It's a lot more than just 'treading the boards'! From directing to set building, social media to wardrobe, the Maskers enables you to get involved in a huge variety of different ways, whether you have decades of experience or are venturing into pastures new. Read below to find out more about the many exciting ways to get involved with the company.
The Maskers are a vibrant, inclusive company with a full social calendar of events. In the past year alone members have enjoyed theatre workshops on subjects ranging from tweeting online to twiddling on the sound desk. We have a fully licensed bar in our Studio where club nights like play readings, film screenings, and parties take place, and members even have the opportunity to join the legendary Maskers Camp over the August bank holiday every year.
Ready to join? Then you can download a copy of our membership form to complete and either scan and email, or post to us.
One of the main reasons people join The Maskers. We enjoy a reputation for top-class acting, and new and inexperienced members are always encouraged to give it a try! You will have the chance to act in a variety of different venues, from our intimate Studio space in Shirley to our larger-scale productions at the Berry theatre, other local venues and, even, in the open air at Hamptworth Lodge.
Our audition process is known for having a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where you will have the opportunity to talk through ideas with fellow actors and catch up with friends. Each show is preceded by a presentation evening and a read-through where the director will discuss their ideas for the production and you can get a feel for the show before deciding to go for it. These are always good fun and generate a lot of excitement for the upcoming shows!
For those who have a vision! The Company provides ample support for new directors, and you will be offered the chance to assist a more experienced director before taking on your first production. We provide workshops and mentoring opportunities as well as lots of support from the Committee, and fresh talent is warmly embraced!
The unsung heroes... Another reason why The Maskers are known as "the amateur company with professional standards" is the skill and attention to detail of our fantastic team of set designers, lighting designers and operators, sound technicians, carpenters, costumiers, and many, many others who help take a production the extra mile. Many acting members also get involved in these areas of the company too, so if you are keen to learn a new skill or just happy to pick up a paintbrush and get stuck in with some first-class guidance, now's your chance.
A wonderful way to get to know the company. Front of House staff are members who meet and greet the audience, sell programmes, serve at the bar and guide patrons to their seats during a performance. All acting members are expected to provide Front of House service once a year, but many members volunteer for this social job much more than that, as it is such a fun way to get to know members, audiences, and venues.
A brilliant way to help support your company. Have you got a way with words? Are you a social media butterfly? Do you have skill in photography? Or are you just plain passionate about theatre? The Marketing Team wants to hear from you! With all the hard work that goes into shows, we want to sell as many tickets as possible, and this takes people, posters, and pizzazz! Think you can help get 'bums on seats'? Talk to our Marketing Team. No experience required - full training provided!
However you choose to get involved with The Maskers, you will always feel part of a team. The company prides itself on its high standards, and that comes from being inclusive, innovative, and having a good sense of humour!
There is a Membership Development Officer dedicated to answering questions, making new members feel welcome, and pointing you in the right direction so that new members get the support that shows them why The Maskers is the company to be a part of.
Membership of Maskers costs just £25.00 a year. This will enable you to get involved in as many productions and social aspects of the company as you like. We do not charge production fees.
You can download a copy of our membership form and send the form to Maskers Membership Development Officer; Maskers Theatre Company, Off Emsworth Road, Southampton, SO15 3LX or scan the completed form and email it to membership@maskers.org.uk When we receive your form we will then send you and invoice via "Stripe" which yoiu can pay online via a credit card, or if you prefer we can send you details of bank details to make a direct payment, we can also accept cheques but would prefer other payment methods if possible.
If you would like any further information about joining, please use theselecting "Joining Maskers" from the drop-down list, or write to the above address.
We look forward to welcoming you to our active and creative team!