of the production; dress rehearsal
on Tuesday, invited audience of senior citizens on Wednesday, and
three nights for the members of the public.
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After production party at the Ritchie Hall
immediately following the last night.
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Strike the set and clear up the Ritchie Hall
on the Sunday morning, attended by the director, stage manager, cast
and members of the company.
Of course, not every member will be working
on a current production, but most members come to the Ritchie Hall on
Tuesday evenings, staying for the coffee break and then adjourning to the
local pub. Plays are also read in the Green Room while the current play is
in rehearsal on stage.
As we are a small group we need as many
people as possible to help with set building and striking; everyone is
requested to attend on these occasions, whether in the cast/backstage crew
or not. Similarly, the Front of House manager needs several helpers each
evening to make sure that the audience is well looked after.
Following are some notes about the various
roles associated with a play. These are for guidance and are our current
best practice.
If you have any questions or suggestions,
any one of the committee members will be glad to help.
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Important dates in the Chameleon year
September
Year starts with AGM.
October
- Production week is usually the last full week of the
month.
- Set building takes place on the two weekends prior to
this.
- Technical rehearsal, usually followed by a run
through, is held the Sunday prior to the run,
- Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday,
- Wednesday is our invited audience night,
- Regular audience performances are on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday nights.
- Set strike on Sunday morning.
January
- Production run usually starts penultimate Friday of
month.
- Set building takes place on the two weekends prior to
this.
- Technical rehearsal, usually followed by a run
through, is held the Sunday prior to the run,
- Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday,
- Regular audience performances are on the penultimate
Friday of month, with a matinee and evening performance on the
Saturday. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are normally nights off.
- Wednesday is our invited audience night,
- Regular audience performances are on Thursday, Friday
nights and Saturday afternoon and night.
- Again, set building is the two weekends prior, again
with technical rehearsal and dress rehearsal as described for October.
March & April
We usually participate in the Totton Drama
Festival. Dates vary.
April
- Production week is usually the last full week of the
month.
- Set building takes place on the two weekends prior to
this.
- Technical rehearsal, usually followed by a run
through, is held the Sunday prior to the run,
- Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday,
- Wednesday is our invited audience night,
- Regular audience performances are on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday nights.
- Set strike on Sunday morning.
July
- Production week is usually the last full week of the
month.
- Set building takes place on the two weekends prior to
this.
- Technical rehearsal, usually followed by a run
through, is held the Sunday prior to the run,
- Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday,
- Wednesday is our invited audience night,
- Regular audience performances are on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday nights. Performances are usually accompanied by a
ploughman's supper.
- Set strike on Sunday morning.
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Director's role
The director has responsibility for the
production of the play and will liaise with the Committee on a regular
basis. Duties include: -
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Selection of or agreeing choice of play. We
ask all new directors to choose either a one act play, to direct on
their own or with an experienced director as mentor if they wish, or a
full length play, but with experienced mentor. As part of the play
approval process, the committee will agree if a full length play may
be directed as a first play by a new director.
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Announcing and arranging timing of play read
through and auditions.
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Casting of play and ensuring cast and crew
are aware of rehearsal and production schedules.
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Appointing a Production Assistant and Stage
Manager, together with Lighting, Sound, Properties and Wardrobe staff
as necessary. This should be done at the same time as casting, or as
soon as possible afterwards.
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Appointing a Front of House Manager (and
Catering Manager when appropriate), again as soon as possible after
casting.
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Agreeing style and amount of advertising and
programme details with the Business Manager, as well as seating
requirements if the play requires unusual staging.
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Arranging any extra rehearsals. These will
be in a private home, but if additional stage time is essential, the
requirement should be discussed with the Treasurer.
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Discussing set design and construction at a
backstage meeting to agree requirements.
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Opening and locking the Ritchie Hall unless
delegated to a committee member.
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Being responsible with Committee for the
overall budget of the production and liaising with the Treasurer
regarding production costs.
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Making sure that set is struck and the hall
is returned to good condition on the Sunday immediately after the
production.
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The safety of the cast and crew during
rehearsals.
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Attending committee meetings or providing
update on problems or progress for the committee during the production
period of the play.
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Production Assistant's role
The Production Assistant will assist the
director in any aspect of the production as requested.
This role is a good one to undertake if you
think you may wish to direct, or improve your directing skills, since you
will see a play development through all the stages. Each director has
different ways of working but there is much the Production Assistant can
do to assist the production's smooth progress. For instance: -
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Act as prompt, attending as many rehearsals
as possible and assisting cast to learn their part.
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Assist director in providing and deciding
upon:
a. Providing programme information
b. Set, staging and furniture requirements
c. Liaise with Stage Manager and Properties when necessary
d. Stand in for director at rehearsals
e. Stand in for missing cast at rehearsals
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Stage Manager
During rehearsal period, the Stage Manager
should familiarise himself/herself with the play and the various
challenges staging it will present. He will liaise with the director on
set design.
During play week, the Stage Manager is
responsible to the Director for the smooth running of the production and
has complete control over the cast and backstage crew. He/she is also
responsible to the cast and crew for their well being and safety. Ideally
he/she should be present at each performance, but where this is not
possible he must ensure that the Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) is fully
conversant with the routine.
He/she would report to the Director with any
cast problems on the night and to the Chairman or Committee with any
technical problems. Must aim for "curtain up'' at 7.30pm (liaising
with Front of House Manager) and has FINAL WORD on start time.
We suggest that ASM is responsible for
backstage discipline and communication with Front of House.
Duties are: -
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To appoint an ASM and extra members of the
stage crew as necessary - the director should have already asked
Lighting, Sound, Properties and Wardrobe as required.
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Locate tire fighting equipment and nearest
telephone. Be familiar with procedure in case of emergency.
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Ensure that the stage is correctly set no
later than 7.00 p.m. Cast only allowed on stage with permission of
Stage Manager.
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Make sure that all lighting and sound checks
have been carried by 7.00pm.
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Make sure that background music starts at
7.00pm as instructed by Director.
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Make sure NO ONE other than FOH Staff uses
green room door to auditorium after 7.00pm.
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Ensure that no visitors are in dressing room
other than company members. Backstage and FOH staff who are not
Chameleons are temporary members.
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Liaise with Front of House Manager for
"curtain up'' timing and procedure.
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Supervise the stage during production - only
cast waiting for entrance and/or crew with permission are allowed in
the wings.
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Liaise with Front of House Manager for
lights and music during raffle.
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Tidy up backstage areas at end of evening.
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Make sure sound and lighting power supplies
are switched OFF at end of evening.
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Front of House Manager and FOH
staff
Prior to the production, the Front of House
Manager is responsible for recruiting and scheduling sufficient FOH staff
for each night. The slumber needed each night is five, i.e. two to sell
raffle tickets and two to show people to their seats and the FOH Manager
(or a substitute if FOH Manager cannot be present on a particular
evening). The FOH Manager normally welcomes the audience at the door and
gives them their tickets. All FOH staff should attend dress rehearsal if
at all possible to familiarise themselves with the play and to attend a
short briefing meeting to remand themselves of tire evacuation procedure
and their duties on the night. All FOH staff should be smartly dressed and
wear a Chameleon waistcoat so that the audience can identify them easily.
During production week, the Front of House
Manager and staff should arrive at 6.15 p.m. or earlier to carry out the
following: 1. Arrange for seats to be put out by 6.45pm and brief any FOH
staff who did not attend dress rehearsal, particularly family and friends.
Ensure EXIT signs are switched on.
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Ensure all staff understand the evacuation
procedures.
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Doors open at 7.00pm.
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Keep aisles and exits free of obstruction.
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ln the case of a Fire Inspection, accompany
the Fire Officer.
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Meet and escort any official guests e.g.
Mayor and/or Press.
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In case of fire, organise evacuation of Hall
and call Fire Brigade.
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Make sure refreshments are organised for
Interval and that one member of the team each night is responsible for
ensuring hot water is ready shortly before coffee interval. Two
members of FOH team should be in the auditoriums at all times to
handle emergencies.
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Supervise the following;-
a) Entry Tickets
b) Raffle Tickets
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Supervise the Raffle Draw.
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Take instructions from Stage Manager
regarding House Lights etc.
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Be responsible for the audience generally.
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CLEAR UP AFTERWARDS in auditorium and
refreshments area.
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Be responsible for ensuring premises are
empty, safe, locked and secure at the end of each evening.
General. During play week the Ritchie
Hall Car Park is NOT to be used unless with the permission of the
Committee.
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Cast
Members of the cast are responsible to the
Director during rehearsals, and to the Stage Manager during the
performance. Whilst the east have no FOH or backstage specific duties,
they are requested to observe the following points during play
week:-
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Understand procedure in case of emergency
(see later).
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Arrive by 7.00pm and enter using the kitchen
or green room exit door.
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Remember that friends and relations who have
come to see the play must wait in the auditorium rather than join you
in the dressing room.
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Keep clear of the wings unless preparing for
an entrance. If entering from the auditorium doors, keep door shut
until immediately before your entrance. Do not watch from wings or
auditorium doors.
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Do not go into the auditoriums in costume
until after production has finished. If the evening is one act plays,
please feel free to watch when you are changed if there is seating
spare.
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Be as quiet as possible whilst using the
kitchen/green room.
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Help backstage crew and FOH team in clearing
up after each performance.
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Attend set building and set strike.
During rehearsal period, cast should:
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Attend as many rehearsals as possible as
requested by director and arrive promptly.
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Inform the director or production assistant
of your holiday plans or if you are unable to attend unexpectedly.
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Adhere to director's schedule for
"books down".
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Cast may often source costume or props for a
play they are in, but should check with director or wardrobe mistress
before making a purchase.
General. During play week the Ritchie
Hall car park is NOT to be used unless with the permission of the
committee.
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Lighting / Sound / Props /
Wardrobe
The lighting and sound crew are responsible
to the Director for the lighting/sound plot and to the Stage Manager for
the operation. The Property master/mistress is responsible to the Director
in rehearsal and the Stage Manager during play week. Obviously each
Director will require different effects, and consequently the following
procedures are given as a guide only.
Each of these roles should liaise with the
Treasurer regarding costs and budget.
Lighting
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All circuits must be checked before 7.00pm.
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Working lights to ON as soon as possible
after Hall is opened.
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Tab warmers ON (time to be decided by
director).
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Lighting plot as instructed by director.
Sound
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Sound must be checked before 7.00pm.
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Music to start at 7.00pm (or as instructed
by director).
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Fade music with House lights - follow Sound
plot as instructed by director.
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Operate music during interval around raffle
etc.
Props
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Familiarise him/herself with play and
properties list during rehearsal period.
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Work with director to establish style of set
dressing required
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Provide working props as soon as possible
(within budget).
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Is responsible for co-ordinating acquisition
and collection of furniture, personal props, set dressing etc.
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Is responsible for secure storage during
rehearsal peril
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Is responsible for ensuring all props remain
in good working order during play week.
Wardrobe
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Work with director to establish period or
style of dress required.
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Decide whether costume should be hired, if
authentic period costume is required, or made, as is usual for
pantomime, working with director and Treasurer to agree budget.
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Advise cast members on what to look for when
a play is set in more recent decades.
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In the event of an emergency
During rehearsals
The Director is responsible for: -
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Evacuating the building and if possible
removing vehicles from Car Park to allow access by Emergency Services.
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Checking that Hall is empty but only if safe
to do so.
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Notifying everyone that the ASSEMBLY POINT
is the Car Park at St. Boniface Church.
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Make sure that EMERGENCY SERVICES are
called.
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Do not re-enter buildings until cleared by
Emergency Services.
During performances
Front of House Manager (for audience) and
Stage Manager (for cast and crew) are responsible for: -
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Organising orderly evacuation.
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Checking that Hall is empty.
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Notifying everyone that the ASSEMBLY POINT
is the Car Park at St. Boniface Church.
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Make sure that EMERGENCY SERVICES are called
These instructions apply in the event of FIRE and apply to the Small
Hall also when used for pantomime changing room.
Matrons are responsible for junior cast.
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Committee
Officers
Chairman - has casting vote at
committee, and will normally make announcements during coffee break
Secretary - handles external correspondence, minutes meetings,
maintains membership lists
Treasurer - responsible for ensuring we don't spend too much
money!
Business Manager - manages publicity and box office
Committee members - we have a minimum of three.
The committee endeavours to make best use of
the funds at our disposal and to ensure that we provide an interesting and
varied mix of plays for our audience. It is our custom that directors give
the Committee a copy of any play they want to direct well in advance of
the production slot they are hoping to fill. This is read by the committee
to allow them to ask questions regarding any foreseen difficulties in
staging or casting, and also to allow them to choose the best play for the
year's programme in the lucky event of having more than one play put
forward!
Please speak to any committee member if you
have any questions or problems to raise. Their names are on the membership
list and renewed every year after the AGM.
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Other useful information
Annual Subscription
All members are requested to pay an annual
subscription which contributes towards our overall costs i.e. cost of hire
of Hall, general expenses, coffee etc.
The subscription is set for the year at the
Annual General Meeting and should be paid before the October production
week.
Communicating with other members
A copy of the membership list is available
from the Secretary. Please let the Secretary know if your details change
or are incorrect.
There is also a Chameleon internet group, to
facilitate easy exchange of email messages and useful information, such as
our wardrobe and properties lists. You may join this at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChameleonTheatreCo/
We also have a web site, at http://www.chameleontheatre.co.uk.
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Constitution
1. TITLE
The Society shall be known as the CHANDLER'S FORD
CHAMELEON THEATRE COMPANY.
2. OBJECTS
The objects of the Society shall be the study of
dramatic art and the performance of plays of dramatic worth.
3. FINANCE
The income and property of the Society shall be applied
solely towards the promotion of the objects of the Society as set forth
herein and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or
indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or by payment of a professional fee
to any member or members of the Society. The Company shall appoint an
auditor at each Annual General Meeting to verify and approve each year's
accounts.
4. AFFILIATIONS
The Society shall be affiliated as the
Committee shall from time to time decide.
5. OFFICERS
The Officers of the Society shall be the Chairman,
Secretary, Treasurer and Business Manager.
6. MANAGEMENT
The Society shall be managed by a Committee consisting
of the Officers above and a minimum of three members.
7. COMMITTEE POWERS
The Committee shall have power: -
(a) to appoint such further non-voting officials as may
be necessary for the conduct of the Society's activities,
(b) to co-opt such further officials so appointed, without power to
vote,
(c) to co-opt additional non-voting members for any specific
purpose,
(d) to appoint sub-committees and to delegate to such sub-committees any
of its powers,
(e) to appoint a panel of producers who shall meet from time to time to
discuss plays for possible inclusion in the Society's programme,
(f) to fill any vacancies occurring during the year.
8. COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Committee shall meet as often as may be
necessary, not less than 48 hours' notice being given and not less than
four times per annum: five shall form a quorum of which two must be
OFFICERS.
9. MEMBERSHIP
The Society shall consist of members
desirous of supporting the Society. Only members who have paid the current
years subscription are eligible to participate in a play.
10. ELECTION OF MEMBERS
The election of members shall be subject to
Committee approval.
11. SUBSCRIPTIONS
The annual subscription to the Society,
payable on 1st October, shall be agreed at each Annual General Meeting.
12. PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS
Any member having received due notice and
not having paid a subscription before 1st December shall be deemed to have
left the Society and shall no longer enjoy the facilities of the Society.
13. LIFE MEMBERS
The Society shall have the power in general
meeting and on the recommendation of the Committee to elect Honorary Life
Members.
14. CASTING
Every member of the Company shall have the
right to audition for a play. The cast for any play to be produced by the
Society shall be selected by the Director of that play, or in such other
manner as may be decided by the Committee at the request of the Director.
Any member of the cast failing to make regular attendance at rehearsals
shall forfeit at the discretion of the Director, the right to appear in
the production. Any amendment to the casting of a play (after rehearsals
have commenced) must have the approval of the Committee.
15. FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year of the Society shall end
on 31st August.
16. GENERAL MEETINGS
The Annual General Meeting shall be held in
SEPTEMBER, when the Secretary's and Officers' reports and the accounts for
the year, duly audited, shall be presented. The Officers and the other
members of the Committee and the auditor shall be elected and all general
business transactions carried out. Fourteen days' notice of the time and
place of the Meeting shall be given to all members
17. EXTRAORDINARY MEETINGS
An Extraordinary General Meeting may be
called at any time a) at the discretion of the Committee and b) within 21
days after receipt by the Secretary of a requisition in writing signed by
at least ten members.
18. TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS
No business other than the formal
adjournment of the meeting shall be transacted at any General Meeting
unless a quorum be present and such quorum shall consist of not less than
40% of the current voting membership.
19. CANCELLATION OF MEMBERSHIP
On a unanimous vote, the Committee shall
have the power to require the resignation of any member whose continued
membership it may reasonably regard as detrimental to the interests of the
Society.
20. DISSOLUTION
The Society shall only be dissolved by
resolution passed by at least 80% of the members present at an
Extraordinary General Meeting called for the purpose of considering such
resolution. In the event of dissolution, any balance of cash in hand after
realisation of assets and the payment of debts shall be disposed of as the
Society shall so decide, with especial regard to a Charity or Charities.
21. CONSTITUTION
No alteration of these rules shall be made
except at a General Meeting, nor unless 21 days prior to such
a meeting, a written notice of the proposed alteration shall be given to
the Secretary, who shall give 7 days' notice thereof to the members and
the resolution embodying such proposed alteration shall be carried by at
least two-thirds of the votes recorded thereon at the meeting.
22. OTHER MATTERS
The Committee shall have the power to decide
any questions arising out of these rules and all other matters connected
with the Society (other than and except those which can only be dealt with
by the Society in General Meeting) and make and maintain and publish all
necessary orders, regulations and bylaws in connection therewith.
Amended by EGM Nov 1st 2005
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Last saved: August, 2011
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