Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the group and what kind of productions do you put on? We are an Amateur group which means we put on shows for fun! We put on lots of different genres but most commonly pantomimes, comedy shows and a bit of Shakespeare for good measure!
2) Who can join? Do I need previous acting experience? Anybody aged 16+ can join us. No previous acting experience needed.
3) What age range is the group for? 16+
4) Do you have a mission, ethos, or core values? Entertain - Creating and performing entertaining, engaging and good educational shows of good artist merit Preserve - Ensuring the group is financially conscious and maintains structured policies and procedures as well as group assets and buildings Inspire - Inclusively inspiring new and existing members to take on roles and duties within the group, fostering their confidence and contributing to the group's success Communicate - Clear communication between members, committee and external partners to further our reputation as a key pillar of the community
5) How do I become a member? Get in touch with us via our website or on our Facebook page. We also try and hold new member nights which is a no-pressure event where you can meet some of the group and take part in some fun ice-breaker games.
6) Do I need to audition to join? You don’t need to audition to be a member of the group, as we have various positions available which don’t involve being on the stage acting. To get a part in a show, yes you do need to audition!
7) When do you audition? We put on a minimum of 3 productions per year (usually more). Audition information is announced in plenty of time before they take place.
8) Is there a membership fee? What does it cover? Yes there is a yearly fee of £36. This covers – insurance, utilities such as electricity usage at our rehearsal hut and general upkeep of our rehearsal space.
9) Are there fees for taking part in a production? For each production you are part of, whether you are on stage acting, or off stage helping with stage management or lighting / sound, you need to pay a £5 show fee. All members must pay an annual fee of £36 too.
10) Do you have roles for people who don’t want to act (e.g., backstage, tech, costume)? Yes! We are always grateful for more support backstage, sourcing props/costumes, assisting with front of house and helping to advertise our productions.
11) When and where do rehearsals take place? Our usual rehearsal day is a Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm. They take place at the hut, which is at: 47 Nantgarw Rd, Caerphilly, CF83 3FB. Nearer the date of productions, the number of rehearsals increases to twice a week. The week of the show, you will need to be available the entire week.
12) How often am I expected to attend? Depending on the director of the show, you could be needed weekly.
13) What happens if I can’t make a rehearsal? Missing the odd rehearsal can’t be helped but we do ask that you are committed to the rehearsal schedule as much as possible.
14) What should I bring to a rehearsal? We have tea, coffee and squash available. If you want to bring your own non-alcoholic drink, that is fine too.
15) Where are performances held? We have a few venues that we use including Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall, Y Banc and the Vanguard centre.
16) How do you select plays/musicals? We hold an annual pitch night where group members can put forward their suggestions for productions. This is then discussed by the committee and a list of shows is generated for the following year.
17) Is there parking or public transport near the rehearsal/performance space? There is on street parking nearby to the hut (47 Nantgarw Rd, Caerphilly, CF83 3FB). There are good travel links in Caerphilly town which is only a 5–10 minute walk from the hut.
18) Do you run social events outside of rehearsals? Yes, we try to plan social events such as after-show parties and Christmas get togethers.