21st January 2025
On Saturday 1st February Thame Players are throwing the doors wide open to welcome everyone who’d like to look round the theatre and find out what goes on behind the scenes! If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved in putting on a theatrical production and how it’s staged, come to the theatre on 1st February!
You’ll be able to see how the theatre works from front of house to backstage and meet some of the (often highly skilled) volunteers who are behind every show put on at the Players Theatre. You’ll find out how you can get involved yourself, and receive some hands-on training, whether you’re interested in treading the boards, using your tech or DIY skills, helping with costumes and props, or greeting audiences at front of house.
You’ll be able to talk to members of our friendly team about any of these subjects -
Acting and Directing. If you want to have a go at performing, this is your chance to grab a mic and recite or sing on the stage! You’ll receive advice and coaching by Thame Players’ actors, and music and play texts will be provided.
Sound and Lighting. Members of the theatre’s tech team will show you round our impressive sound and lighting equipment, and you can have a go at pressing the buttons. This is a great opportunity if you’d like to see what’s involved and improve your skills!
Backstage. You can see for yourself what the backstage crew get up to, so that things happen on cue and shows run smoothly. Members of the backstage team will be pleased to show you what’s involved and how it all comes together.
Set Building. Whether you’re a past master at using a screwdriver, you like woodwork or DIY, or you’re a dab hand with a paintbrush, these skills are vital in the theatre. You’ll be able to talk to members of the team and try a few effects yourself.
Costumes and Make-up. Sourcing, creating or adapting costumes is quite an art. Doing make-up is equally skilled. If you’re artistic, you like sewing, or you’re handy with a powder brush, try some of Thame Players’ costumes, experiment with make-up effects and watch hands-on demos!
Front of House. If you’re good at socialising with people and can pour drinks behind the bar, why not spend time with members of our front of house team? They are the friendly faces audiences meet when they arrive to see a show and gather in the foyer. To see how you could use your people skills, chat to members of the team.
Wayne Gibson, Open Day coordinator at Thame Players, said, “The theatre is made up of a community of people with different skills who make the magic happen. We’re looking forward to welcoming anyone and everyone from Thame and local area on Saturday 1st February, when there’ll be opportunities to find out what’s involved in putting on a show and how the theatre ticks. You’ll see what we do and how we do it, from acting and directing to set building, sound & lighting, and much more. So please come and see us at the Players Theatre on our Open Day - you’ll learn a lot and have a fun experience too!”
