So Far… As you're probably aware, we have now
started rehearsals. The first read-through was held on Thursday 15th August at
Bracknell Drama Club. We were missing a few people who were on holiday, but
most of the cast were there.
We managed to get through the whole thing,
and even had time for a break! Sophie also made a start on getting people's
measurements - if you were missed, don't worry, your turn will come soon
enough.
Casting resolvedWe have finally resolved the
outstanding issue of who will play Lester. The role has been accepted by Paul
Itta, a member of Binfield Bards.
We have now got a complete cast, and
almost all the backstage roles have been filled as well. However, if you know
of anyone who would like to be part of the stage crew, work FOH, or do hair and
make-up, please let me know as soon as possible.
Cast & Crew Profiles Please can you get these to
me as soon as possible! Don't worry if you're not too sure what to put in it.
See the one's already submitted to give you ideas.
I'd be grateful if
you could also let us have a photo of you to go on the website. I'll give them
back once they're on there. Otherwise, be prepared for me to snap you at one of
the rehearsals!
VIP Attendance for showThe production will be in the
presence of :-
Mr Philip Wroughton, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for
the Royal County of Berkshire and Mrs Philip Wroughton
The Mayor of
Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Councillor, Mrs Dorothy Hayes
The
Director of Leisure Services, Vincent Paliczka
John Nike, OBE
Best WishesTheir Royal Highnesses The Earl and
Countess of Wessex send "their best wishes and hope that there will be
another opportunity to visit Forest Jubilee Theatre in the future".
Alan Ayckourn - "My very best wishes to everyone involved in this
remarkable exercise".
The Rt. Hon. Andrew MacKay, MP - "I do hope it
is a great success and there might be another occasion when I can attend a
production. With best wishes to you all".
Janie Dee - "I would
like to take this opportunity to wish Forest Jubilee Theatre the best of luck
and success for the show".
Kenneth Branagh - "We hope everyone
has a wonderful time".
John Madejski (Chairman of Reading Football
Club) - "Please accept my best wishes for your forthcoming production".
Bruce Forsyth, OBE "Thank you for your kind invitation and I
would like to take this opportunity to wish all concerned with the production
the very best of luck". |
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Visit backstage at South Hill ParkThe previous day,
several members of the crew (and a couple of cast as well) went to have a good
old poke about in the Wilde Theatre to get some idea of the size of the place
and find out what we'd let ourselves in for. It's certainly far bigger than the
CATS stage!
Unfortunately, the technical rep we were supposed to meet
up with couldn't make it, but I have got the technical blurb that was given to
me. So I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some of the basics with
everyone: The measurements of the stage are: 49' wide, and 35'5" deep. The
theatre has a capacity of up to 330
"Access to backstage is through the
foyer, through a secure door. Access code needed. Green room, with very basic
kitchen area, and kettle." The access code will be given to you later on.
Please do NOT give the number to anyone else. There are three dressing rooms:
one large (called "Betty Lindop"), and two smaller (called "Bill Lindop" and
"Peter Pryke"). These will be allocated at a later date. There is a laundry
next to the third dressing room, containing a washing machine, a tumble dryer,
and an ironing board and iron.
There are three toilets, and two
showers. A show relay will be used to call everyone to the stage as required.
Please be aware that there will be no alcohol allowed backstage. If the crew
(or any other person involved in the show) suspect anyone is under the
influence of alcohol at any time prior to or during a performance or rehearsal,
they will not be allowed on stage. Please note that the same policy will be
applied to recreational drugs. I'm not in any way suggesting that anyone
involved in the show would take drugs, but it needed to be said.
Midsummer Night's DreamJon has some tickets for
Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare's Globe on Sunday 8th September, 6.30
pm. Tickets are £25 each. Please let him know ASAP if they want tickets.
Tickets are for the front row of the main balcony, right in the centre - really
good seats!
An ApologyI would just like to apologise to the people
that I posted scripts out to, for not putting enough postage on them. It was
all my fault, and I won't do it again! I hope everyone got their scripts, along
with a copy of the rehearsal schedule. If you haven't received a copy of
something, and you think you should have, let me know.
All cast members
should now have a "proper" version of the script. Copies for the crew are going
out at the moment (a few still haven't arrived yet).
Several people
have asked why they need a "proper" version of the script, either because they
are only in one or two scenes, or because they are working backstage and prefer
a photocopy to scribble on. The basic answer is this: you can copy the script
if you need to, but to comply with copyright laws, everyone must have the
original version. We are trying to do everything "by the book" (no pun
intended). If you like, look at it as a souvenir of your involvement with the
project!
I hope this has cleared up more questions than it has created,
but if not, do get in touch, and I'll try to sort out any problems that may
arise.
Myf Production secretary/stage manager PS: Just to clarify, my
name is actually Caroline Jones, but it's easier if people call me myf. It
helps to avoid confusion, as everyone knows who you're talking about! |