Welcome to the first blogpost for
SE Berks GangShow!
Although it seems like we've only just finished our 2012 show, we're already making plans for the 2013 show, and by following this blog, you'll get all the juicy backstage gossip and info!
But first off, lets start by introducing ourselves. I thought I would make it easy, and give you all the information you'll need to know, by answering 6 very basic questions. What? Who? When? Where? Why? How?
First off, WHAT is a Gang Show?
Gang Shows started 80 years ago, when a scout leader called Ralph Reader organised a variety show by scouts to raise money for a new swimming pool at the Downe Scout campsite in Kent. It was a success and now many different gang shows exist all over the world. It is often said that a Gang Show is playing somewhere in the world every night of the year !
So WHO are you then?
We are a cast and crew of over one hundred, consisting of scouts and guides in South East Berkshire, ranging in age from 9 to 90+! Specifically, I am a member of the cast and also on the production team, so you'll get to see what happens from both sides of the show. As current cast members will confirm, I have little singing talent, a reasonable amount of dance talent, but a formidible set of lungs!
So WHEN is the Gang Show?
We perform in the Feburary half term every year! That means you just missed it! But not to worry, as we're already starting preparations for the next show, which will be performed from 18th - 23rd February 2013. However we have planning, and rehearsing, and making costumes, and building scenery and many other things that mean the show really is a year round production!
WHERE is the Gang Show?
When we first hit the Stage in 1970 we started in a local School Hall. From there it grew too large and after a couple of years moved to Camberley Civic Hall where it stayed for many years untill moving to it's current venue of the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell. We rehearse in a local scout hut, and our backstage crew use the hut next door to build and make scenery and costumes.
WHY do you do it?
Because we're gluttons for punishment? Just joking! It's a fun and fantastic way to spend your sunday afternoons, and teaches useful skills too! The aim of the show is to give young people in Scouting and Guiding the opportunity to develop performance skills and perform in a close to professional theatrical environment. Opportunities are also afforded to young people to work backstage, in front of house roles, and to perform as musicians in the show's musical items and in the orchestra. We've had former cast members go on to perform in the west end! It's also a tremendous confidence builder, and I love watching our younger cast members develop their skills and shine!
Sounds like a lot of work! HOW do you manage it?
With a lot of hard work and teamwork! The production team is made up from department heads from the various departments of the show. This includes, Producer, Assistant Producer, Director, Lighting, Costumes, Set Production, Stage Manager, Crew Manager, Band Master, Choreographer and Sound. Early in May a Production meeting is held to rough plan the show for the following February. At this point a running order is put together and the various departments then go away and do some design work then in June we all come together to finalise the designs and colours for the show. In July we hold auditions, and then when we have a cast, the real work begins!
So I hope that answers any questions you may have had?
This is hopefully going to be a weekly blog, keeping you updated on all manner of activites that happen behind the scenes. Next week, I'm planning to share with you my personal highlights of our 2012 show!
If you have any suggestions for items you'd like me to cover, please leave a comment below.
And so to sign off, I shall leave you with the catchphrase of our fantastic producer...
Whattcha gotta do?
SMILE!!!!!
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