Have you wondered what goes on inside a theatre? How do shows get put together and what’s involved? What’s it like being behind the scenes?
Thame Players own the Players Theatre in Thame and it’s run entirely by volunteers. Every year they stage five of their own productions and there are over 25 visiting shows. All of this wouldn’t work without people taking on different roles.
If you’re interested in what makes a theatre function and perhaps joining in, two members of Thame Players, Brian Holt and Tony Long, have created This is Thame Players, narrated by Bruce Alexander, the acclaimed Shakespearean actor and Thame Players’ patron. The video features some of the people who carry out tasks in the theatre – from set design, sound and lighting, to front of house – talking about what they do and what they get from their experiences.
The video is designed to stimulate people to get involved. Brian Holt said, “I’ve never regretted any of the time I’ve spent with Thame Players. Everything I’ve learnt or been part of has been a reward in itself. The video opens up the world I’ve enjoyed to others who might enjoy it too”. Tony Long added, “I get a buzz from being involved with the theatre over the years, and hope the video helps to pass this buzz on”.
Take part in Thame Players FREE Drama workshops
If your ambition is to act, there’s a three-week course of free drama workshops being hosted by Thame Players’ actors at Thame Library from 15th March. Anyone can take part, and no experience is required. Richard Morris, an actor who has appeared in several Thame Players’ productions, said, “Appearing with Thame Players has been the closest involvement I have had to being in a professional theatre – a truly fulfilling experience”.
Learn skills and add value to your CV
For students, the theatre and the workshops provide an environment in which you can gain experience and become more confident, before going to university or taking a job. The skills you learn from Thame Players will stand you in good stead, adding value to your CV and helping you to fulfil your dreams.
Get some work experience
There are work experience opportunities for students too. One of the students who has spent time at the Players Theatre commented, “Working at the theatre has definitely improved my social skills and I’ve become more confident. I developed an enthusiasm for the theatre I didn’t know I had before”.Rebecca Vaughan, Careers & Work Experience Coordinator at Lord Williams’s School in Thame said, “The video is fantastic and it was wonderful to see our students speaking about their work experience at the theatre”.
Make a contribution by doing something hands-on
If you’ve got time to spare, the theatre has much to offer, whether you’d like to act, stage manage, use your tech skills, or meet and greet at front of house. Having moved to Thame, Kevin Brooker is someone who’s got involved. He said, “I’ve learnt such a lot already and being involved backstage means you’re doing something hands-on and really contributing to the way a show is presented. It’s fun too – I’ve found the people at Thame Players to be a great bunch and they’re always ready to help if you need it”.
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