hi everyone....well here I go.....50 something wannabe, has decided to get involved with the amature dramatic family, absolutely NO experience whatsoever, but at the time of my life where I want to do something other than pamper my family!!! NEVER acted, NEVER spoken in public, but I have the urge to be on stage....mad or what!!, any advice gratefully received.
Full Version: help!!!
hi everyone....well here I go.....50 something wannabe, has decided to get involved with the amature dramatic family, absolutely NO experience whatsoever, but at the time of my life where I want to do something other than pamper my family!!! NEVER acted, NEVER spoken in public, but I have the urge to be on stage....mad or what!!, any advice gratefully received.
Welcome to the family!
The first advice is to find a local group. To do that, Search the Groups Database.
If you're lucky, you live in an area where there is a choice. All groups are a sum of their members (past and present) and the results may be different (occasionally frustrations with some groups spill over onto these pages, as do the joys of other groups).
Look for auditions or group meetings as a way of introducing yourself (and finding out about them). I belong to a group which runs a series of play readings which are great for bringing in new members in a low-threat, low-stress environment.
The first advice is to find a local group. To do that, Search the Groups Database.
If you're lucky, you live in an area where there is a choice. All groups are a sum of their members (past and present) and the results may be different (occasionally frustrations with some groups spill over onto these pages, as do the joys of other groups).
Look for auditions or group meetings as a way of introducing yourself (and finding out about them). I belong to a group which runs a series of play readings which are great for bringing in new members in a low-threat, low-stress environment.
Good for you, Happy! Go for it!
Find a club that is welcoming and has plenty for you to do whether on or off stage. Depending on the club and the next production you may find yourself on stage immediately or may have to wait a few shows. Help out as much as you can to get to meet people and find out how the club operates. For example, if you didn't get a role straight away with our club (which you will have as good a chance as other auditionees!) then you could help out with costumes, setbuilding, coming down to rehearsals and prompting or reading in (an excellent way to show off your skills and get your voice heard) or even making the tea!
Definitely go to the next show of local groups you fancy joining to see if you like what they do.
Experience isn't important but aim to get lots of experience generally when you do join. And have a lot of fun! We luvvies like nothing more than to take a newbie under our wings, teach them the ropes and watch them blossom!
Also get a copy of the Guide to Coarse Acting by Michael Green to learn how not to do it - it's very funny and occasionally close to the bone!
Find a club that is welcoming and has plenty for you to do whether on or off stage. Depending on the club and the next production you may find yourself on stage immediately or may have to wait a few shows. Help out as much as you can to get to meet people and find out how the club operates. For example, if you didn't get a role straight away with our club (which you will have as good a chance as other auditionees!) then you could help out with costumes, setbuilding, coming down to rehearsals and prompting or reading in (an excellent way to show off your skills and get your voice heard) or even making the tea!
Definitely go to the next show of local groups you fancy joining to see if you like what they do.
Experience isn't important but aim to get lots of experience generally when you do join. And have a lot of fun! We luvvies like nothing more than to take a newbie under our wings, teach them the ropes and watch them blossom!
Also get a copy of the Guide to Coarse Acting by Michael Green to learn how not to do it - it's very funny and occasionally close to the bone!
Welcome Happy.
I think Lazy Bee has just about summed it up.
Search local newspapers etc for adverts. Check out the local theatre/community hall etc and check who's doing what when.
It can be less intimidating if you make contact with an existing member first, to just turn up can be a bit daunting if it's a large group.
The first group I joined was run as an evening class and got LEA funding - you could check the local evening class listings. This would also be a good way of meeting others with no experience.
Good luck and enjoy it!
I think Lazy Bee has just about summed it up.
Search local newspapers etc for adverts. Check out the local theatre/community hall etc and check who's doing what when.
It can be less intimidating if you make contact with an existing member first, to just turn up can be a bit daunting if it's a large group.
The first group I joined was run as an evening class and got LEA funding - you could check the local evening class listings. This would also be a good way of meeting others with no experience.
Good luck and enjoy it!
ps if you're in South West London let me know - we'll welcome you at our club!
Welcome!
In the words from a song in ?Applause? the Musical!
"Welcome to the theatre.
With some luck you'll be a pro.
You'll learn to slave and scratch and bite.
You'll learn to kill with sheer delight!
You'll only come alive at night
When you're in a show.
Welcome to the theatre!
You fool! You'll love it so!"
G?donya for taking the first step - Happy!
You?ll never regret it!
Also it is not like the song in Amdram - you'll love it!
In the words from a song in ?Applause? the Musical!
"Welcome to the theatre.
With some luck you'll be a pro.
You'll learn to slave and scratch and bite.
You'll learn to kill with sheer delight!
You'll only come alive at night
When you're in a show.
Welcome to the theatre!
You fool! You'll love it so!"
G?donya for taking the first step - Happy!
You?ll never regret it!
Also it is not like the song in Amdram - you'll love it!
You'll find my How to Get Started in Amateur Dramatics article useful - here
QUOTE (happy @ Feb 16 2006, 09:26 AM) 
hi everyone....well here I go.....50 something wannabe, has decided to get involved with the amature dramatic family, absolutely NO experience whatsoever, but at the time of my life where I want to do something other than pamper my family!!! NEVER acted, NEVER spoken in public, but I have the urge to be on stage....mad or what!!, any advice gratefully received.There are lots of groups around the west/mid kent area - of which we are one. We do lots of things for 50-somethings, because that's what most of us are! If you are anywhere near us (Horsmonden) you'd be most welcome.
Hiya happy...and everyone else!
I'm a newbie to this site and also to the world of amateur theatre,so it's great to read that others are doing just the same and finally getting round to getting involved! I'm 35 and have loved watching theatrical productions for as long as I can remember,whether amateur or professional,and had also wanted to "have a go" but without knowing how to get started. Fortunately,a neighbour of mine has been involved with our local amateur operatic society for many years and she encouraged me to come along to rehearsals for last year's production of Carousel and meet some of the people involved in the show. It was great to be able to chat to folk with exactly the same passion for theatre and before long I was helping out backstage and really learning just how much effort goes into every show. I loved every minute of it,and made some great friends.
For this year's show I went one step further and auditioned for a minor role - and got one! It was the best decision I have ever made and I have just completed my 1st stage musical run,playing Doc in West Side Story for Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society. What a fantastic experience!!! The role was ideal for my 1st taste of acting on stage as I didn't have to sing or dance,but still had plenty of dialogue and I now feel much more comfortable about tackling bigger roles if and when they come along. From the first rehearsal to the final bow,I had a wonderful time in the company of some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and I can't wait for the next production.
I hope this encourages you to pop along to your local amateur group,happy. You'll be welcomed with open arms by people with the same passion and enthusiasm as yourself. If you're anywhere near Leeds,Guiseley Amateurs (www.gaos.co.uk) would love to hear from you!
Have fun,
Gary
I'm a newbie to this site and also to the world of amateur theatre,so it's great to read that others are doing just the same and finally getting round to getting involved! I'm 35 and have loved watching theatrical productions for as long as I can remember,whether amateur or professional,and had also wanted to "have a go" but without knowing how to get started. Fortunately,a neighbour of mine has been involved with our local amateur operatic society for many years and she encouraged me to come along to rehearsals for last year's production of Carousel and meet some of the people involved in the show. It was great to be able to chat to folk with exactly the same passion for theatre and before long I was helping out backstage and really learning just how much effort goes into every show. I loved every minute of it,and made some great friends.
For this year's show I went one step further and auditioned for a minor role - and got one! It was the best decision I have ever made and I have just completed my 1st stage musical run,playing Doc in West Side Story for Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society. What a fantastic experience!!! The role was ideal for my 1st taste of acting on stage as I didn't have to sing or dance,but still had plenty of dialogue and I now feel much more comfortable about tackling bigger roles if and when they come along. From the first rehearsal to the final bow,I had a wonderful time in the company of some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and I can't wait for the next production.
I hope this encourages you to pop along to your local amateur group,happy. You'll be welcomed with open arms by people with the same passion and enthusiasm as yourself. If you're anywhere near Leeds,Guiseley Amateurs (www.gaos.co.uk) would love to hear from you!
Have fun,
Gary
hi all....many thanks for your words of encouragement, as soon as i get a minute i am definately going to give it a go, i really appreciate all your replies....by for now...happy!
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