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.

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Play readings and Workshops

 

To keep everyone connected when you're not directly involved with a production, and to meet anyone interested in what we do, we hold fortnightly play readings at the Guildhall, Bury St Edmunds.  These are all on Mondays and start 7.30 pm.  The dates for the current series are:

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13 January 2025

27 January

10 February

3 March

17 March

31 March

14 April

28 April

12 May
 

These play readings are open to everyone aged 16 or over.  A discretionary charge of £3 is asked for to cover the hire of the room.  There's no pressure to perform in any way.  As with all of our activities, we try to involve everyone in whatever capacity each person feels able.  We hope you'll enjoy the reading sessions while learning a little about BTW and about theatre in general.

Of course, everyone is welcome to contact us at any time and we’ll see how we can get you involved. Membership of BTW is open to ALL aged 16 and over. 
 
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 reading and workshop environments we'd love to offer you a role in a play, if that's what you'd like.
 

​​Learning Lines!

 

Many people worry about learning lines. Here are some tips from NODA (National Operatic & Dramatic Association) on how to do this.

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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.

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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.

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​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.