BECOMING a MEMBER

To join BTW just fill in the membership form and post or email with £10.  All you need to know is shown on the membership form.  Download a membership form here (Word) or here (pdf).

Of course, we’d like to have more actors as well because if we have more actors we’ll be able to do more plays and everybody has more fun!  We try to offer all our acting members at least one part each year if we can possibly manage it and a great deal of emphasis is placed on encouraging newcomers.  Unlike professional theatre, which selects actors solely on the basis of their suitability for the role (in theory) and seemingly from a limitless supply of possibilities, we recognise other factors that apply in community theatre.  

•  We try to give parts to all that want them
•  We choose plays that help us achieve our aim of encouraging as many people as possible to take part
•  We love enthusiasts probably slightly more than highly experienced actors, though all are welcome
•  We learn from each other so that we all can get better at what we do.  Absolute beginners will hopefully not feel at all intimidated.

RECRUITment WorkshopS

Our twice yearly recruitment workshops are devised specifically to introduce new members to BTW and theatre in general.  They are an opportunity to meet our directors, committee, actors, crew etc, and to have some theatrical fun.  They are also an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand how you might become involved in our theatre group.

Of course, everyone is welcome to attend our regular monthly workshops where you can also introduce yourself and get involved in the many theatrical activities we have underway.  Participation in a workshop is just £3, payable on the night.

Membership of BTW is open to ALL aged 16 or over.  Annual membership just £10.  

If you look at our 'Forthcoming Production' page, you'll see that we're doing plenty of plays and there are many parts for actors and backstage roles that we'd love you to take up.  Once you're a member and we've seen you in these workshop environments we'd love to offer you a role in a play, if that's what you'd like. 

We try to involve everyone in whatever capacity each  person feels able.  Just come along or get in touch!

LEARNING LINES!

We take publicity very seriously...

Many people worry about learning lines.  Here are some tips from NODA on how to do this.

Backstage

We set up BTW to provide as many people as possible with an enjoyment of theatre regardless of age or experience.  This doesn’t just mean acting.  In fact, a production seen by the audience is rather like the tip of an iceberg as there is a huge amount of thought and effort that goes into making it happen which the audience is often unaware of.  These backstage jobs are always crucial to the success of a production and can be very rewarding experiences for those undertaking them.

So, if you don’t particularly want to act but would like to bring your skills, for example in administration, publicity, artwork, costume or set construction we’d be delighted to welcome you.  Just get in touch.

Directing

Directing a play is a significant responsibility that we will allocate only to people with a proven track record as either actors or directors.  Nevertheless, if you’re keen to develop your skills as a director we’d be glad to consider introducing you through smaller productions, perhaps a small play for performance at venues in and around Bury St Edmunds, or by working alongside one of our more experienced directors.