Reps Theatre Maasdorp Ave / Sam Nujoma St, Harare, Zimbabwe

Reps Reporter - March 2014

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The first quarter of 2014 comes to an end and we are moving into the second, which at Reps always means HIFA and the start of our winter period. A number of shows have appeared on the Main Stage and in Theatre Upstairs so far this year and the frequency of shows is now increasing as the year gets into its stride. Nationally, the year has been quiet and economically troublesome, but we hope that the pattern of last year – increased activity and income as the year progressed – will be followed again this year.

We all look forward to a number of good productions on both stages during the coming nine months and members can assist in making a success of these by coming along to watch and enjoy all of these productions and by ensuring all family, friends and colleagues know about the shows and are encouraged to also come along. In the bar, social events are taking place regularly and all members are encouraged to make use of this facility for socialising and networking, bringing guests when they feel like it.

Many more members needed

As a club, The Repertory Players relies on members to keep everything going. Our reason for existence is that we all have a common interest and goals, which is theatre, whether watching or participating. Our membership base has been eroded over the years for various reasons, a factor that has caused an uneven burden to be placed on the willing few. We have also seen a marked decline in visits to the bar, one of our major revenue streams. You the members can all assist in overcoming the decline in membership this by each introducing a new member. If we all propose just one new member, then we shall double our membership, which would halve the burden and double our bar attendance – resolution of our concerns achieved! Please accept this challenge and do it right away.

To add to the incentivisation, we shall place the names of all proposers into a hat each month and draw out a winner for the best bottle of plonk that we can find …AND all proposers of new members will go into an annual draw to win a weekend away at one of the Inns of Zimbabwe properties. How does that grab you as an incentive to get your mates down to join you for a drink?

A reminder that you as members have the use of a great, central, friendly, inexpensive and lively bar … rebated theatre tickets … discounts from our many partners … and many other benefits, as well as the wonderful feeling of being part of Harare’s bubbling performing arts scene. Let’s all propose some new members and get our society flying high.

Showtime April to June

Coming to Theatre Upstairs in April is a return of The Impro Show, with a fun ensemble put together by Kevin Hanssen. Always fun and always lively, it’s well worth coming to. This runs in mid-April and booking is open now at The Spotlight.

At the end of April comes HIFA 2014, subtitled Switch On! This will involve a large number of local and international production on both our stages and is a sure-fire way to enjoy all the arts in one fast-paced week.

May will see some post-HIFA activity on the stages, as well as Graham Crutchley’s next production, The Pianist, which features the acting talent of Anne Fischer and the piano talents of Annette Eastwood. As is always the case with Graham, this promises to be a superb piece of theatre … watch out for news of a possible exciting innovation in presentation. Coming to the Main Stage in June will be a rock musical, which Sue Bolt and Mario Ciampi are discussing and planning at present. This will keep audiences warm on a cold winter’s night!

Social events are fun

Research has been undertaken by the Bar Liaison and Social Events committee and this will help shape the future of action and activity in the bar. We know some members love entertainment and want it every night, while others hate it and wish nothing more than to have a quiet drink with friends in the bar. However, a middle way has been found and there is occasional entertainment to liven up the schedule. What we need are more people coming to the social events, not only from among members but from among the public, who will – we hope – be delighted by their experience and may decide to join up as members. The variety of entertainment is already good and people can suggest more ideas to spice up the schedule, by contacting committee chair Mande Snyman. We have singers, bands, pub quiz events, evenings of words, darts evenings and other things planned, so come along to support and have fun.

Well done to the winners

The 2013 Reps Afdis Awards have been announced at the annual awards bash and congratulations go to all the winners, whose achievements come on the back of real hard work and commitment. Not everyone can win, though, so it’s great to hear these winners praise the efforts of all their family, friends and colleagues in helping them win. A winning team is a team that sticks together, so here’s hoping for even bigger and better co-operation and effort in the coming year. Thanks must go to African Distillers, led by Cecil Gombera and his team, for their unwavering support for Reps and for theatre in general. Want to win an award? Then roll up your sleeves and get involved in the theatre this year.

Did you know …

… that what we call the coffee bar in the foyer is run by the Avondale Scouts, who use the income to pay for less well-off members of their scouting group to attend international jamborees? The team consists of parents and leaders, co-ordinated by Di Roberts, and their smiling faces are welcome at shows, when they provide pre-show and interval (and sometimes post-show) service with confectionery, soft drinks, teas and coffees and occasional other goodies. They do NOT bring in popcorn, which is banned in Reps after we discovered how much goes not down throats but on to the floor and thus attracts rats. Some people also ask why we do not allow in drinks and food from elsewhere: we are, of course, not allowed to do so, but more important we wish to ensure that the Scouts get income – their products are reasonably priced and varied, and if anyone wants them to add to their goodies on sale, chat to them about it when next at Reps for show.

Until next time, see you at Reps for a show or a drink or for some help here and there!

Surveys

Please find below a survey from Aileen Taylor, requesting your help backstage and also the ‘update’ form for your details for our data base giving your names/address, phone numbers etc . Completing this update is in your own interests, as if we cannot contact you, we cannot keep you up to date with what is happening!!! Please complete them both and return the one to Aileen and the other to the office!!

Regards

Exco

Dear Members

In an endeavour to keep our records up to date, please would you kindly reply letting us know if you are able and willing to help out with any/all of the sections listed below.

We are always on the look out for volunteers in this sphere of running the theatre so that we can keep up standards, and assist those who tirelessly help out over and over again.

If you are already involved, please would you still reply to this email, as confirmation that you are still on the lists that already exist.

Lighting

Sound

Stage set up

Props

Costumes

Assistant stage manager

Stage manager

Helping out back stage during a show

Please kindly send your reply to Aileen Taylor at jamcri54@gmail.com

Kind regards

Aileen

MEMBERS UPDATE FORM

NAME ......................................................... MEMBERSHIP NO................

ADDRESS .........................................................

........................................................

TEL. NUMBERS ....(H)..........................(CELL)....................................(BUS)...................................

E.MAIL ADDRESS .................................................................................................

DATE OF BIRTH....................................................................................................

INTERESTS

Acting Backstage Wardrobe Front of House

Singing Sound Decor Ushering

Dancing Lighting Props Box Office

Musician Set Design Prod. Sec Social/Theatre goer

Please Return this survey to reps@mweb.co.zw

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