How Do I Join?

The following will hopefully cover the majority of "initial" questions that you may have with regard to joining SIMADS.

Where do you meet?

SIMADS "home" is the Burgess Hall in St Ives. We usually rehearse in the "moon room" (Black Drama Theatre) adjacent to the Burgess Hall, and this is typically on a Monday and Wednesday evening. If a show involves children, we will often try and rehearse them on a Sunday afternoon to try and avoid too many late nights for them. This may also involve some of the adult cast. We occasionally have to move "upstairs" into the Ivo Centre, and sometimes even have to rehearse elsewhere, but we attempt to give plenty of notice when this happens.

What does it cost?

We charge an annual membership fee. This contributes towards the considerable costs of running an amateur dramatics society. Our fee year runs from 1st May to 30th April, and is currently £15 for adults and £10 for under 18's. This entitles you to receive the SIMADS newsletter, and will include you in all SIMADS social functions (meals, quiz nights, summer barbeques etc). More importantly, it ensures that you are included on our insurance policy.

How do I get to take part in a show?

SIMADS typically perform 2 shows per year, and these are usually musicals (have a look at our "past productions" to see all the shows we have performed since the society was first formed). If you wish to be in a show, you will need to attend the "get together" for the show where we sing through the score and have a good fun evening. This is an opportunity to ascertain what the audition pieces will be, and to ask any questions. We then have an "audition practice" night where you can come along and try to sing the pieces with the Musical Director. You will then need to audition in front of a small panel.

What if I just want to be in the Chorus?

If you are a new member, you will need to undertake a small suitability audition. This will check that you can sing in tune, and also ascertain your correct vocal range. This will be a very easy and fun audition, and shouldn't be anything to worry about. Existing membership will have their ranges rechecked from time to time as is needed for a specific show. On occasions, the show might be of such a nature whereby everyone will need to be re-auditioned. This will be a decision of the Director and Musical Director of the production in question.

Do I have to attend every rehearsal?

It won't always be necessary to attend every rehearsal. The Director will usually produce a rehearsal schedule in advance so you should know when and where you are needed. There will also be times when you are pre-booked on a holiday, or work means you need to miss a night. All we ask is that you tell us well in advance of known absences, preferably before auditioning. The Director of a production reserves the right to recast if someone repeatedly misses rehearsals.

What happens if I wish to join and you have already cast a show?

Unfortunately, unless a show is lacking cast, it will often be "too late" to join a cast that is already well into its rehearsal period as there will be too much to catch up on and choreography already set that may be hard to change. This isn't always the case, and it would be worthwhile asking the question. This doesn't of course preclude you from becoming a member anyway, and taking part in future productions!

Are there any additional costs involved?

SIMADS charge its members a "show fee" of £10 per show, regardless of age or size of part being performed. This is a contribution towards the costs of putting on a quality production, and is payable within the first 2 weeks of rehearsing. This means that if you join, and take part in both shows, your annual cost of membership is £35.
We also ask for a deposit cheque for any hired rehearsal material (the score / libretto etc) which is kept until the material is returned in the same condition that you first accepted it in. This will typically be anything up to £25, but it is not cashed unless we need to replace the material at the end of the show. It is usually ripped up / returned to you.

Can I get involved backstage?

We are always in need of new helpers backstage. There are so many jobs to be done behind the scenes. This includes:
Directors
Musical Directors
Choreographers
Producers
Wardrobe
Sound
Lighting
Set Design, Construction and Painting
Stage Management
Stage Crew
Properties Management
If you have backstage skills and wish to help, please contact us and tell us more!

What do I do next?

You can contact us with your details / further questions
or
Just turn up to a rehearsal and talk to us!
or
If you know you wish to join, why not join online now?