A WELCOME FOR ALL

The Little Theatre is a society run by and for its members, and we welcome anyone who is interested in getting involved. Despite its name, The Little Theatre is not so little! We have a 350 seat main auditorium, along with a smaller studio theatre, and we stage around 20 shows each season. Whatever your interest in the theatre, we can offer you great opportunities to get involved, share skills and experience, and meet and work with friendly, like-minded individuals.

TUESDAY CONNECTION

The week before each of our main house productions, we hold an Open Evening (on a Tuesday evening – our ‘Tuesday Connection’), so that anyone can find out what goes on at the Little, back- and on-stage. You will see plays in rehearsal, have a tour backstage and learn about all the different opportunities to join in. There’s something for everyone including acting, front of house, stage management, lighting, sound, helping in the bar and much more. The open evening is free; groups meet in the theatre bar at 7pm.

Places are limited, so book your place for the next tour or to obtain further information, ring the Box Office on 0116 255 1302.

The next Tuesday Connection dates are as follows:

June 2

June 16

July 7

For further information on Tuesday Connection, email us at TuesdayConnection@thelittletheatre.co.uk

TO JOIN…

If you decide that you would like to join the Leicester Drama Society, which runs The Little Theatre, then you can do so at no cost for the first year of membership. Thereafter, the membership fee is £35 per annum, and for those in full time education, unwaged or Senior Citizens, the cost after the first year is just £25. To join, simply call the Box Office, or drop in during opening hours.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

Our members consistently tell us they find it fun, creative and absorbing to be involved with the Leicester Drama Society at the Little Theatre. It offers you the chance to meet with a group of friendly dedicated volunteers and gives you the opportunity to engage in many aspects of the theatre. No experience is necessary as training will be given.

ACTOR

If you fancy ‘treading the boards’ then come along to auditions and meet the Director and other hopeful members keen to join the cast. Acting in a play at The Little is immensely rewarding and we are always on the lookout for new talent.

DIRECTOR

We have many excellent directors, but there are always opportunities for first-time directors. Our directors typically have a passion for the planned production, and of course will need to communicate their vision for the play to cast and crew involved in the production to deliver a great team and show.

STAGE MANAGER

The Stage Manager is responsible for the management of the whole production from discussions with the scenic designer, through technical meetings and rehearsals. They take responsibility from the Director for the live show performances.

• Fancy being a Stage Manager? Email Doug: Backstage@thelittletheatre.co.uk

DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER

The Deputy Stage Manager effectively coordinates the operation of the show, and is most often known for cueing each stage scenic change, lighting change and calling cast to stage.

• Do you want to try out as a Deputy Stage Manager? Email Doug: Backstage@thelittletheatre.co.uk

SOUND DESIGNER AND OPERATOR

The sound team is responsible for the design, creation and implementation of sound effects for each production. Creating the right atmosphere is done by using music and effects or special recordings which have been pre-programmed into the sound desk

• Fancy trying  Sound Design or Operation? Email Tim: Sound@thelittletheatre.co.uk

LIGHTING DESIGNER AND OPERATOR

The lighting team is responsible for the design and installation of lights on the lighting rig above the stage. During the performance run, the team will operate the lights using the lighting board containing the pre-programmed cues.

• Fancy trying  Lighting Design or Operation? Email Andy: Lighting@thelittletheatre.co.uk

STAGE CREW

Fit-up Crew: responsibilities include the building and painting of the stage set. This can be done during the daytime or evening.

Stage Crew: once the show starts dress rehearsals/performance there is often a requirement for a stage crew to perform scene changes.

Fly Crew: to assist with quick scene changes and to provide cover for the stage crew to operate without being seen, painted cloths and flats are lowered from the fly rail high above the stage.

Strike Crew: a set must be dismantled immediately after the final performance.

• Do you want to be part of the crew on stage? Email Doug: Backstage@thelittletheatre.co.uk

PROPERTIES (PROPS)

A property or ‘prop’ is anything that is used by actors on stage. Props used on a production need to be appropriate for the period in which the production is set. The team will source many items from our extensive props store and some may be made or purchased.

• Do you want to look after Props on stage? Email Doug: Backstage@thelittletheatre.co.uk

PROMPTER

The bulk of a prompter’s work is done during rehearsals when they are needed to help actors with their lines and ensure the script is being followed faithfully. Once the play is running the prompt is a support for the actors only when needed.

• Do you want to follow the script and prompt the actors on stage? Email Doug: Backstage@thelittletheatre.co.uk

FRONT OF HOUSE

This team is the public face of the Little Theatre without whom no performance can be staged. A minimum of eight stewards are required to be on duty, they welcome members of the audience, supervise the entrance to the auditorium, sale of programmes and refreshments. More Information on Front of House.

OTHER ACTIVITIES…

Wardrobe: with the help of daytime volunteers, the department makes costumes for all main house and studio productions.

Costume Hire: volunteers help also within our extensive costume hire section. The costumes are hired out to the public and other theatrical groups.

Dresser: the team assists actors during the run of the show with all costume, hair, wig and corset changes either in the dressing rooms or back stage.

Box Office: this area of the theatre is staffed largely by volunteers who sell tickets for productions.

Theatre Bar: our bar is staffed solely by volunteers, and we are always looking for new people to join us. Whether you’ve previously had experience or have never worked behind a bar, we’d love to hear from you. The bar is a bottle only bar, so no pulling pints or changing barrels… full training will be given on the use of the contactless payment system and electronic tills.

First Aider: when any show is on stage, a first aid person is always on duty in the auditorium.

Audio Describer: a team member will watch a rehearsal and make notes on the set, costumes, actors’ movements and gestures. This information is turned into a CD for our visually impaired patrons. During Saturday matinee shows, we offer a live description service.

Photographer: photographs and videos are taken during rehearsals for use in publicity material.
Archivist: The archivist seeks the performing rights licence for productions and purchases the scripts. All production publicity is archived.

To get involved in any of the above activities, email us at hello@thelittletheatre.co.uk.