Membership Information

This information is designed to give you an insight into the world of caods and some idea of what's involved in belonging to one of the most successful amateur groups in the area. New members from the age of 16, both on stage or backstage, are always welcome, but please consider all the information and be aware of the commitment required.

If "treading the boards" isn't for you, then perhaps you could join caods as a non-acting member. We are always looking for members to assist backstage with scenery, costumes etc. and welcome everyone. Perhaps making tea is your forte - that is greatly appreciated too! You will receive regular updates via newsletters and also be eligible to reduced prices for any workshops that are run during the membership year.

It's also a good way to stay in touch with the society if taking a break from performing.

THE SOCIETY

The society currently performs two shows a year (each of six performances, including a Saturday matinee) at the Civic Theatre in Chelmsford at a cost of between £27,000 and £35,000 per show. Occasionally other fund-raising shows are staged in either the Civic theatre or other venues in the area. There is also a wide range of social activities, e.g. workshops, outings, fun-days, social events etc. and a newsletter is produced regularly.

FEES

The Society's financial year runs from 1st June to 31st May of the following year.

Members appearing in one or both shows in any financial year are required to pay the full Acting Membership fee currently set at £40. Fees are reduced by 50% for anyone still undertaking full-time study. Non-Acting members pay £15 per financial year

There is also a Show Fee, presently set at £35 for each show.

All members will receive the Society's Newsletter and information on all its activities, together with advance booking forms for all shows.Membership forms can be downloaded from the website and once completed should be passed to the Membership Secretary, together with the appropriate fee.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are held for all prospective cast members for every show and take place in private in front of a selected panel including the Director, Musical Director, Production Assistant, Dance Captain and a selected Chairman from the caods Committee.

Scores and libretti for each show will be made available to the cast either for hire or purchase.

Anyone wishing to audition for a show must be either an Acting or Non-Acting member of the Society. Auditionees for Principal roles will be expected to learn any music and/or dialogue required for the audition(s). Auditionees for Chorus will be expected to learn the set audition music and sometimes a dance routine. Those wishing to audition as Dancers will be expected to learn a set dance routine either on the day of the audition or before.

Those accepted into the show cast must then be full Acting members. (Non-Acting members must upgrade their membership)

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals take place at the Young Generation Headquarters, Meteor Way, Chelmsford as follows:

Pre-audition music calls -Chorus on Wednesdays 7.45 - 10.00pm
Principals on Fridays 7.45 -10.00pm

Setting calls are on Fridays 7.30 - 10.30pm and some Saturdays half or whole days.

Revision calls are on Wednesdays and Fridays 7.30 - approx 10.00pm.

There is a technical rehearsal on the Sunday and a dress rehearsal on the Monday night before the opening night on the Tuesday.

The cast are expected to attend all setting and revision calls AS PER THE SHOW REHEARSAL SCHEDULE unless there is a very good reason for their absence. e.g. holiday, illness, work etc. Any absences must be advised to the Chorus Master or Production Assistant. If you cannot attend a setting call you must arrange for someone to stand in for you otherwise you may not be included in the relevant scene(s). This is IMPORTANT.

The cast are expected to take their own flooring notes at the setting calls and use them for revision calls.

Rehearsal Dress

Ladies: rehearsal skirts are worn appropriate to the show being performed. Character shoes and/or soft jazz shoes. No jewellery and
hair tied back.

Men: relaxed/casual wear. Shoes appropriate to the show.

Any special rehearsal clothes will be advised by the Producer.

SHOW REQUIREMENTS

Costumes
Most are hired by the Society and cast members must be prepared to make any adjustments as directed by the Director or Wardrobe Mistress. Members are sometimes required to provide some costumes themselves.

It is important to note that in addition to the show fee, cast members may also be asked to provide:

Men: stage shoes, any other necessary accessories. Men may also be asked to cut their hair, or grow beards if appropriate for a particular show. Theatrical Make-up.

Ladies: wigs (which can be hired), stage shoes, costume jewellery, and any other accessories as appropriate. Theatrical Make-up.

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PLEASE NOTE

The Society reserves the right to re-consider a member's suitability for appearing in a production if it is thought that a member cannot meet the Society's high standards of performance. They will be advised of this and encouraged to improve; if however, they fail to do so, they may be asked by the Committee to withdraw from a production.

This applies to all cast members whether Principals, Chorus or Dancers. Audition results and subsequent castings are provisional and dependant upon satisfactory attendance and standards being achieved at rehearsals.

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SO IF YOU STILL WANT TO JOIN US AFTER READING THIS

WELCOME ONBOARD.