Date: March 17th 2007
Location: Morecombe Room, The Roses Theatre.
Present: Oonagh Hughes, Laura Giles, Hannah Moore, John Williams, Isobel & Jimmy Coldwell, Sarah Warrington, Pamela Jell, Vasam Marathe, Joe Harper, Kate & Geoff Matthews, Martin Oakes, Brenda Read-Brown.
Apologies: Richard and Jane Hughes, Liza Otter, Geoff Guy
General: It was agreed that the minutes of the last meeting would not be read given as it was very recent. Minutes would however be put on the website and mailed to those without web access. Laura Giles is to pass on minutes of meetings to Martin following future meetings.
Information on up and coming things of interest was distributed for all that were interested.
The current mailing list was updated and John Williams is to pass on the previous database to Oonagh Hughes to update the information we have so far. Everyone has given their up to date contact numbers and a telephone tree was proposed for the future meetings.
Martin has taken over ownership of the website following Phil’s departure and will look into trying to reduce the cost of hosting the web site and arranging for people to be emailed directly from the website.
The possibility of donations being made via the website was discussed as well as having a forum area for discussions and links to the Roses box office for ticket bookings.
A discussion for ideas for future productions was opened up to everyone. To begin with a proposal from Richard Hughes was made for ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ This was read out by Oonagh Hughes and discussed by all.
A break down of costs was outlined although it was suggested the costume budget may be a little optimistic. Conversely ticket prices were possibly underestimated so this may balance out the extra costs for costumes.
Richard put himself forward as director and agreed to cover any loss made as outlined in previous minutes.
Jimmy Coldwell highlighted he had previously been involved in Emma and it was agreed by most that a well-known play is likely to sell more tickets. However, some felt that Pride and Prejudice may have been slightly “over-done” and further discussions will be had at the next meeting when Richard Hughes returns.
Period dramas would however need good costumes and therefore mean an increased budget forecast. It was decided that previous budgets and costings need to be looked at for a comparison.
Sarah Warrington put forward the idea for ‘restoration comedies’ and suggested that we perhaps look at comedy writer Peter Gordon for a murder mystery theme. This was discussed by all as a topic of interest and an Inspector Calls was identified as a play currently being studied for GCSE in local schools.
Sarah highlighted a useful website: www.streetplays.co.uk in which the number and sex of characters can be entered into a search engine to find a suitable play for the demographic of the cast.
Funny Girl was also suggested as another possible production.
Toad of Toad Hall was put forward as an idea for a future outdoor production as a way to get a lot of the younger people interested in TADS involved. It was suggested that a production for this summer had possibly been left too late?
A draw back of an outdoor production is that radio microphones are essential, however the amphitheatre was put forward as a possible solution and it was decided this would be a very good idea for an outdoor festival for next year.
A further idea was put forward on behalf of Liza Otter who had suggested the Jungle Book (not a Disney version) as this had been very successful at the Everyman and could also be done outside.
Ring Round The Moon was put forward by Brenda Read-Brown. This had been in the pipeline previously until the lead man had to move away with work. Brenda is keen to direct this as a summer production in the amphitheatre and will look at other possibilities for lead men before putting it to the vote at a later meeting.
John Williams suggested “A Woman In Mind” which was then discussed. John would not want to direct the play so Brenda Read-Brown is to take a look and pass it to Oonagh Hughes and then Hannah Moore.
Ideas to cut costs of productions were discussed. Martin suggested that having the dress and technical rehearsal together in order to save the cost of an extra night.
Locations other than the Roses were suggested in order to reduce some of the overheads as well as doing out door productions and taking the plays to the people and asking for donations instead of setting prices as sometimes people will pay more.
The success of the mayor’s show was discussed and it was felt that a showcase of comedy sketches etc would be a good idea for a summer production. The barn was suggested as a location and we could possibly split the profits with a charity. It was agreed it would be a good goal to work towards this year and a good recruitment event for audiences for future productions.
Oonagh Hughes is to speak to Paddy Grimshaw about using the barn as a location. Further ideas for what could be included were discussed and people put themselves forward to sing and play instruments. Early September was agreed as a target and everyone is to bring ideas to the next meeting.
The date for the next meeting date was set for Wednesday May 16th @ 8.00 pm in the Morecombe Room of the Roses Theatre
Laura Giles is to pass on minutes of meetings to Martin
John Williams is to pass on previous database to Oonagh Hughes to update what information we have so far
Martin to look into trying to reduce the cost of hosting the web site and arranging for people to be emailed directly from the website
Laura to email Brian @ GDA with contact details
Brenda, Oonagh and Hannah to look at a “Woman in Mind” with a view to directing
Oonagh to speak to Paddy Grimshaw re: putting a production on at the barn
All minutes are correct to the best of my knowledge.
…………………………………………………………………
Oonagh Hughes, Chairperson 2007.