Some frequently asked questions
Do I have to audition to join the Castle Players?
No! We are a community theatre group, absolutely everyone is welcome, whatever your experience or talent. If you fancy going for a speaking part, then you will be asked to audition. The audition process will be fully explained by the Director for that production and audition pieces will be uploaded to our Members Online Area (so it's worth signing up to our website and mailing list!).
If you want to join us in a technical or backstage role then we'd put you in touch with the relevant Team Leader for a quick chat about how we can use your skills.
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When and where do you rehearse?
Monday evenings from 7-10pm and Sundays from 12-5pm are our usual rehearsal slots. If you are involved in a small way then you won't be required to attend every and all rehearsals. The Director will produce a monthly schedule so you know when you will be needed. Again, this will be uploaded to the Members Online Area.
We are incredibly pleased to be rehearsing at Startforth School in the main hall. It's a great facility with a kitchen, loos and plenty of rehearsal space. Parking there is limited in the car park, but there is on street parking. Always best to try and share lifts though as it can get crowded.
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Does it cost me anything to be involved?
Unlike other community theatre groups, we don’t charge a membership fee. The only contribution you’ll be asked to make is a small weekly amount during the rehearsal period to help cover the cost of room hire, along with a modest donation towards the tea, coffee, biscuits, and cake that are provided!
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Do you have an age limit?
We do not. We do have a robust Child Protection Policy which we ask all parents of any children participating in our productions to familiarise themselves with. We also have a licensed Durham County Council chaperone in attendance at rehearsals and during productions to ensure any children involved are safe and looked after.
What is the time commitment involved with doing a production?
This depends on you and what you want to get out of your time with the Castle Players. You an be as involved as you like. Some members are on Teams that assist in the running of the group which can take a few hours a week, others only wish to be in the chorus or ensemble and attend one or two hours of rehearsal a week.
We usually kick off the Summer Production at the beginning of February with an open meeting. Auditions and casting of principal roles happens pretty swiftly afterwards and rehearsals happen up until production week which is around the second week of July.
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The Winter Tour usually has their first open meeting around September time. Auditions, casting and rehearsal happen soon after and the rehearsal period goes up until Christmas. There is a break over the festive period and rehearsals start again at the beginning of January, with the tour starting the second week of January into February.
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Please contact us here if you would like to learn more about joining The Castle Players.
