Carlton Dramatic Society

Acting

Of course, as a drama group, acting is the principle reason for our existence and the chief reason why most people want to join us. We normally perform between three and five plays at local theatres during the year. We also hold one 'Showcase' event each year, during which we perform a number of short plays or scenes, or even songs. The atmosphere for these is much less formal than our theatre productions, and is an ideal opportunity for new or less experienced members to try acting or directing, or to try something a little out of the ordinary. That's not to say that new members shouldn't audition for our theatre productions though! Many of our plays have roles for a range of acting skills - so you may not be the next Olivier (yet!), but there may still be a part for you.

Here's a description of a typical show week, after all the weeks of rehearsal

Sunday	Get in and set up in the theatre
Monday	Dress rehearsal
Tuesday	First night nerves!
Wednesday	Getting into it
Thursday	Nearly halfway
Friday	After Show Curry Meal
Saturday	Matinee / Final Show / 'Get out' of theatre / Party!
Sunday	That was fun! What's next?
...	...
Following Tuesday	POST SHOW BLUES

"One man in his time plays many parts..."

In addition to performing in plays, we also hold workshops where members may improve or learn new acting skills, play- readings where members may explore characters outside of those in our main productions, and rehearsed readings where you will get the opportunity to exercise your dramatic talents without needing to learn all your lines!

Backstage

The Carlton is not just about acting, of course. Plays would not be possible without the support of a backstage crew, and we are always open to people who would like experience of the various aspects of production. Our backstage crews consist both of actors who are not in the cast of a play, or members who have joined specifically to work on the production side of our plays.

As with our drama, we are open to new members with any level of experience - even if the various production tasks are new to you, we welcome people who are willing to learn.

Music

Even though the Carlton Dramatic Society has not so far gone in for musicals, music plays a valuable part in most of our productions. Whether it's incidental music to set the scene, or part of the script, we often need musicians to write or play music, and sometimes sing in our productions. So, if you've got a musical talent, we can put it to good use.

Sound

The Carlton is always on the lookout for someone who can operate a mixing desk! Sound in our productions varies from simply playing the right track at the right time and volume to creating complex soundscapes to recording sound effects, music and speech. If you like playing with sounds, and have got the imagination to put them to good use, you could be just the person for us!

Carlton members in dire need of
modernising their own wardrobes!

Costume

Without our wardrobe the cast would all be a bit cold! We'll always need people to stitch and sew, modify or make costumes and generally manage the wardrobe for a show.

Stage Management

If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs, and can make sure all the actors have their props and go through the right door - then you could be our next stage manager!