From the Committee – August Update

The committee met at the end of August, with plenty to discuss as we look ahead to a busy season. Here are some of the key updates and decisions we thought members would like to know about.

Committee roles

Jeremy Bryant will continue as Chair for the coming year.

The committee also agreed to introduce a *Vice Chair* role to provide additional support and help with future succession. Martin Armitage*was elected to the new role.

Committee members will be working across a number of areas including artistic planning, productions and technical matters, social events, recruitment and membership, health and safety, Front of House, and marketing.

Brassed Off

Preparations for *Brassed Off* are progressing well. Rehearsals are underway, work on the set has started and preparations for costumes and other production requirements are moving ahead.

Most encouragingly, ticket sales were already looking excellent at the time of the meeting – a great start for the production.

Looking ahead

Our planned programme includes:

*February – Abigail’s Party, directed by Karen Richards

*May – Production to be confirmed*

*November – Oliver Twist, directed by Debbie Edwards

At the time of the committee meeting, Strangers on a Train, directed by Sally Anderson, was planned as our May production. It has subsequently become clear that the performance rights are not currently available, so the team is now considering alternatives. We'll let members know as soon as the replacement production has been confirmed.

Play readings are back

The newly re-formed Play Reading Group has started work, both looking at potential future productions and organising regular readings for members.

A varied selection of plays is already being explored, including Pressure, Skylight, Waiting in the Wings, Magic and Sheila’s Island.

Our programme of play-reading evenings begins with Oliver Twist at One More Chapter.

We are also opening future readings more widely to people outside the group – both as enjoyable events in their own right and as a way of introducing potential new members to ROTDG.

More events, workshops and opportunities to get involved

A significant part of the meeting was spent discussing how we can make ROTDG even more active between productions.

Ideas include more social events, theatre visits, workshops covering different aspects of theatre, regular play readings and an open afternoon or evening in the spring.

We'd also like some activities to be open to non-members, helping more people discover the group and hopefully encouraging new actors, backstage volunteers and members to join us.

Our new website will play an important part in keeping everyone informed about these activities and making it easier to get involved.

Front of House

We're also reviewing how Front of House operates during productions.

Dee Simpson has kindly agreed to help establish and coordinate a team of volunteers to develop this area. Plans include clearer procedures for show nights, improved evacuation information and First Aid training.

There will be opportunities for members to become involved in the new FOH team, so look out for more information.

Technical developments

The technical team continues to look at ways of improving our production capabilities, including options for lighting and potential sources of funding for future equipment.

Preparations for Abigail’s Party are also already underway, with furniture, props and lighting requirements being explored well ahead of the production.

Radcliffe Carnival 2027

Following the success of our stall at this year's Radcliffe Carnival, we'd like to make an even bigger contribution next year.

Plans are being explored for both a stall and a ROTDG float, giving us a great opportunity to promote the group and become even more involved in the local community.

There is lots going on behind the scenes as we develop the group beyond our three main productions each year. We'll keep you updated through the website.