Q ) CAN ANYONE JOIN THE SOCIETY ?

A ) Anyone can join as a Patron, but if you wish to join as an Acting member taking part in shows, you must be at least 16 years of age.

Q ) HOW DO I FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN ?

A ) Go to our ‘join us’ page on this website for full details.  Here you can fill in an application form to become a Patron, or you can send an enquiry to our Membership Secretary if you wish to become an Acting member.

Q ) DO I HAVE TO AUDITION TO JOIN ?

A ) Yes you will have to audition to become an acting member, once you have been

 accepted you are entitled to take part in any shows we produce.  There will be further

 auditions for specific shows once you have been accepted if you wish to play a

 principle role.

Q ) WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AT AN AUDITION TO JOIN ?

A ) You will asked to sing a song from a show, accompanied by our pianist in front of a

few members of our Committee.

The Committee will then have a short chat with you re any relevant experience etc.

Q ) WHAT ABILITY/EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED ?

A )   This depends on the role.  For the chorus you must be able to sing in tune and move well, as a minimum.

For a Principle role there is high competition for most roles, and the best performer  

in the role at an audition is picked. You do not have to ‘do your time’ with Southend

Operatic and Dramatic Society to be picked for a role, we believe in quality and the

best  auditionee will be chosen so as to produce the best show we can.

Q )  HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR NEXT PRODUCTION ?

A )  Our forthcoming shows are always advertised on this site, and you will always find a synopsis of the next show on here.

Q ) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO JOIN ?

A ) Our current annual fee for acting members and Patrons is £25.00

Q ) ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS IF I TAKE PART IN A SHOW ?

A ) We charge a Production fee of £20.00 per show

Q ) HOW MANY SHOWS PER YEAR DO YOU DO ?

A ) We perform two main shows per year, normally May and November, and occasional small Concerts and Cabarets.

Q ) IF I AM ACCEPTED WILL I HAVE TO TAKE PART IN EVERYTHING ?

A ) No, you can take part in as many or few shows as you wish providing you renew your membership each year.

Q ) DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE MY OWN COSTUMES AND MAKE UP ?

A ) No, all main costumes are provided, you will be required to provide your own shoes, and occasionally various accessories (gloves, etc). We have our own make-up team or you can do your own make up if you prefer.

Q ) CAN I GET INVOLVED BACKSTAGE ?

A ) Absolutely, we are always keen to hear from anyone willing to get involved on the

production side.  From Props and set, sound, to wardrobe and make up. We welcome

all volunteers, we pride ourselves on an excellent hardworking backstage crew and our

shows could not thrive without them.  Contact us for more details.
 

Q ) WHEN AND WHERE ARE REHEARSALS HELD ?

A ) Normally on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 8 – 10pm in Leigh on Sea,

and for 5/6 weeks prior to a show on a Sunday from 2 – 5 pm in Westcliff on Sea.

These times can vary slightly, and you will not necessarily be called for all

rehearsals for any show.

Q ) WHERE DO PERFORMANCES TAKE PLACE, AND HOW MANY ARE THERE ?

A ) Our two main shows a year take place at The Cliffs Pavilion which is a 1600 seater

theatre.  For each show we do 6 performances from Wednesday to Saturday, 4

evenings and 2 matinees, currently Thursday and Saturday.  You would be expected

to perform in all performances for one show.

Q)  ARE THE MEMBERS FRIENDLY, OR WOULD I FEEL LIKE AN OUTSIDER FOR A WHILE?

A ) We make a point of making all new members welcome, you will not be left out in the cold, all of our members are an extremely friendly bunch and we all get on well.  There will always be people who will help you settle in and point you in the right direction etc.

We take what we do seriously, but never ourselves!

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