Get Involved

So you’re interested in becoming a member?

That’s Great!!!

The Society is always looking for new members, young and old, male and female. We know it can be a bit daunting getting involved with something new but that shouldn’t put you off – just think of all the fun you’ll have, and remember, we were all new once too!

We rehearse on a Tuesday night at 7.30 p.m. in the function room at Gateshead Cricket Club, Eastwood Gardens, Low Fell (a map is provided on the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website).

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I become a member?
  Well the first step is to come along to rehearsals. After that you may be asked to audition in front of the committee. This isn’t as bad as it sounds! It’s just to check the range of your voice, to make sure you’re singing the appropriate line. Once that’s over all you have to do is pay your fees (currently £20 a year) and that’s it, you’re a member.
  
  
• How old do I have to be to join?
  Junior membership is open to those aged 14. While adult membership is for those aged 18+.
  
  
• Is it an expensive hobby?
  No, apart from your annual subscription fees there is very little else you will need to pay for. Items such a costumes are paid for by the Society – occasionally you may be asked to provide some of your own costumes but this would only be when the item is likely to be something that the majority of the cast already has i.e. black trousers.
  
  
• I’ve never heard of the show your doing – does it matter?
  No, because the Society likes to perform a wide variety of shows it sometimes happens that many of our members aren’t familiar with the shows that are selected. Everything that you need to know you will learn – the music from the musical director and the story from the director.
  
  
• Has everyone in the Society been to dancing lessons?
  No, most of our members have no formal dance training and many of them will happily tell you that dancing is not their strength! Any dancing that is required in the show is taught to the cast by the choreographer, who breaks it down step by step so everyone can keep up.
  
  
• How are the parts cast?
  Parts in shows are cast by auditions held in front of members of the committee. Once you’re a fully paid up member you can audition (as and when shows are being cast), just like anyone else in the Society, for any part.
  
  
• Who decides which shows to perform?
  Members are asked to make suggestions as to which shows they would like to perform. The committee will then discuss these suggestions to decide if they are practical and see if they can get the license to perform them. Sometimes, for various reasons, it isn’t possible to select a production that Society members have suggested, in these situations it is the responsibility of the committee members to decide upon a show.
  
  
• Who are the committee?
  The committee are members of the Society who have been nominated and selected by all members of the Society to manage how the Society is run. The committee consists of a president, chairman, secretary, treasurer and 5 other Society members. Once you are a fully paid member you are eligible, but not obligated, to serve on the committee.
  
  
• I have another question that isn’t answered here.
  Please feel free to get in touch with us via the Contact Us page, even if it’s just to let us know that you’ll be coming along to rehearsal so we can keep an eye out for you!