Contact

Do you want to get involved? Or would you like to find out more about our organisation and its projects? The factsheet below might help. Please contact us, and we'll be more than happy to send you any information you need:

Alloa Musical Players

Marylea

Jellyholm Road
Alloa

CLK FK10 3BA

Tel: 01259 721887
E-mail: douglasbloomer@msn.com

Fax:

WELCOME TO

 WHO ARE WE?

Alloa Musical Players were formerly Alloa Amateur Operatic Society, originally formed in 1952.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We present stage shows, usually once but sometimes twice a year. In recent years we have done Me and My Girl, Little Shop of Horrors, The Sound of Music, Sweet Charity and Oliver, to name just a few.

We have also presented compilation shows such as Play It Again, You Must Remember This, Strictly Rogers and Hammerstein and recently The World Goes Round. Some of these were shows devised by the company and comprised collections of songs loosely strung together around a central theme. We have also been known to do pantomimes – Oh yes we have!

WHERE DO WE DO ALL THIS?

Our main shows are performed in AlloaTown Hall, but sometimes, as in the case of You Must remember This we go “on the road” and perform in other local venues. Rehearsal venues vary. This year we are using Alloa Old Peoples Welfare Hall on Monday and Wednesday nights.

You’ll be given directions how to get there!

WHEN DO WE DO THIS ?

The main show is usually in March. If there is a second show it tends to be in October or November.

Rehearsals are on a Monday evening, usually from 7.30 until10 pm., starting in late August, and Wednesday rehearsals usually start not long afterwards.

Early in the season we have a “read through” of the script of the next show. This gives everyone a feel for the story, and lets the director hear each person’s voice individually. After a few weeks there are auditions for the principal parts.

Generally speaking, the first few Wednesday rehearsals after the auditions are for those who have principal parts in the current show, but eventually all members of the cast are required both nights as we get closer to the show.

Suitable clothing and footwear are important for rehearsals. You may be moving around or doing a dance routine so come prepared. Always have a pencil to write stage directions.

The week of the show itself is intense but great fun. The weekend before the show is when you really start to feel a buzz. While some people are building or painting scenery, others are trying on costumes. Then on the Sunday it’s often a full day of rehearsals (bring a flask and sandwiches or take a chance and nip out to the chip shop!). More rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday then on Wednesday it’s “curtain up and away we go!”

We also have guidelines on the taking of photos, videos and health and safety before and during the show. Details of these will be given the week before the run of the show.  We also operate a child protection policy.

Don’t forget the after show party when we all let our hair down. Friends and relatives are most welcome. Guests’ tickets for the after show party can be purchased prior to the start of the show.

 On the Sunday morning after the show we meet up and help take down the scenery – this is good fun and gives us all time to catch up and exchange (funny) stories of what happened during the week of the show!

Now you’re interested and are asking:

HOW DO I JOIN?

If you’d like to join us, give your name to Margaret Cowell our Membership Secretary.

You will be required to sing a few lines in private (just you, the Musical Director, the pianist and someone from the committee) so that the MD can check your singing voice. Many of us can’t read music but we get by just the same. No transport? – No problem! Lifts can usually be arranged. Equal opportunities – If you have a disability and wonder if it might prevent you from being able to participate, please speak to one of the committee in confidence.

AMP membership is a way of making new friends and has resulted in many lifelong friendships (and even marriage!).

If you’re interested in the stage but not the performing side, we are always looking for helpers with scenery, props, costumes, ticket sales, publicity and many more things. Don’t be shy!

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

As well as rehearsing and performing, we run various social and fund-raising activities throughout the year. The list for 2011 – 2012 will be circulated. If there is anything you want to know about the events, please ask Douglas Sharp, our Social Convener.

FEES

Yes, we know, there’s always a down side, but our fees aren’t as much as you might pay for membership of a lot of other organisations. The membership fee is £50 per year. Fees can be paid over a period of several weeks up to but no later than Christmas, and if you are auditioning for a part, £20 must be paid before your audition.

 We have a constitution which gives details about our aims, rules and organisation, etc. This is available to you on request. We are affiliated to NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, so you may feel

reassured that we have to abide by its guidelines.

If you’re reading this paragraph, it means you’ve probably read all the others, and that means you’re interested in A.M.P!

We’d really like to welcome you into our company, so please don’t be shy. Make yourself known to us. Below is a list of committee members who will be available to talk to at rehearsals and if you have any questions, queries or would like some advice, please do not hesitate to contact one of us or Douglas Bloomer on 01259 721887.

Contact us directly at any time, using the simple form below:

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