The Somborne Players

Home Committee Minutes

Committee Minutes Minutes of committee meeting Thursday 26^th June 7.45pm Melanie’s Minutes Present: Vicky Burden, Nigel Coleman, Alan Glynne Jones, Melanie Haydon, Vanessa Sharpe Apologies: Sue Holligan, Rebecca Rickard Also present: David Haydon (for items 2 and 3), Chris Hall (for item 3), Tony Ward (for item 3), John Vanderpump (for item 3) 1. Minutes of the meeting 22^nd May 2008 and matters arising The minutes of the previous meetings were accepted. Actions completed, unless detailed below: Ø Vicky to write to Terry about concern over stage curtain. Ø Vicky to email Chairman’s report and list of activities to Vanessa. Ø Vanessa to update website with AGM info. Ø Alan to look into website address change and email Players their forum password. Ø Vicky to find out about CRB checks. Ø Sarah to be asked at a later date about panto workshops. Ø Vanessa to produce membership cards. Ø Sue Jackson and Duncan Natt to be approached about potential panto directing. Matters arising: · Church Fete – 7^th June Ø Vicky to write letter to Joseph and Thomas Rickard and Christopher Waggott to thank them for the puppet show – which was a great success and raised £15 for the Church. · Variety Show – 4^th July Ø The 2^nd sketch will be a dramatic reading of “The Highwayman” by Vanessa and Lesley Evans. Ø Dress rehearsal 7pm on 2^nd July in the Village Hall. · Children’s Production 16x£35 received from Sarah and paid in. · Proteus – 13^th December Ø Chris and Vicky to measure hall and calculate audience capacity, given that Proteus will use 18’ x 18’ of floor space. Ø To inform Vanessa who will respond to Proteus with latest details. Ø Hall will be needed from 2.30-10.30 – Vanessa to write to Joyce to confirm booking (also to confirm booking for Play 2008 and Panto 2009 – check half term dates). · Events Ø Look out for interesting performances and post-show talks – perhaps at the Nuffield or the Chesil. 2. Casting for “Dangerous Corner” 1. The auditions took place on Wednesday 18^th June and the Village Hall is booked for performances on 31^st October and 1^st November. 2. David proposed the following casting: Freda – Sue Jackson Robert – Andrew Flanagan Betty – Harry Gandy Gordon – Alan Glynne Jones Olwen – Vanessa Sharpe Charles – Chris Hall Miss Mockridge – Sue Holligan · David has spoken to Debbie and Harry Gandy regarding commitment and expectations, due to Harry being a junior member. · Chris is reading the script before committing to the part – others will be offered roles in due course. · David thanked Vanessa for help with organising auditions. · Steve Denford and Sue Spurling have offered help. · We are still looking for a producer. · Problem with rehearsals in gardens last year was mentioned – will need to consider appropriate rehearsal space this year. · Scripts have been bought - £90.75 Ø Melanie to pay royalties - £170 3. Village Hall Development Tony Ward presented the following points: 3. A smaller stage gives flexibility to the hall, meaning a larger floor space and moveable units that can be used for flexible staging. 4. This could result in more income for the hall – which is a necessity. 5. The kitchen plans are finalised, which means that a full stage is impossible. 6. Tony presented a video and catalogues on moveable units. The Players presented the following concerns: 7. The cost of moving the stage, buying moveable units and moveable proscenium arch and curtains. 8. Time and difficulty of moving moveable units between rehearsals and performances. 9. Durability, safety, practicalities and storage of moveable units. 10. That the stage is only smaller because of the kitchen hatch. Tony responded to these concerns: 11. Cost is negligible in terms of the whole project – moveable units are around £5000-£6000 for 6 units. 12. Units are of high quality and appropriate and easy for use, movement and storage. 13. Although the kitchen is a factor, the main drive for a smaller stage is flexibility in the hall for all users. Other points raised: 14. The order of renovation is: 1)kitchen 2)pavilion 3)2 storage spaces 4)final storage space and stage. 15. If money runs out, the 3^rd/4^th parts will not be undertaken. The current stage will only be demolished if there is money to build a new one. 16. We are about 3 years away from any stage renovations. 17. The Village Hall offered to help us complete further research into moveable units and passed on catalogues. Actions: Ø Melanie to contact companies selling moveable units and arrange a demonstration. Ø Vicky to research moveable proscenium arch and curtains. Ø Vanessa to draft standard letter and distribute to committee for all to send out to contacts who may have experience of moveable units. Ø All to get written references/opinions on moveable units. Ø Vicky to write letter to thank Tony and John for liaising with us. 4. AOB Ø Vanessa to write a newsletter, including casting for the play. Draft to be sent to committee. Agreed version to be distributed to members and friends. Ø Audrey Gannaway and Cynthia Bloom produced a display for the Flower Festival on behalf of the committee. Sue Spurling forwarded a picture for the website. Melanie to cover Audrey’s costs. Thanks to everyone who was able to attend this long and important meeting. Next meeting Tuesday 15^th July 9.00pm in the Crown – to plan the Beetle Drive (Sue to confirm). Tuesday 22^nd July 7.45 at Vicky’s - agenda to include costume, panto, Village Hall development.