About Us
About Pirton Players
Pirton Players is a buzzing amateur dramatic society based around the North Hertfordshire village of Pirton. With more than 120 members (from within and outside the village) and a commitment to present 2 to 3 shows a year, the group can proudly claim to be a thriving community hub.
The Group takes its productions seriously enough to ensure our audiences are entertained but we always have one eye on closing time at the pub. This philosophy has warmed the group to many roaming am dram veterans in the area as well as its stalwarts. There’s no doubt we endeavor to make our shows as good as they can be, but community and fun remain our key watchwords. That said, many of our number have gone on to study drama and even receive professional recognition for their talent.
People join our throng from all walks of life and get involved in all manner of activities ranging from sound, lights, front-of-house, bar work, stage hands, prop management, production, direction; as well as actually treading the boards themselves.
Watch our video to find out more.
Membership
We are always delighted to welcome new members!
Anyone can audition for a part in a Pirton Players production however if you are selected for a role we do ask that you become a member of the group.
Membership is £20 per annum and the easiest way to pay is by Direct Debit. You can download a membership form here and the Direct Debit form here.
Members are also able to attend our regular club nights which include play readings, workshops and theatre trips. Full details of all our activities are shown on the Diary page.
Members of Pirton Players are also able to access additional website content including the blog and forum.
Auditions
Auditions are normally held roughly three months before a production’s opening night. Audition notices appear on the website and in the Parish Magazine. Please contact the Director or Production Secretary to arrange an audition.
Backstage Roles
There are also plenty of things to do off-stage! Here are just some of the people and job titles that are vital to the success of our group! We welcome anyone who would like to try their hand at any of these roles.
Producer — take care of all non-artistic and non-technical activities connected with a production. Administrative skills and person management are needed.
Stage Manager — responsible for everything that happens on-stage or backstage during the run of a production. Must compile own cue sheet to control operation of the show including actors’ entrances and cues for lighting, sound, special effects and scene changes.
Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) — works closely with the Stage Manager to operate the show. They need good memory, the ability to work silently and safely and obey instructions precisely. ASMs may assist in scene-shifting, handling properties, operating effects etc.
Lighting — works with the Stage Designer and Director to agree the lighting effects required for a show and decides which lighting equipment should be used and where and how it should be deployed. Coordinates the construction of the lighting rig and works with the Lighting Operator to programme the control desk. Needs experience of types of units available including control equipment.
Sound Designer — acquires, combines and edits sound effects for reproducible performance. Familiarity with effects processing extremely helpful.
Sound Operator — follows cue sheet and operates mixer desks, tape, CD or Mini-disk and other sources.
Set Designer — works with Director to design set and is responsible for construction. An understanding of conventional scenic techniques is useful, and an appreciation of financial constraints essential. Artistic ability is handy.
Set Builder — constructs set to accurately realise Designer’s drawings. Practical wood-working skills essential. Knowledge of conventional scenic techniques useful.
Props — acquires or makes props as required for each show and keeps track of them during the run. Organizing ability essential. Good PMs can manufacture anything, from roast turkeys to rebel flags to prison manacles!
Prompt — follows the script during all rehearsals (and sometimes during the show) and prompts cast where lines have been mis-remembered or forgotten. Needs commitment to attend all rehearsals, to learn acting habits of cast and must possess a strong, clear voice.