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Dateline: 02/04/08 ... "Ian Purves to Direct Copacabana"

The committee are delighted to announce that Ian Purves will direct our 2008 production of Copacabana. Our previous director, Alasdair Hawthorn, was forced to pull out of the project just before rehearsals began due to other professional commitments. Ian assumed the role of Artistic Director with great enthusiasm following an announcement to the cast, by chairman Les Hooper, last night.

Ian is known to most of the major musical companies in Glasgow as an accomplished and dedicated Stage Manager. He has fulfilled this role for Theatre Guild for the past 10 years! But his CV as a director is also a weighty document. He has worked for St. Pauls Amateur Dramatic Society in Johnstone as well as Eastwood Entertainers. In addition he has directed innumerable youth and school productions including the Scottish Premier of Disney's Aladdin.

The committee are extremely grateful to Ian for taking up this challenge and we look forward to his artisic input.

 

Dateline: 12/02/08 ... "Copacabana Production Team Announced"

The committee are delighted to announce Theatre Guild Glasgow's production team for 2008. Details of the team follow:

Ian Purves	Artistic Director:  Ian Purves.  Ian is known to most of the major musical companies in Glasgow as an accomplished and dedicated Stage Manager. He has fulfilled this role for Theatre Guild for the past 10 years! But his CV as a director is also a weighty document. He has worked for St. Pauls Amateur Dramatic Society in Johnstone as well as Eastwood Entertainers. In addition he has directed innumerable youth and school productions including the Scottish Premier of Disney's Aladdin.
Julie Ballantyne	Musical Director:  Julie Ballantyne.  "Copacabana" marks Julie's EIGHTH production for the Guild. She is popular among our audience and cast alike following her successes with shows from Half A Sixpence to The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Julie is principal Teacher of Music at Port Glasgow High School. Read Julie’s full PROFILE on our web site to find out about her past life as a stage performer!! .
Jonathan Parsons	Choreographer:  Jonathan Parsons.  Jonathan returns to the Guild for his fourth production as choreographer! Always a favourite with the cast, Jonathan achieves the impossible by choreographing an entire show with complex routines to an incredible standard - without raising his voice! Jonathan's quiet persistance coupled with his original style made him an obvious candidate for the challenges that Copacabana will present! Bring on the warm up routine!!

We are delighted to welcome all three back to Theatre Guild to helm our latest production.

Dateline: 01/02/08 ... "Musicality 2008 - A Musical Revue" (4 April 2008)

Musicality 2008

Following the enormous success of the event in 2007, Theatre Guild are delighted to announce that their Concert Party will perform a fund raising concert on 4 April 2008 at Community Central Hall, 304 Maryhill Road, Glasgow G20 7YE from 7.30pm. Doors open 7.10pm. Entitled "Musicality 2008" the show will feature solo, duet and ensemble performances from some of the greatest shows to grace the stage. This year's programme has been entirely revised since our 2007 concert - with only one notable exception! The evening will be compered by Chairman Les Hooper and accompanied by pianist Norma Fingland. The show will feature music from Jesus Christ Superstar, Gypsy, The Threepenny Opera, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Chess, Evita and many more. With tickets priced at just £6 this will be a rare opportunity to see the Concert Party perform and a great social occasion for new and old members, patrons and friends alike! Tickets available from any Concert Party performer, Committee Member or from cammy@uktheatre.net.

Dateline: 24/01/08 ... "Theatre Guild Announces 2008 Charity Partner - Yorkhill Children's Foundation"

Yorkhill Children's Foundation

Theatre Guild are delighted to announce that our 2008 Charity Partner is Yorkhill Children's Foundation. The charity was set up in 2001 with the aim of providing the 'extra' services and equipment needed throughout Yorkhill, which would not otherwise be available. Theatre Guild will make a significant contribution to YCF as 10% of proceeds from the opening night of 'Copacabana' will be donated to the charity. We hope to announce further events throughout the course of the year and ask our members to support this worthy cause by participating and spreading the word! Visit the YCF web site for further details at www.yorkhillchildrensfoundation.org.

Dateline: 13/12/07 ... "2008 New Member Audition Details"

The 2008 audition date has been announced for new members! Auditions will be held on
Tuesday 11 March 2008 at Croftfoot Parish Church, Croftpark Avenue, Croftfoot from 7.30pm.

In a break from tradition this will NOT be a normal rehearsal evening. Instead we expect our first rehearsal for Copacabana to be held at 100 Acre Bar on Tuesday 18 March.

On the 11th of March we invite prospective new members only (current members need not attend on this evening) to join us for a full evening of song and dance. We plan to learn a short song and dance routine from Copacabana together culminating in a performance in small groups before an audition panel of 4 people.

Each auditionee will then be given the opportunity to perform a song of their choice for the panel. New members should bring sheet music for our pianist and come prepared to dance in comfortable clothing. Further details on the Audition page of the web site!

SPREAD THE WORD!!

 

Dateline: 09/09/07 ... "Theatre Guild Glasgow 2008 Production Announced"

Copacabana

The committee of Theatre Guild Glasgow are proud to announce that their 2008 production will be Barry Manilow's Copacabana. Welcome to the "Copacabana" nightclub where music and passion are always in fashion! Inspired by the unforgettable title song, the story follows Lola (she was a showgirl) as she arrives in New York in 1947 in search of work at the famous nightclub. Tony is instantly smitten, but jealous Rico aims to win her over with a kidnap plot! Featuring songs like "Sweet Heaven", "Dancin' Fool" and the irrepressible title number! Expect high energy, Vegas style costumes and breathtaking sets to compliment the exciting Barry Manilow score in this £30,000 production! Performances will be held at the RSAMD's New Athenaeum Theatre from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 September, 2008 with tickets reasonably priced from £13 to £16.

Dateline: 01/05/07 ... "TGG Supports MSS!"

Our 2007 Charity Partner

The committee are delighted to announce that our 2007 Charity Partner is The Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland. The Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland is Scotland's largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis. They are part of the MS Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. As part of our arrangement with the charity we will donate 15% of our opening night ticket sales towards aiding sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland. Please encourage those who wish to help this worthy cause to attend the Monday evening performance of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”.

Dateline: 18/04/07 ... "Theatre Guild Web Site Smashes Record!"

Web site hits an 'all time high'!

The Theatre Guild web site smashed its record for visitors yesterday! A total of 231 unique visitors viewed our pages as members and their families and friends clamoured for news on the Audition Results from last week. This is a remarkable result for a club with 58 playing members! The normal average visitor count on the Theatre Guild site is between 60 and 70 per day. In total, 1424 pages were viewed yesterday meaning that club members are all just a little bit more famous than they were last week!!

Dateline: 13/02/07 ... "Committee Announce 2007 Production Team"

The committee are delighted to announce Theatre Guild Glasgow's production team for 2007. Details of the team follow:

Mark Ridyard	Artistic Director:  Mark Ridyard.  Mark was assistant director for our production of The Wizard of Oz and Artistic Director for both Hello Dolly! and Kiss Me Kate. He brings a host of experience directing musicals for other companies including The Cecilian Society, EKLOC and Eastwood Entertainers. Mark has also directed plays, short films, radio plays and even a TV advert! Mark has worked as Stage Manager for two of the Guild's productions! A man of many talents indeed!! Read Mark's profile HERE.
Julie Ballantyne	Musical Director:  Julie Ballantyne.  "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" marks Julie's SEVENTH production for the Guild.   Julie's professionalism and attention to detail are always appreciated by the cast and committee.  She is well known to members following her successes with shows from Half A Sixpence to Oklahoma! Read Julie's profile HERE.
Jonathan Parsons	Choreographer:  Jonathan Parsons.  Jonathan returns to the Guild for his third production as choreographer! Always a favourite with the cast, Jonathan achieves the impossible by choreographing an entire show with complex routines to an incredible standard - without raising his voice! Jonathan's quiet persistance coupled with his original style made him an obvious candidate for the challenges that our 2007 show will present! Now the cast are wondering which piece of music he will use for his next warm up routine!! Answers on a postcard ...

2007 sees the return of the same production team that worked successfully together on our 2005 hit show "Hello, Dolly!". We are delighted to welcome all three back to helm our latest production.

Dateline: 19/12/06 ... "Fund Raising Concert - 2 March 2007"

The Theatre Guild committee took the occasion of our Christmas meal to announce a fund raising concert to be held on Friday 2nd March, 2007 in the Community Central Halls, Maryhill Road, Glasgow (just 500 meters from St. George's Cross underground).

All money raised from the concert will contribute to company funds with a view to boosting our bank balance in advance of larger projects to come. The concert will be hosted by Chairman Les Hooper and accompanied by our pianist, Norma Fingland. The review will feature solo, duet and ensemble songs from shows like "Mamma Mia", "Miss Saigon", "The King & I", "Moulin Rouge" and many more! The audience can expect an evening of song, dance and laughter all for the bargain price of £6 per head. The concert will begin at 7.30pm - limited tickets may be available at the door but can be ordered in advance from Cammy.

Speaking after the announcement, Club Secretary Cameron Lowe said "This is not only a great evening's entertainment but also a rare opportunity for the general public and the wider club membership to see our talented Concert Party in action. It's been almost 2 years since we performed a concert like this and the programme has completely changed since then." Cammy added "On behalf of the committee, I'd like to thank the Concert Party for their generous donation of time and effort to this cause.".

 

Dateline: 19/12/06 ... "Members Long Service Celebrated"

No fewer than FOUR NODA long service medals were presented at our Christmas Meal.

Jim Munro was awarded his 10 Year medal. Jim has spent all 10 years with the Guild as he joined us in 1996 for "The King and I". Norma Fingland celebrated 15 years in amateur theatre with the presentation of her medal. Norma worked extensively with EKLOC before joining The Guild in 1998 for "The King and I".

Finally, Suzanne Lowe and David Brown both accepted their 20 year medals from Chairman Les Hooper. Suzanne joined the club in 1986 for "Valley Of Song" while David served NODA through school shows before joining us for "Rose Marie" in 1988.

 

Dateline: 02/10/06 ... "2007 Show Announced"

Our 2007 Production

Theatre Guild Glasgow announced their 2007 production as the raucous comedy musical "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" today. The show will be staged in the sumptuous RSAMD New Athenaeum Theatre from 17 - 22 September, 2007. The show was made famous by the Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds movie of the same name in 1981 and was subsequently revived by a cast featuring Ann Margaret in 2001. The show is crammed full of uplifting chorus numbers and is "busting at the corsets" with varied principal roles. Click HERE for more details on the show, cast and production team as they become available.

 

Dateline: 28/08/06 ... "Theatre Guild Charity Donation"

Cammy presents the cheque A 'close up'

Theatre Guild's charity partner for 2005/06 (Accord Hospice) benefited from a donation of £902 today. Making the donation at Accord's Renfrew headquarters, Club Secretary, Cameron Lowe, explained that this large donation was the result of hard work from the cast and crew of our 2005 production "Hello, Dolly!". One quarter of the ticket price from the Monday evening performance was donated to the hospice which provides facilities for the comfort of the terminally ill in the West of Scotland. Speaking afterwards, Cammy said "Our association with Accord over the past 2 years has proved to be very worthwhile. The charity performance of the show draws signaificant attention to the opening night of our show - traditionally the hardest to sell. We gain from significant free publicity and we can also donate to a very worthy cause. It's 'win win win' for Theatre Guild. It is unfortunate that refurbishment of the theatre at RSAMD has forced us to move to a smaller venue in 2006 and, as a result, impacted our ability to make a similar donation this year." In a letter of thanks, Ken Mathie, Fund Raising Manager, Accord Hospice (pictured with Cammy) expressed his gratitude to Theatre Guild Glasgow and their members for this donation which is a 'significant contibution' to their continuing fund raising efforts.

 

Dateline: 13/08/06 ... "Lyrics Forgotten In Theatre Guild Performance"

David and Brian The winning team

After 5 years of domination, the Lyric Club's NODA Region 1 crown has been won by Theatre Guild! We are, of course, talking about the coveted NODA James Kirkwood Trophy awarded to the top team in Glasgow in the annual Golf competition! Theatre Guild were represented on Sunday by David Brown, Jim Munro, Brian McAulay and Cameron Lowe at the prestigious event held at Muckart Golf Club, Clackmannanshire. The winning score was registered by the combined scores of David and Brian who returned 34 and 38 points respectively in the stableford competition. Jim returned 29 points while Cammy contributed a 'respectable' 23. The team came 5th overall in a competition attended by clubs from as far afield as Inverness, Perth, Dundee and Lothian but recorded first place in Region 1 breaking the Lyric Club's impressive winning streak. A photo will be posted soon. (The fact that the Lyric didn't compete this year may have had some influence on the result!)

 

Dateline: 12/07/06 ... "Theatre Guild Name Change Is Now Official"

Following ratification by club members at the AGM on 26 June, Companies House have now registered our name change from "Theatre Guild Amateur Musicals Limited" to "Theatre Guild Glasgow Limited".

Our new name is part of an overall marketing strategy for the club to help Theatre Guild compete with other theatre companies on an equal footing while continuing to respect Theatre Guild's past achievements. Club Secretary, Cameron Lowe, said "We have a number of initiatives to help raise Theatre Guild's profile in development. The name change is one and the new 'Staging Success' strap line is another that has been implemented. Members can expect more announcements later in the year."

You can view our new Certificate of Incorporation by clicking HERE.

 

Dateline: 16/05/06 ... "Kiss Me Kate Ticket Prices"

Once again we are happy to say that our policy of concession ticket prices for OAP's, children and students will continue. Ticket prices as follows:

Monday £10 / £9
Tuesday £10 / £9
Wednesday £10 / £9
Thursday £10
Friday £12
Sat Mat £10 / £9
Sat Eve £12

With a large talented cast, a live band and a sexy innovative production these prices represent great value for money!!

 

Dateline: 15/05/06 ... "Committee Resignation: Wilson Paterson"

It is with regret that the committee announce the resignation of Wilson Paterson from the post of Business Secretary and committee member. The committee would like to thank Wilson for his efforts on behalf of the club for the past 15 months. Wilson, in particular, worked hard to secure the rights and venue for our current production: Kiss Me Kate. We wish Wilson well in his future endeavours. The committee will announce a replacement for Wilson in this key role as soon as possible.

 

Dateline: 07/02/06 ... "Key Dates for Kiss Me Kate"

The committee are pleased to announce the key dates for "Kiss Me Kate" as follows:

New Member Audition - 11/04/06
1st Pre-audition Rehearsal - 11/04/06
2nd Pre-audition Rehearsal - 18/04/06
3rd Pre-audition Rehearsal - 25/04/06
4th Pre-audition Rehearsal - 02/05/06
Principal Auditions - 09/05/06 & 11/05/06

Dress Rehearsal - 01/10/06
Show Week - 02/10/06 to 07/10/06

Dance audition details will follow as soon as possible!!

 

Dateline: 06/02/06 ... "2006 Production Team Announcement"

The committee are pleased to announce some of the key members of our 2006 Production Team:

Mark Ridyard

Artistic Director:  Mark Ridyard.  Following his successful term as Artistic Director for "Hello, Dolly" last year, the committee are pleased to announce Mark's return for "Kiss Me Kate". Mark was assistant director for our production of The Wizard of Oz. He brings a host of experience directing musicals for other companies including The Cecilian Society. Mark has also directed plays, short films, radio plays and even a TV advert! More recently, Mark has worked as Stage Manager for the Guild's 2003 and 2004 productions! A man of many talents indeed!! Read Mark's profile HERE.

Sean Stirling

Musical Director:  Sean Stirling.  Following Julie Ballantyne's decision to take a year out to improve her piano skills the committee are very pleased to announce that Sean Stirling has agreed to take on the pivotal role of Musical Director for "Kiss Me Kate". Sean was a popular member of our 2004 Oklahoma! cast (playing the role of Will Parker). A student of Applied Music in his final year at Strathclyde University, Sean is an experienced Tuba and Piano player. He has also Musically Directed productions for a company in Inverness, Directed a production of "Oliver!" and has extensive experience as a performer. Read Sean's profile HERE.

The committee hope to confirm the post of Choreographer around one month from now. We can confirm, however, that Ian Purves and Jackie Duncan will return to the positions of Stage Director and Stage Manager respectively in 2006. The committee are very grateful to this group for their continued support in what will undoubtedly be a challenging year for Theatre Guild. With such a talented team at the helm we feel confident that "Kiss Me Kate" will prove to be a great success.

 

Dateline: 19/01/06 ... "2006 Venue Confirmed"

After a great deal of hard work from the entire committee we are now able to confirm the details for our 2006 production. We have a firm booking in the West End's premier theatre venue Gilmorehill G12 from Monday 2 October until Saturday 7 October, 2006. There, as previously announced, we will perform what is recognised as one of Cole Porter's greatest works - "Kiss Me Kate".

Gilmorehill G12 is a modern studio venue situated in the heart of Glasgow's bustling West End close to Byres Road and the restaurants of Gibson Street. Less than 2 miles from the city centre the venue is close to Kelvinbridge underground and under a mile from our former home - The Mitchell Theatre. With the surrounding area famous for varied restaurants and a busy student / cafe culture in the shadow of the University of Glasgow, the committee are confident that this is the best choice for the 2006 production.

The theatre itself seats up to 200 with no restricted view seating! It is a relatively new theatre having been created in the beautifully refurbished church on the corner of University Avenue and the picturesque Kelvin Way at the edge of Kelvingrove Park. The theatre features all of the modern trappings for lighting and sound and comfortable seating for our patrons.

Watch this space for news on our Production Team as it becomes available!

 

Dateline: 16/12/05 ... "2006 Venue Update"

It is an open secret that the RSAMD will not be available for hire next year due to refurbishment. The committee have been working hard since this was confirmed at the end of September to secure a new venue for our 2006 production. To keep you informed of progress (and to limit the impact of the countless rumours) here is an update:

1. Theatre Guild WILL produce a stage production in 2006;
2. If possible it WILL be our originally advertised show: Kiss Me Kate;
3. We have a provisional booking for 1 week in Autumn 2006 in a Glasgow venue;
4. We are chasing an update from the rights holders following our change of venue;
5. We hope to make an announcement confirming the show, venue and dates early in the new year.

I hope this helps to set the record straight. All of this would have been issued in a newsletter some weeks ago had my PC not died - sorry! As ever, watch this space for updates.

 

Dateline: 21/11/05 ... "Theatre Guild Hit NUMBER ONE"

After months of continuous effort, Web Site Administrator Cammy was delighted to report that Theatre Guild's web site has hit the 'Number One' spot for the first time today!

Cammy explains "This is all down to web site rankings. The more people who link to your web site, the higher your ranking. The higher the ranking of the people who link to you, the higher your ranking will become. By networking together, web administrators can help each other up the rankings. So, some months ago, I embarked on a 'low profile' campaign to raise Theatre Guild's profile to the TOP".

He wrote a barrage of emails to search engines, other theatre groups, theatre information sites and , principally, "DMOZ - The Open Directory Project" upon whom most of the major search engines base their results. "The breakthrough came today" continues Cammy, "DMOZ finally came through with a Theatre Guild listing and our slow progress up the rankings suddenly took off at lighning speed! With our web site counter just having passed the 20,000 hit milestone at the weekend I am over the moon. Prospective new members will be able to find us MUCH easier now.".

The success of the web site's rankings are based on a typical search from a prospective new member. If they type "Amateur Musicals Glasgow" into the following Search Engines here is the Theatre Guild ranking (updated 07/12/05):

Ranked FIRST: Google, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Wanadoo, Ask Jeeves, Lycos, Amazon A9, Teoma.
Ranked SECOND: Clusty.
Ranked THIRD: Gigablast, Dogpile

 

Dateline: 03/07/05 ... "Accord Entertained By Our Fund Raising Efforts"

Cammy presents Ken Mathie with a cheque for over £700

Following our well attended Charity Performance of Oklahoma! in September last year the Committee were delighted to announce that Accord Hospice would benefit from our additional ticket sales on the opening night. Cammy recently presented Ken Mathie, Fund Raising Manager of the Hospice, with a cheque for £726.60. Ken gratefully accepted the cheque on behalf of the Hospice and thanked Theatre Guild for our efforts on their behalf. The Committee announced earlier this year that following the success of the relationship with Accord we would repeat our association in 2005.

Dateline: 06/06/05 ... "Jonathan Hits The Headlines!"

Jonathan Parsons

Our very own multi talented choreographer was the feature of an article in tonight's Evening Times! Jonathan was photographed by the Times in the 70's winning a prize at the World Disco Dancing Championships in Glasgow. The photo featured in one of their 'Times Past' articles and they interviewed Jonathan as a follow up! Jonathan gave a brief history of his professional dance career following his competition win including travelling the world on cruise ships, dancing at the Moulin Rouge and performing with Ginger Rogers and Liza Minnelli!! True to form, though, Jonathan gave "Hello, Dolly!" a plug and they even gave the date and venue for our show! Well done, Jonathan! Click HERE to see a copy of the article in full!

 

Dateline: 25/04/05 ... "Hello, Dolly! Cast Announced"

Following the very well attended principal auditions on 19th and 21st April the Production Team have announced the principal cast for our forthcoming production of Hello, Dolly!. Artistic Director, Mark Ridyard, thought it important to point out that the auditions were of a very impressive standard. He and the other Production Team members felt that the auditions were an excellent showcase of the talent within the club. He went as far to say that he could have cast the show twice over. Mark was also quick to point out that 6 smaller parts remained to be cast and that these would be allocated at rehearsals over the next few weeks. Full details of the Hello, Dolly! cast can be found on our Hello, Dolly! page by clicking HERE.

 

Dateline: 09/03/05 ... "Dance Audition Details"

Details of the forthcoming dance audition for Hello, Dolly! were announced today. A dance audition will be required for ALL PRINCIPALS as well as DANCERS. The dance audition will be held at the 3rd Pre-audition Rehearsal on 5 April 2005.

We understand that this falls in the school Easter holidays so every effort will be made to ensure that those who wish to audition have the opportunity. Those unable to attend on 5 April will be allowed to audition on 12 April. Failing that it may be possible to audition one or two individuals on 19 April.

The routine will be taught by Jonathan at each of the pre-audition rehearsals to ensure that everyone has a chance to learn it. The audition will be conducted in small groups - members will not be asked to dance on their own.

Finally - just to be clear - the dance audition is only compulsory for those interested in a dance role or a principal part. Those who would like to take part in the chorus need not audition - but participation in rehearsals will be encouraged ... just for fun!!

 

Dateline: 09/03/05 ... "Committee Announce Fund Raising Concert"

Details for the forthcoming Fund Raising Concert have now been finalised. The event entitled "MUSCALITY" will be a musical review featuring songs from shows old and new. Chairman Les Hooper will be our host for the evening and our accompanist will be Norma Fingland. The audience can expect a fun filled evening of song, dance and laughter. Our 16 strong concert party group will provide the vocal entertainment.

The venue will be the Community Central Halls situated on Maryhill Road, Glasgow (near St. George's Cross). The entertainment will begin at 7:30 pm ending around 10 pm. A bar will be available for refreshments during the interval AND following the performance. Tickets are priced at a very reasonable £3 if purchased in advance with some tickets available for £5 at the door. With some 370 seats available for this 'one night only' event this will be a major fund raiser with all proceeds from ticket sales and the bar going to club funds. We call upon all members to sell as many tickets as possible. Tickets are now available from Cammy on 01505 690725 (or, alternatively, see him at rehearsals).

 

Dateline: 02/03/05 ... "Hello, Dolly! Ticket Prices"

We are happy to say that our policy of concession ticket prices for OAP's, children and students will continue. We will also discount any restricted view seats (although these will not be sold until all other seats are taken). Ticket prices as follows:

Monday £11 (charity performance)
Tuesday £13/£12
Wednesday £13/£12
Thursday £14
Friday £14
Sat Mat £13/£12
Sat Eve £14

Remember that this represents great value for money for a quality night out at the LIVE theatre - our show budget exceeds £25,000!!

 

Dateline: 02/03/05 ... "Committee Make New Signing: Wilson Paterson"

Wilson Paterson officially rejoined the committee today after an absence of some years due to work commitments. Wilson famously authored the club constitution during his last stint on the committee so expectations are high! His first task will be to shadow Wylma Dunbar to learn the procedures involved in her busy position as Business Secretary.

 

Dateline: 20/12/04 ... "Hello Dolly! Dates For Your Diary"

Key dates for Hello Dolly! have now been decided:

1st Pre-audition Rehearsal /Club Audition 2nd Pre-audition Rehearsal 3rd Pre-audition Rehearsal / Dance Audition 4th Pre-audition Rehearsal Principal Audition First Principal Rehearsal First Dance Rehearsal Summer Break Double Run Through Dress Rehearsal & Band Call Performance Dates

22 March 2005 29 March 2005 05 April 2005 12 April 2005 19 April 2005 (may overflow to 21 April) 28 April 2005 01 May 2005 Estimate Month of July 11 September 2005 18 September 2005 19-24 September 2005

As ever all dates are provisional ... updates will be posted on your favourite web site :-). Get those dates in your diary!!

 

Dateline: 07/12/04 ... "Committee Announce 2005 Production Team"

The committee were pleased to announce our production team for 2005. Details of the team follow:

Mark Ridyard	Artistic Director:  Mark Ridyard.  Mark was assistant director for our production of The Wizard of Oz. He brings a host of experience directing musicals for other companies including The Cecilian Society. Mark has also directed plays, short films, radio plays and even a TV advert! More recently, Mark has worked as Stage Manager for the Guild's last two productions! A man of many talents indeed!! Read Mark's profile HERE.
Julie Ballantyne	Musical Director:  Julie Ballantyne.  We are very pleased to have secured Julie’s talents for a sixth Guild production.  Audience and cast alike appreciate Julie’s professionalism and keen sense of humor. Julie is well known to members following her successes with shows from Half A Sixpence to Oklahoma! Read Julie's profile HERE.
Jonathan Parsons	Choreographer:  Jonathan Parsons.  Jonathan returns to the guild after a 'year off' for good behaviour! Always a favourite with the cast, Jonathan achieves the impossible by choreographing an entire show with complex routines to an incredible standard - without raising his voice! Jonathan's quiet persistance coupled with his original style made him a must for Hello Dolly! The cast are already hyperventilating at the prospect of his next warm up routine!!

We are proud to welcome all 3 back to the team for 2005.

 

Dateline: 01/12/04 ... "Patron Power!!"

David Sturgeon was appointed Patron Secretary at last night's committee meeting. This role involves the communication and administration for all of Theatre Guild's patrons including ticket ordering, cheque processing, etc. As if this weren't enough David is also charged with promoting patronage to increase patron numbers - at present we have around a dozen. David will retain his current press officer role.

 

Dateline: 02/11/04 ... "Committee Declare Oklahoma! To Be A (Great) State!"

With costs of our production all but covered by ticket sales and an overwhelming majority of feedback being extremely positive the committee have declared our 2004 production to be a resounding success. Chairman, Les Hooper, expressed his thanks to all involved with our 2004 production at a recent committee meeting, Said Les, “Any production on this scale is a massive team effort. In our case, Theatre Guild simply could not have continued beyond 2004 were it not for the efforts of everyone involved in Oklahoma! Our sincere thanks go to those who assisted in any capacity in this show. 2004 will be remembered as a great year for Theatre Guild.”. (See the full story in the latest newsletter by clicking the link below)

 

Dateline: 13/09/04 ... "Going, Going, Gone"

Quoting the words of Aunt Eller in the auction scene, tickets for Oklahoma! are indeed going fast! Following a great effort from clubmembers over the last 3 weeks sales have now hit the 70% mark and climbing. The Thursday evening performance is now sold out and local publicity is about to hit the news stands! We just need a final push to sell this show past the magic 80% break even point! Remember that while Tuesday the 14th is the last chance to process club sales, the box office will be open for bookings all the way through to the 25th! Friday and Saturday performances have a large number of seats available.

 

Dateline: 25/08/04 ... Ticket Sales Need Boost

With less than 4 weeks to go ticket sales for Oklahoma! are not encouraging. Less than half of the 2300 seats available have been sold. This could result in a loss of up to £9,000. With club funds still reeling from last year's losses on Sweet Charity the future of the club is again in jeopardy. Last night an appeal was made to all members to sell more tickets. Once again there are some very disappointing individual sales with 10 members having sold less than 5 tickets. If these 10 members alone could hit their sales targets of 40 tickets this would save the club over £4,000. Come on Theatre Guild! Lets sell this show!!!

 

Dateline: 30/06/04 ... AGM 2004

The AGM on 29 June was a 'feisty' affair with members in good voice. Chairman Les was first to address the 30 members present. He thanked all involved over the past 12 months for their efforts. In particular "Sweet Charity" was a show that he was 'proud to be associated with'. Treasurer Margaret announced a financial loss of £2500 over the year - even more regretable given the high quality of our production. Club Secretary Cammy thanked all for their support of recent Promotion Team initiatives and singled out backstage members for particular praise. Poor attendance at rehearsals was becoming a serious issue to be addressed by all members.

Election of Committee Members resulted in the replacement of Margaret Brown by Tony Smith as Treasurer. Margaret (who had decided to retire this year) was thanked wholeheartedly for her significant contribution to the club since 1997. The Billy Love Award was presented to Norma Fingland in recognition of her contribution as Concert Pianist and founding member of the Promotions Team. The floor was then opened to members who took the opportunity to comment on the current production and to ask the committee to clarify some aspects of club policy. Membership Fees were confirmed as £30 (waged), £15 (unwaged), £5 (concert), £5 (non-playing).

 

Dateline: 05/04/04 ... A New Choreographer For Oklahoma!

The committee are very pleased to announce that we have secured the sevices of Margaret Carr as choreographer for Oklahoma! Many of you will be aware that Jonathan Parsons unfortunately had to drop out due to personal circumstances.

Margaret brings with her a wealth of experience of choreography from other groups including The Minerva Club and The Lyric Club. She comes to us highly recommended indeed and is eager to meet the cast and get her teeth into the project.

Margaret will attend her first general rehearsal on Tuesday 4 May. She has pencilled in a dance audition date of Tuesday 11 May - any member wishing to be considered as a dancer will be welcome to audition at that time.

 

Dateline: 26/04/04 ... Oklahoma! Cast List Announced

The committee are pleased to announce the cast list for our 2004 production of Oklahoma! as follows:

Laurey - Caroline Patterson
Ado Annie - Suzanne Lowe
Aunt Eller - Norma Fingland
Gertie Cummings - Sharon Curley
Singing Girls - Victoria Eadie, Sharon Osdin, Suzanne Wilson
Curly - Cameron Lowe
Will Parker - Sean Stirling
Ali Hakim - Wilson Paterson
Jud Fry - John Cuthbertson
Andrew Carnes - Les Hooper
Ike Skidmore- Tony Smith
Cord Elam - David Sturgeon
Fred - Jim Munro
Slim - David McCurrach

Congratulations to all involved for maintaining such a high standard throughout the audition process. Remember that all members are eligible to join the chorus and that some minor roles will be decided and announced at a later date. New memebers are still welcome to join the club over the next few weeks to participate as chorus or dancers so KEEP RECRUITING!!

 

Dateline: March 2004 ... Oklahoma! Dance Audition Postponed

The revised dance audition date is now confirmed as Tuesday 11 May, 2004. Leg warmers OPTIONAL!!

 

Dateline: February 2004 ... 2004 Production Announced . . .

The Guild Committee are pleased to announce that we have secured the rights to perform "OKLAHOMA!" in the fantastic New Athenaeum Theatre in September 2004. This well appointed theatre has an orchestra pit, flying scenery and a huge scenery dock. In addition the dressing room facilities are modern, spacious and luxurious - a real treat to work in. The show (as many of you will be aware) is stunning. We hope to build on our skills from 'Sweet Charity' to produce another all singing - all dancing masterpiece! The musical numbers include 'Oh, What A Beautiful Morning', 'People Will Say We're In Love', 'The Farmer And The Cowman', 'It's A Scandal, It's A Outrage', 'I Can't Say "No"' and the dramatic 'Dream Ballet' - the majority of which can involve large portions of the cast. We will need a big cast for this one so - START RECRUITING NOW!!

 

Dateline: February 2004 ... Rehearsal Dates For Your Diary . . .

The committee have agreed the rehearsal schedule for this year. As you know our show is 1 month earlier than usual so there are some slight changes to accommodate this:

1st Pre audition rehearsal 16 March 2004
2nd Pre audition rehearsal 30 March 2004
3rd Pre audition rehearsal 06 April 2004
4th Pre audition rehearsal 13 April 2004
Show audition 20 April 2004

Note that the gap between the 1st and 2nd pre audition rehearsals is to accommodate a concert on 23rd March.

1st Principal Rehearsal 29 April 2004
Last rehearsal before summer 29 June 2004
1st rehearsal after summer 03 August 2004
Band Call / Dress Rehearsal 19 September 2004.
STOP PRESS: Production Team may call some rehersals during the summer 'break' - members should notify us of all holidays in advance!

 

Dateline: February 2004 ... Oklahoma! Ticket Prices . . .

We are happy to say that our policy of concession ticket prices for OAP's and children will not only continue but will be extended to include students, too. We will also discount any restricted view seats (although these will not be sold until all other seats are taken). Ticket prices as follows:

Monday £10
Tuesday £12/£10
Wednesday £12/£10
Thursday £12/£10
Friday £13
Sat Mat £12/£10
Sat Eve £13

Remember that this represents great value for money for a quality night out at the LIVE theatre - easily comparible with any other amateur clubs in Glasgow.

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