Frequently Asked Questions

 

These are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about being and/or becoming a member of New Directions Theatrical Society and Youth Academy and the appropriate answers.

If your question is not answered by this page, or you would like further information please click here to contact us.

How Do I Become A Member?

How Old Do I Have To Be To Join?

How Much Does It Cost?

Can I Still Be A Member Of Other Companies?

Can I Work Backstage?

Can I Be The Stage Manager / Lighting Technician / Sound Technician?

Who Is Responsible For Health & Safety?

Do You Use Pyrotechnics?

 

Becoming A Member

Joining is easy! Just come along to one of our Tuesday rehearsals. If after that first rehearsal you would like to stay you will be asked to complete a membership form (under 18’s will also have a parental/guardianship permission form to complete) and that’s it you’re a member

Minimum Age Membership Allowed

We currently accept members aged seven and over

Cost Of Membership

Weekly subscriptions are £2.50 for adults and £2.00 for children, and are payable on a Tuesday, whether you attend the rehearsal or not. We grant four weeks holidays per year for which you don’t have to pay. There will sometimes be additional payments due for insurance / costumes etc depending on the production. Plenty of notice will be given for these payments and costs are kept to a minimum.

Membership Of Other Companies

We have no objection to you being a member of other companies. All we ask is that you ensure you are available for the rehearsals and productions that you have committed to with us and that your other commitments to not negatively effect your commitment to us.

Working Backstage

We are keen to develop a strong technical team at New Directions and are willing to consider anyone who wishes to gain experience. All we ask is that you are aged 16 or over, enthusiastic and willing to follow the guidance and instructions given by existing technical team. In return we can promise you will gain invaluable skills by joining our existing technical team as we already have an experienced set designer, technical manager and stage manager who will be happy to show you the ropes in all of these areas.

Stage Manager and Technicians Roles

We already have suitable qualified and experienced people on our technical team who, due to the importance of these roles and for consistency, we try and use for each of our productions in the above roles.. However you are welcome to assist the existing technicians to gain experience and develop your skills. If you already have suitable experience in these areas then you will be considered if our existing technician is not available for a particular production.

Health and Safety

In short, everyone is responsible for ensuring that they behave in the appropriate way to safeguard both their own Health and Safety as well as that of others when in a performance space. Our technical and stage manager are suitably qualified and ensure that risk assessments are carried out and that appropriate steps are taken to ensure that Health and Safety regulations are met.

Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics are sometimes used depending on the show. We have two qualified pyro-technicians on our technical team who will be in charge of any pyrotechnics used.