Frequently Asked Questions.

How long has the Theatre Company been going for?FAQ Logo

The Theatre Club Whitley Bay, as it was formally known, has been running for many years and is actually one of the oldest amateur performing arts group in the area. The name change to the Whitley Bay Theatre Company took place two years ago as we felt it was a more modern and suitable name for the type of things we do.

How many members do you have?

Our membership has steadily grown over the years and we now have a healthy membership. We have a hundred people registered with us with approximately 40 of them being regularly active members.

Are there any age limits?

People of all ages are welcome to come and join us. We do ask that children under the age of fourteen are accompanied by an adult. This is purely for their own safety and well being.

Do I have to go on Stage?

No not all! We are always on the lookout for people to help us with backstage, wardrobe, props, lighting and sound, publicity and fund raising. Everyone is treated equally regardless of what role they play in the group. There are always opportunities for people with less confidence or ability to have a go and try something new.

Do I have to audition to join?

Unlike some other groups there is no audition to join. You will have to audition if you want to go for a part on stage though. Our audition process is nothing to worry about. They are very informal. The Director of the show will decide on the format. In the past there have been two favoured ways of doing them. The first is to sit round and cast from a "read through" format. The second is for small audition pieces to be given out up to a week before the actual audition. An audition panel would be formed with 3 - 4 key people on it ie Director, Wardrobe and 2 independent experienced people. Again this whole process is not to be worried about.

How much does it cost?

As hobbies go - its quite cheap. We do charge a subscription fee. This goes towards the cost of insurance etc. The fee is currently £20 per year for an adult member, £12 Concession rate. We also have an option to pay show by show which is £8.

How are shows funded?

Mainly tickets sales. The costs of running a show can be very expensive. There is the set, wardrobe, lighting and sound and publicity not to mention the cost of the venue where the show is performed. It also costs us for rehearsal and storage space. We do occasionally hold fundraising events. We have held car boot sales, bag pack events and party nights. Anything to raise a few pennies and enjoy ourselves at the same time.

Who runs the Company?

The Committee makes all decisions as to the future of the group. The Committee is elected at the AGM which is usually some time in July. Anyone can come on to Committee but must understand the amount of work and time that it does take up. Nominations can be made before hand or on the day and people are voted in. The majority rules in this case. Anyone can make suggestions or give ideas to any member of the Committee and they can bring them to the meetings for further discussions. The Company tries to make things as friendly as possible and tries to run an "open forum" policy wherever possible.

Who decides what shows are performed?

Any one can suggest a show that they would like us to perform. Within the Committee a small group of play readers can be formed solely to do this. We always try to plan ahead and have at least the next 3 shows organised.