Since the last Newsletter, Act One has grown in strength, numbers and activities, as you will discover whilst you read on. It really is amazing to think of what we have achieved so far - and we are not even 1 year old yet! Of course, the big news at the moment is the staging of our first ever production, Daisy Pulls It Off, at Licensed Victuallers School, Ascot, on 19, 20 and 21 February.
Attending a production meeting last week, I was in awe at the number of different aspects of the theatre that have to be brought together to carry off just one 3-night production. Lighting, sound, music, costumes, props, scenery, ticketing, programme, front of house, bar and beverages, safety issues and others - and this on top of the direction and acting of the actual performance on stage! The amount of work is staggering but, with each part looked after by a separate team, and choreographed by our Production Co-Ordinator, it is all coming together like some vast construction project.
The commitment and attention to detail of the backstage team is second to none. The effort shown by the cast, and the huge steps forward in individual performances, is a testament to their ability and the Director's skill and tact.
Of course, it has not all been plain sailing. We were very sorry to learn that Geoff, our Lighting expert, had to withdraw from the production and hope that he will be involved with the next. We were very fortunate to secure the help of Nick Gill, whom we know from Comic Potential which was performed by the Forest Jubilee Theatre just over a year ago, to step in the breach. Likewise, Jason has been invaluable as our professional sound expert both for this production and, along with Geoff, in teaching us some essential facts about sound and lighting.
Last week Julie, our headteacher in Daisy, had a nasty accident that has sidelined her for while. We all wish her a speedy recovery and return to rehearsals - even if in a plaster cast!
So with all this commitment and tremendous effort, what is left to be done? Just to sell ALL the tickets for each performance. I reckon that if every member sold just 10 tickets each to friends, neighbours, family, work colleagues and general acquaintances, this alone would fill ¾ of the theatre each night! We already have plenty of posters spread about and a banner in Bracknell town centre, but now we also need "word of mouth". So, please encourage people to come along - tickets are just £7 (£5 for concessions or £20 for a family of 2 + 2) - by contacting Ellen Lewis (01344 640028) or Mira Ralph (01252 873819). It really will be a great night out for them, for you, for the cast and crew (nice rhyme!) and will be a great way of announcing to everyone that ACT ONE is here!
We currently have 53 members and it seems that the vast majority are involved in one way or another with Daisy and having a great time! As for our other members, we would love to hear from you with ideas or about anything we can organise to make your membership thoroughly worthwhile.
A big thank you to Felicity and Ellen for the content of this newsletter and to Andrew for making it look good!
Tim Faithfull
The production of Daisy Pulls It Off is coming along really well. The actors have been very stressed at recent rehearsals - no scripts! These have been at the Britvic Theatre, Licensed Victuallers School (where the performances will be on 19/20/21 February) which is fabulous; as you look out onto those empty seats and imagine them full, you get a queer feeling in your stomach. Props are now being introduced which is bringing the scenes alive. Quintin is starting to behave as a true Director! Well to be fair he is getting a great performance out of us!
And we know that the behind the scenes crew are rushing around obtaining really, really old props that will look good on set. We keep getting a glimpse of very professional uniforms that keep appearing, great blazers, pinafores, straw boaters and teachers gowns.
The lighting was recently tested at the Britvic - we were all amazed at how hot they were and how they stopped the actors being able to see the scary audience.
Bells, whistles, knocking, piano playing and sounds of trains, have all added to making things seem real.
Here are some comments from our members
"Joining Act One was the best thing I ever did"
"I have met lots of new friends since joining Act One"
"Friday nights and Sunday mornings will never be the same again"
"I hate learning lines!!"
"I found the acting really scary, but I have discovered my niche back stage"
"It has been a pleasure working with such a professional Director"
The next Steering Committee meeting will be held at Downshire Golf Club on Monday 22 March 2004 at 8pm. This will include a post-production report and discussion/ideas for our next main production (see 8 below). Whilst primarily for the Officers, all members are invited to attend any of these Steering Committee meetings - this is your group and we really want your input and views. If you want to attend, please let Tim on tim@faithfulls.freeserve.co.uk.
Our first AGM is being held at Downside Resource Centre on Wednesday 19 May at 8pm. The meeting will last approximately 45 minutes and will give members an opportunity to have their say on how Act One operates and also to be elected to the Steering Committee as an Officer. There are various positions with appropriate responsibilities (e.g. Membership Secretary) which need to be filled - for more details on these responsibilities please contact Tim or Una.
We have also decided to have some fun after the AGM (watch this space!), making it a social occasion as well, including wine and nibbles. Please keep this evening free!
These are open to ALL members and are a great chance to meet people, socialise - and have fun!We have a packed social calendar for 2004 and encourage ALL members to attend. It gives you an opportunity to get to know everyone, including new members as well as letting your hair down. The first real social event that we held as Act One was a party at Quintin's house. We are now finding out how much better we work together now that we know each other. I hope that this years social events will be better attended.
Sunday 22 February - After show party at the Britvic Theatre from 10am until 6pm. This is combined with the post-production clear-up! We will start striking the set at 10.00 and, once done, can tuck into the food and drink! Please note that ALL cast and crew are required to attend and all other members will be very welcome. After all, many hands make light work!
Saturday 13 March - Curry night at Ellen Moore's home. Ellen and her hubby will be opening their home for an Act One dinner party. Please bring a bottle(s) - wine/beer/spirits. The cost will be £10 per head to cover the food, and any monies left over will be put into Act One's funds towards future social events. Please e-mail Ellen by mid-February on ellen.moore@lycos.co.uk .
Thursday 22 April - Dogs at Reading Stadium. An exciting night of gambling, drinking and eating! £20 per head for a three course dinner, in the restaurant overlooking the finishing line. A night not to be missed. Please contact Felicity by mid-March on fleemor@yahoo.co.uk.
Wednesday 19 May - AGM and fun evening - Downside Resource Centre, 8pm.
In house production of "Way Upstream" by Alan Ayckbourn followed by party at Downside. (see 7 below for further details)
BBQ - date and venue to be agreed. Is there anyone willing to offer their garden (we can help with barbecue sets, cooking, etc)? - please contact Ellen.
We have several workshops, some of which are compulsory for cast and crew of "Daisy Pulls it Off". The cost is only £5 (£2.50 concessions) for members and not only do you learn, but you have an opportunity to socialise. They are great fun and everybody is welcome.
Tuesday 27 January - Yoga Workshop - Downside 8pm.
An opportunity to lose those stresses. Please bring a blanket or mat. This workshop lasts 1½ hours.
Tuesday 3 February - Make up Workshop - Downside, 8pm.
ALL CAST MUST ATTEND. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
You will be responsible for your own make-up although we do have Nigel's Daughter, Lisa Brown, to co-ordinate it all. You will get all the hints and tips you need at this workshop so it is vital that you attend. Remember, it is £5 to cover the costs.
March - Director's Workshop - Downside (to be confirmed)
Tuesday 16 March - Acting Workshop - Suzy Wright - Downside 8pm (to be confirmed)
April - Dance Workshop - Downside (to be confirmed)
The Steering Group suggested that as an in house production we use the play "Way Upstream" by Alan Ayckbourn. This will be performed by Act One members, "behind close doors", with only other Act One members and their immediate families as the audience. The idea is to give people a chance to try something new without fear or making a fool of themselves in front of the great unwashed.
The play is in 2 acts and we will require 2 Directors, each taking responsibility for an Act - each with their own cast and each rehearsing separately! They will be responsible for choosing actors/actresses to play each part in the play (8 or 9), holding rehearsals and directing the cast. Then one night, probably in late June, the two separate "Acts" will be performed by the respective casts to give us one complete play!
This is a fun opportunity. We will not have scenery/costumes, etc. It will be very low key and designed to allow everyone to "have a go".
Please let Tim know if you are interested in either acting, directing or generally helping, on tim@faithfulls.freeserve.co.uk.
P.s. This is the play we used as a read-through on our first ever Open meeting last May. It is a comedy and is very, very funny, but also quite poignant.
28/29/30 October 2004
12/13/14 February 2005
Please put these dates in your diary now!
The type of production will be discussed at the next Steering Committee meeting (e.g. Comedy, murder, mystery, etc.). We will then ask budding Directors to submit their ideas within that remit and, by the AGM, will have chosen the production and Director.
In the meantime, any ideas for suitable plays, etc. are most welcome - please contact Tim.
Workshops - we held several workshops throughout 2003. They were fairly well attended, but we need to have more support. The idea is that we at least cover the cost of each workshop. We have listed below some of the feedback:
"We lay on the floor and panted, sang London's Burning and we ooo'd and aah'd for England - yes we were at a voice workshop. If you do presentations, sing in the bath or even act in a play! YOU should have been at Downside for the voice workshop. For the eight of us that attended the workshop, we had such fun, and realized that we don't actually sit, breathe or speak to our best advantage".
"We burnt under the lights, we found out about Gobo's and saw spotlights and colour - superb!"
"The bangs, crashes and whistles made an atmosphere of excitement!"
Daisy in Maidenhead - some of us went to see "Daisy Pulls it off" in Maidenhead. An excellent performance, quieter than ours, less energy and loads more singing. A great opportunity to see how the different characters are portrayed and how the scenery and sounds differ from ours.
Showcase - fish and chips or chicken and chips were on the menu at the showcase. But the best part was the different performances, poems, readings and singing - a time to show off talent.
If you have any ideas for the newsletter, social events, workshops or future possible plays, please e-mail fleemor@yahoo.co.uk.Deadline for news, articles, etc is end of March. All contributions welcome!
I'm sure Daisy (aka Zahra Barri) won't mind us mentioning but it is her 18th birthday on the second night of the performance. Let us all wish her well and many congratulations Zara.
A note from Ellen - Can we please ask you to buy all booked tickets by 1st February. After that we cannot hold tickets for anyone! They will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Mira and I will bring the tickets to every rehearsal and to Workshops. Any ideas for publicity on ticket sales would be welcomed, we need 'bums on seats' now.
Alternatively, you can take a batch of tickets, give us the cheque covering the cost. We will not cash the cheque until you advise us you have sold all the tickets. Tickets for Saturday are selling out rapidly. We can only sell 240 tickets each night so hurry…..!
A note from Morrison, our new member and one of our main sponsors:
I am staging an Old Time Music Hall in Windlesham Theatre. This would be an independent production for an invited audience and a local charity. The two provisional dates are 19/20 March or 17/18 April. (Let's hope it's April Morrison as our members will be EXHAUSTED!)
If you can perform an individual spot, i.e. comedy, sketch, monologue, etc. or would like to be part of a group chorus then please contact me as soon as possible.
In particular, I am looking for strong singers (that counts Una out) who would be willing either to be individual performers or parts of a group of chorus or male quartet! The whole show should be very lively and lots of fun. If you are interested please e-mail me at: janet-morrison@lineone.net.
If you take part you will of course take part as a member of Act One even though it is an independent performance. I am sure Morrison will provide Act One members will tickets to those who want to go along. Please support him as he has been brilliant in supporting Act One.
Finally….A Poem dedicated to Act One, written by one of our very own members!
It was a Thursday night, and I was cooking dinner
A fattening meal,
or I'd have been thinner
It was early evening, and it came through the door
The Town and
Country, slid on to the floor
It was full of information, on ways to entertain
Groups to attend,
even properties in Spain
A group was mentioned, Act One it was called
Should I phone Una, I
considered as I stalled
I got on the phone, and it all sounded fun
I made a decision, I
would join Act One
The next day I went, Downside was the place
I had to work late, to be
on time was a race
I walked in late, Quintin was having a chat
My mobile went off, I did
feel a twat
I got a sticker, on it I put my name
I had a funny feeling, this is
gonna be a game
We got into groups, twos, threes and fours
We acted little scenes, I
listened for applause
I saw lots of people, names I would forget
Lots of lovely friends,
that night I met
At the audition, we acted as toffs
Our fab new production, Daisy
pulls it off!
A madcap poet, Trixie is my name
I love it, love it, love it! I know
I'll find fame!