Get Involved
The New Venture Theatre stages 10 productions each year running approximately monthly from October to July. It is a great place to enjoy, participate and potentially learn about theatre and its various facets. Whilst we appreciate that for some people membership is just about watching the amazing range of plays. We also actively encourage any members to get involved. In addition to Acting and Directing there are numerous other ways to Get Involved. There is a list below to give you some idea of how you could be part of our thriving community theatre.
The New Venture Theatre is run by its members and to be involved in any capacity you will need to be a member – the only exceptions to this are auditioning for a production and proposing to direct, which are open to anyone.
There are additional benefits to being a member. As well getting involved, if that interests you
- Discounts for members on your tickets*
- Discount on Acting Classes
- We have regular members socials events
- Emailed updates
How You Could Get Involved
This list covers the overview, there may well be other aspects from time to time depending on the production’s specific requirements.
- Acting
The NVT has an open audition policy, so anyone can audition, but they need to become a member if cast. (we also run a weekly Acting Class that may be of interest – 50% discount for members).
- Directing
We hold an open ‘Proposal to Direct’ window between November and February, for the following seasons productions. If the director is selected, they will need to be a member. There are also opportunities for members who are less experienced directors to participate in assisting roles.
- Production Manager
The Production Manager works alongside the director managing the admin side of the production. Coordinating meetings with the design team, arranging rehearsals and managing the allocated production budget.
- Stage Management
The Stage Manager assists the director in rehearsals, often working with a team of Assistant Stage Managers. Rehearsal prompts, Planning set changes, managing props and cast during the run of the play.
- Costume
The costume designer works with the director on the look and style of outfits for a production. They source costumes required from location organisations within an agreed budget.
Costume assistants will help with the sourcing, making (if required) and sewing (if required) and dressing of actors during the rehearsals and run of the play. Sewing skills are not essential for everyone, we always need plenty of dressers/helpers.
- Hair & Make-up
The Hair & Make-up is undertaken by one or more people in a production, dependant of the scale. It may be the 2 areas are undertaken by separate people, so if you have an interest in one of the other, but not both, that is fine.
- Props
The Props person works with the director and stage manager to identify the props required and source suitable items within an agreed budget.
- Set Design
The Set Designer works with the director to create a set design that reflects the play, vision of the director and limitations of the theatre space being used. They will work with the Set Construction team in building the design.
- Set Construction
The Set Construction Team composition depends on the design. It is led by an experienced set builder, and they work with the director, set designer and set painter lead. There are often opportunities for members who are less experienced in set construction to assist.
- Set Painting
The Set Painting Team works with the set construction lead, set designer and director. There are often opportunities for members who are less experienced in set painting to assist.
- Lighting Design
The Lighting Designer works with the director and the set designer to create the visual effects required for the production. There are often opportunities for members who are less experienced in lighting design to assist. This involves the rigging of lights.
- Lighting Operation
The Lighting Operator is involved in the final stage of setting up the lighting and managing the lighting board setup. Then they operate the lights for the dress rehearsals and performances; this be a shared responsibility. There are often opportunities for members who are less experienced in lighting operation to assist.
- Sound Design
The Sound Designer works with the director to create the soundscape required for the production. They create / source sound and music files and setup the sound system for the production. There are often opportunities for members who are less experienced in sound design to assist.
- Sound Operation
The Sound Operator works with the sound designer to provide the sound effects required by the production. They operate the sound for the dress rehearsals and performances; this be a shared responsibility. There are often opportunities for members who are less experienced in sound operation to assist.
- Publicity & Marketing
Publicity & Marketing a productions has various aspects. There are press releases to mainstream media, social media posts, posters, programmes, photography, etc. Each production has various needs for publicity.
- Bar
Covering the bar has 2 aspects. Bar Person and Fire Steward. The Bar Person serves on the bar and assists the Duty Manager throughout and after the performance. The Fire Steward also serve on the bar and assists and Duty manager, they also sit in the theatre during the performance in case of any incident that need immediate attention.
- Box Office
The Box Office person greets the audience and checks their attendance. They work with the Duty Manager to confirm who has attended. This role is for performances only and ends once the Box Office is closed and documentation is completed.
Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 and the current cost is £15 per annum – there is a discounted rate of £10 p.a. for Full Time students and the unwaged who are on means tested benefits - evidence of status is required. For this please email our Membership Secretary.
If you are unable or do not wish to join online you can download our Membership Form here
*Please be aware that there is a delay of several days between you becoming a member and your membership number being added to Ticketsource to give you access to discounted tickets.