JOINING STAGE ONE
JOINING PROCESS
Stage One recruits for new members after each show. The numbers and ages required is dependent on the show being produced and the number of members who have left the company. Our company size is between 45-55 members. All members will be involved in whatever production we are rehearsing for. Generally, all new members will undertake at least one show in the chorus before being considered for principal roles; exceptionally, if there is a specific production requirement the Committee can, at its discretion, offer a principal role to any member subject to audition for the role. Usually, we will run a free workshop to introduce potential new members to Stage One. Shortly thereafter, auditions will be held by a panel comprising the Director, Musical Director, Choreographer and a Committee member.
Audition requirements will be made known beforehand but will generally include a song of your choice and a monologue/speech of your choice; additionally, if you wish, you can demonstrate a dance to a piece of music of your own choice. We are only looking for potential and “spark”. Successful auditionees will be notified and will be invited to join Stage One at the discretion of the Committee. Once you have auditioned successfully to join Stage One you will not have to audition again to be part of the company.
Enquiries about joining or upcoming events:
Email: stageoneyouthsecretary@hotmail.com
Learn More
Stage One is a is a not-for-profit youth theatre group based in Portsmouth. We produce musical theatre shows to be performed in a professional theatre in the Portsmouth area. We are show focussed and do not run classes, so all our sessions are either rehearsals or workshops for the show that we are producing. The entire Stage One company will perform the show in production; as such, we carefully select shows that have significant ensemble/chorus work.
FEES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
There is a one-off joining fee, thereafter subscriptions are charged for each rehearsal week, including show week. A rehearsal week runs from Monday to Sunday. A weekly subscription fee is payable in any week that a member is required to attend rehearsals, however, only one week’s subscription fee is payable in any one week regardless of how many rehearsals are attended during that week. The preferred method of payment is by BACS; this can be paid weekly, monthly or per term. The Stage One treasurer(s) are available most Fridays at rehearsals to discuss payment methods if required. Subscriptions cover our running costs and costs of rehearsals. As far as is possible, we try to keep additional fees and payments to the absolute minimum.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are held at Drayton Methodist Church Hall on Friday evenings during school term time. Generally rehearsals run from 6:30pm to 9pm. A rehearsal schedule is detailed on the Rehearsal Schedule page in the Members Area of the Stage One website. Closer to a production some Sunday rehearsals are called. We have an inhouse Stage Manager and we hire-in a Director, a Musical Director and a Choreographer.
PRODUCTIONS
We present three musical theatre productions over a two-year cycle, performed during school half-terms. February and October half-terms one year, then May half-term the following year.
During the half-term of Show Week, technical and dress rehearsals are conducted on the Monday-Wednesday evenings, with the show performed on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Therefore, members must be available throughout the half-term week when we are running a show.
For our shows, our Musical Director will assemble a band or orchestra, as required. Our theatre hire includes professional sound, light and backstage technicians, as well as hiring necessary sound equipment (including radio microphones) and any additional lights or special effects required by the production.
TICKET SALES
It is through ticket sales that we cover our significant show production costs. We are heavily dependent upon members/parents to sell show tickets. For each production we ask parents to sell a minimum of 25+ tickets, with the remainder of tickets being purchased by the general public.
COMMITTEE
The Committee are all volunteers, currently under the chairmanship of Steve Clark. The committee comprises current and past members’ parents and is elected every year at an AGM. We meet as and when necessary but usually every two months, the agenda is primarily show focussed.
HELP AND VOLUNTEERS
Running Stage One and putting on full theatre productions is a collective endeavour. We are reliant on parents and family members volunteering their help as and when required. Examples of help include: Chaperones for Show Week; moving scenery and equipment between our storage facility and the theatre; backstage help; First Aiders; hair and make-up during Show Week. We are always keen to know if any parents have particular experience, skills or access to services that would help Stage One in any way.