DEP can call upon a number of experienced directors. However, members who are interested in directing, but have no experience, can learn the skills and gain confidence by shadowing seasoned directors. (Back to menu)

The Stage Manager co-ordinates the backstage activities from the move into the theatre right through to the move out at the end of the production week. Every production needs a backstage team. They help take everything to the theatre, set it up and change scenery as and when required on the nights of the performance.

Moving into and out of the theatre at the start and end of the production is known as the “get in” and “get out”. All members, whether they are acting, directing, prompting, or whatever, are encouraged to help out on these days. (Back to menu)

Design and Build Sets

All sets for DEP plays are designed and constructed in our own well-equipped workshop. People are welcome to become involved and whatever your present level of skills and experience there will be something useful you can do. Set-building sessions (currently Tuesday day and Wednesday evening) are held weekly. (Back to menu)

Prompting involves following the play carefully and giving the actors any line they might forget. The prompt goes to rehearsals, usually from the point of the actors starting to put their scripts down and is there to support the cast all the way through the performances. Hopefully, he or she will not be called upon, but their presence in the wings is always reassuring. (Back to menu)

Properties – or “Props”

This involves collecting all the articles needed for a production to either dress the set or be used by the actors onstage. Props can be just a few things, or a vast collection. They can be everyday items such as teacups, or more obscure requirements, such as a moose’s head.

If a play is historical, or has an unusual setting, research may be necessary to achieve authenticity. At later rehearsals and on performance nights, the actors rely on the props team to set what they need on stage or on props tables in the wings. (Back to menu)

Wardrobe

Wardrobe isn’t just sewing. The work of the wardrobe team depends on the production. Actors will often wear their own clothes in a modern play. However, a period production might involve research to get the dress correct and sourcing costumes from a variety of places.

On performance nights someone from the wardrobe team will be on hand to help with quick changes, or to make any running repairs. (Back to menu)

DEP has its own sound equipment which we take with us to the theatre. The sound technician’s role is to liaise with the director and to make a mini-disc of all the recordings needed for a production. In the later stages of rehearsal and on performance nights, he or she is responsible for producing the right sounds at the right time. In addition he or she is required to set up the equipment at the theatre and dismantle it at the end of the production. (Back to menu)

The lighting technician has to go through the script and decide, with the director, how the lights should be set to convey the atmosphere of certain scenes. On get-in days the technician sets the lights at the theatre, then operates the system during the performances.

If you are interested in lighting or sound, but have no past experience, we have members happy to pass on their skills and help guide you on your way to lighting or providing the sound for a production. (Back to menu)

Our audiences are important to us and every production needs ushers and programme sellers to make them feel welcome and ensure their safety and comfort. This work is co-ordinated by the production’s Front of House Manager/ess. They organise the Front of House rota, supervise the cloakroom and stay in the foyer during the performance to meet and seat any latecomers, provide security and deal with any emergency. All Front of House work is an excellent opportunity to meet people and can be a way of supporting a production when your time is too limited to help in other ways. (Back to menu)

Acting

Plays are currently cast from auditions according to members’ ability to play a particular role. Skills, experience and looks (as appropriate) are all considered. Set audition pieces for each character are available in advance of the audition date. Once people are cast they are expected to attend rehearsals and learn their lines by the “books down” date. (Back to menu)

At DEP our plays always come first. However, we do sometimes find time to organise social events and enjoy ourselves in a more relaxed setting. (Back to menu)