Acting Tips.Getting involved with a Community Theatre Group

At Keep Left Theatre we are particularly welcoming to newcomers and we always give a would-be actor a part at the first available opportunity as a matter of policy. But there are plenty of community theatres around, have a look in your own area.

OK. You've heard we are about to start on a new play and you come along to find a lot of people who seem to know each other

An audition can be intimidating for everybody involved, even for those who seem to be very laid-back and confident about the whole thing.. Auditions are nerve-wracking situations.

It's also a tense time for the director who's usually worrying about seeing everyone, finding the best possible actors for the roles, dealing with the people who are going to be upset once the decisions are made, and trying to be fair about the whole process to avoid charges of favouritism.

If you feel nervous about it all, the easiest and least threatening way to join us is backstage

Offer to join the backstage crew in more or less any capacity that is going. If you've no experience in respect of the job on offer, explain that you're willing to learn and we'll soon find someone to show you the ropes. You will soon get to know everybody during the camaraderie of the production and when the next play comes around you will have a clearer insight into what is needed during the selection process.

An important facet of the amateur drama scene is that you've got to prove you want to do a lot more than just act. We also need back stage crew, and people to design the programmes and handbills, to help with publicity,to build and paint the set, or gather props for the next one.

Enthusiasm is what we want to see and if you can supply that in abundance, along with a progressive political viewpoint, then you're quickly going to become a valued part of Keep Left Theatre

How to Get the Part...Without Falling Apart! Margie Haber does more than just give tips, she teaches techniques with examples and scenarios.