Hello all,

I am part of a small AmDram group (about 20 or so members) we are currently based in a medium sized village with a venue capacity of 100 people and a small stage. The group as it is has been running for some 5 years and has recently appointed a committee (including myself) to run the main activities of the group.
We have recently been given the opportunity of moving a few miles down the road to a bigger venue (150 capacity) , with a much larger stage and the opportunity of recruiting many more members as it is situated in a much larger village.
Although the majority of the membership and committee appear to be in favour of moving , some of the more older/established members do not want to leave and there is the possibility that we will lose these members along with their experience and knowledge.

I would very much appreciate some views from you all on this, especially if you have been through a similar experience. We have discussed at length the pros and cons of such a move but I think it would be really good to get some outside views as well.

many thanks

John

My musicals group moved from one community college theatre (where we were having problems with the jobs worths) to another community college theatre (where the staff are fantastic). A move from one town to another - about 7 miles or so. Theatrically, the two towns are in completely different catchment areas and we did expect problems. We did lose some of our audience members but I reckon we've gained more as we now pretty much sell out in a larger venue. As for our members, hmmmm....not sure if we did lose any in the end. Even our old stagers decided to move with us in the end despite a bit of grumbling at the start.

Is there perhaps a possibility of doing alternate shows at the different venues? Or do you have to leave Venue A completely?

What I do think is refreshing is that you value your established members and want to make it work for them too. Are there objections practical ones, eg transport that you might be able to help with?

There are a couple of elderly members who understandably liked the fact that they can walk to rehearsals etc and see the extra miles as a problem ! Another
has concerns around size of the venue and that we would lose the atmosphere? Difficult to explain really......... It is difficult for us as a new committee we dont want to be seen to be making decisions that could mean some established members leaving even though it might be the right thing for the group as a whole.

There is a possibility of doing shows at both yes. But this would obviously take a large amount of organisation but certainly worth considering. Many thanks for your comments.

You could do just one there on a trial basis and review after that perhaps.

Best of luck with it. Keep us posted on how things go.

I agree with the 2 venues suggestions. I belonged to a group in a small village, who did one joint show every 2 years in the next village at a larger venue with the group there. Also other groups I have belonged to in towns, tend to do 1 or 2 main productions in local theatre plus smaller productions in church hall.

Well we are moving the decision was made yesterday.
It looks like we are going to be losing a couple of established members as a result but who knows they may come back. The committee are determined to make this a success and all behind the changes.

One question for all , is there any established routes for AmDram groups to get funding/ grants etc? Or is it just the same type of funding via sponsorship , fund raising etc that other community groups would use?

Many thanks for your previous comments