Reps Theatre: Latest newsletter

Reps Reporter - April 2013

Introduction

Greetings to members as we all start preparing for the end of summer and the arrival of winter. Although the theatres have been relatively quiet this past month, there is a reasonable level of action at present and plans are being finalised for HIFA 2013, which will again include the Reps Main Stage and Theatre Upstairs in its set of venues. Everyone is encouraged to catch Colder Than Here in Theatre Upstairs, which is being described by many of those people who have seen it as a remarkable production that should not be missed. In addition, the short run of the Repteens production is another one that should be seen, not only to support our younger members but also to see just what an entertaining and enjoyable set of two one-act plays they have put together. Please also encourage friends, family and colleagues to see these two productions and be part of the process of increasing the number of people attending performances of all our productions at Reps.

On stage in April and May

A Spark In The Dark – Repteens’ main stage production, April 11-13; Colder Than Here – Graham Crutchley’s excellent play about a dying woman and her efforts to get her dysfunctional family to communicate and relate to each other better, running until April 20 (if you see only one play a year this MUST be it!); Everything Goes! – a fun musical revue with song and dance, with only three performances on Friday April 19 and Saturday April 20; HIFA 2013 What’s Next … running in both theatres from April 30 to May 5; The Ogreling, a play featuring in HIFA but possibly making a post-festival short run at Reps in the second week of May; The Kilted Generation, a fundraiser for the St John’s College Pipe Band, on one day only (May 18); a presentation by the children of the Dzikwa Trust, who have been given the Reps main stage at no cost to show their talents on the afternoon of Saturday May 25. In rehearsal during May will be The Sound Of Music, which will run in July. Other news about forthcoming productions will be sent out soon.

Changes in the members bar

A new members’ bar management system is in place and in service in the office and members’ bar, as evidenced by the new till slips issued with drinks purchases. Members have found the larger receipt slips more informative than the old slips and it’s easy to check on purchases and ensure you have received what you paid for! There has been a change in the process for issuing temporary cards in the members' bar. In the past, if your membership card was lost or damaged, you could, while applying for and awaiting a new card, sign out a temporary card for use until your new card was ready. The change is that you can now only have the temporary card for the day you are using it and must return it before closing time that day. This is to ensure the tight control and retention of these cards. The new cards are now processed and delivered much more quickly than before so you will not have to wait for long to get it.

New Spotlight system in place

The Spotlight has a new and improved booking system, which is being installed at present and having initial hitches ironed out. Most of the team of box office operators have been trained and more will be trained in coming weeks. Once it is settled in, advanced stages of e-mail bookings and, eventually, online bookings will be looked into. The full potential of The Spotlight as Harare’s Central Booking Office for all shows, sports events, conventions and other activities can be realised in months and years to come once we lay the groundwork for effective and efficient servicing of users’ needs.

Farewell to Trish

The Reps family was sad to hear of the passing of Trish McKenzie, who died suddenly on Saturday April 6. Those who have had the privilege of working with her on the many National Ballet/DTZ dance shows and in other areas of her involvement with public life will recognise what a significant gap she leaves in the community and she will be missed greatly. As a member of Eve Stranix’ front of house team she was familiar face in the theatre, particularly at matinee performances and her voice as the continuity person at dance shows will have made her known to many people. Her funeral revealed just what a wonderful person she was, with a range of involvements that brought light and joy wherever she went. Fare well, Trish!

AGM this Sunday

A reminder that the Reps AGM will be held at 11.30am on Sunday April 14 in the main stage auditorium, and all paid-up members are welcome and indeed encouraged. If you cannot attend, please call or mail the office to tender apologies. After the AGM Tony Palmer and Mande Snyman have volunteered to perform in the members’ bar for the afternoon – a new combination of Tony on keyboard and Mande singing.

Reprobates in full flight

Once again we'd like to make a call for all interested members to join up with the Reprobates, which meets regularly to encourage adult involvement in the theatre (teens and under-teens being catered for by Preps and Repteens). We'd also like to encourage Reprobates and other people to submit scripts and ideas for consideration, as well as to help build up the library and provide us with material for training purposes. We'd also like to encourage ex-Repteens to join us. Reprobates meets on Thursday evenings and more information can be sought through Larry Greeff, who says: ‘The more the merrier!’

Repteens play now running

Repteens will be enjoying a break during the school holidays, after completing the run of their 2013 main stage production (runs April 11 to 13 only). The show is entitled A Spark In the Dark and is made up of two one-act plays: Teen Angel, directed by Larry Greeff and with a cast of mainly younger Repteens, and The Big Courtroom Drama, directed by Sue Bolt with a smaller cast of some older members. This production is well worth supporting – performances 7pm each night plus 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

Preps will be back next term

Preps will commence second term activities on Saturday May 11. Existing and new members are welcome to come along and it promises to be a busy and enjoyable term for all involved.

Social events in April

Diarise now: Friday April 12 – Christina Jenkins makes her members’ bar singing debut; Sunday April 14 – Tony Palmer and Mande Snyman entertain after the AGM; Wednesday April 17 – April fun pub quiz (this month an evening event starting at 6.30pm) with quizmaster Paul Shephard; Thursday April 18 – as it is a public holiday a family day with braai on the Tada Terrace, and with Alex Fairlie performing; Friday April 26 – David Bvumbe sings in the members’ bar, with show songs and other favourites.

Did you know …

… you can advertise on the screens in the members’ bar for only $30 a month and you can also buy ad space in programmes for shows on the main stage? Alice Hamilton has kindly agreed to be a sales rep for these offerings and she can be contacted through the Reps office if you wish to enquire or book space. Income from these are vital for Reps and helps pay for all manner of things.

Until next time, keep well

Reps Exco

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