Tewkesbury Amateur Dramatics Society

15^th August 2007

Oonagh Hughes is to propose to Martin Oakes that a diary be kept on line, in order for everyone to access the dates of upcoming meetings and deadlines for submitting ideas re: upcoming events.

Martin Oakes is to look at compiling a price list for various venues around the area for September’s meeting.

Oonagh Hughes has written to the council however we didn’t receive a positive response to our request for funding. There is another deadline in October for further applications so we will try again at this stage.

The first issue discussed was the advertising in the programme for the present production of Pride and Prejudice. Richard Hughes is to look into this further regarding costings and spacing available.

January 25^th and 26^th were confirmed as the production dates with the ‘Tech and Dress’ taking place on the Sunday before (January 20^th)

All the roles for Pride and Prejudice have been filled with the exception of the Maid.

A venue for auditions was discussed due to the Boys Brigade hut being out of action due to the floods. This had been booked for all the auditions but it is likely to be open in time.

Alternative venues including the Refectory, Scout Hut and the Annexe on Barton Road. Richard Hughes is to speak to Chris Danter re: the possibility of using the annexe for rehearsals.

It was confirmed that rehearsals will start on September 18^th and will run every Tuesday and Friday from 19.30 – 22.00 weekly.

Although there are a number of willing volunteers as stage hands a stage manager is still required for the production. Hannah Moore is to speak to Lindsey Martin about carrying out this role.

The set was outlined by Richard Hughes. It was agreed that we would stick to the set outlined in the script as it gives a comprehensive outline of what is required and will involve minimal expenditure. Props still need to be gathered.

Liza Otter is to look at gathering costumes as she has a number of useful contacts who may be able to assist.

It was proposed that the stage hands perhaps be dressed as maids during periods of prop / stage changes to fit in with the theme of the production. This appeared to be supported by all.

With regards to funding it was decided we would approach Natwest and Lloyds bank as well as L&L Windows. We would offer half a page in the programme for anyone wishing to donate to the production and a full page plus a logo on all promotional material for the named sponsor. Figures were discussed and it was suggested a named sponsor would perhaps offer in the region of £500 to qualify.

The Showcase has been set for the 29^th September 2007 at the Grimshaw’s Barn. Shorter slots of music and singing and poems etc were favoured over plays and lengthier slots so as to accommodate those not involved in Pride and Prejudice.

Hannah Moore volunteered to take on the role of coordinating the showcase. This was supported by those at the meeting and it was agreed the showcase would last 2 hours so Hannah will coordinate filling this time.

It may be that we need to take our own staging to the Barn so Richard Hughes will discuss the logistics of this and the lighting with Martin Oakes.

Geoff Guy has written a short play based on Jonah and the Whale. It was decided that this would be a good break between readings and music. A cast of 8 would be needed to perform it and it was agreed that a reading would be held on August 22^nd at 20.00 in The Roses bar.

Oonagh Hughes has volunteered to sing and Geoff Guy would have two slots for a reading. Brenda Read-Brown is to be asked if she will recite some comical poems.

The Tuckwell Theatre – This needs to be diarised for next year as they start to look for new acts once this years show is over. Martin Oakes knows about this process so this is to be discussed further at the next meeting.

Abbey Fete – It is hoped that we will be able to perform Jonah and the Whale at the Abbey Fete, this needs to be diarised for January when Geoff will look into getting it included in the programme of events.

Awaken Your Senses – Hannah is in contact with the council and has a few ideas which she will keep us all informed of!

Mayor’s Gala – This overlaps with Pride and Prejudice and apparently they are looking for contributions from other areas outside of Tewkesbury so we may not get asked to perform this year. Richard Hughes is to keep us posted.

The TADS keyboard is with Richard Hughes in case anybody wants access to it.

The GDA AGM will take place on September 1^st 2007. Hannah Moore and Paula Fancini-Hooper have volunteered to attend.