About
For more info see: http://www.concordeplayers.co.uk
What sort of shows do you do?
We usually stage 2 or 3 a year. January is traditionally pantomime time (e.g. "Alice in Wonderland", "Dick Whittington"); May/June usually sees some sort of musical production, whether a 'proper musical', or revue, or cabaret (e.g. "Grease", "Sex, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll"); whilst September tends to be a 'straight play' (e.g. Agatha Christie's "The Hollow", Ray Cooney’s"Run For Your Wife").
What if I've not been on stage before (or not since school)?
Don't worry! Nor had many of our existing members: not that you'd know it to see them perform now. The show's director, along with your fellow cast members will pass on their knowledge and experience, and teach you everything you need to know about stagecraft. All you need is willingness to learn, dedication, and a little imagination.
What if I cannot act/sing/dance?
That's what you think! You'd be surprised how many new members have said "I cannot", and yet after a few months of rehearsals, have gone up on stage and acted/sung/danced like the best of them. Of course not everyone can be talented in all aspects; and, indeed, not every part requires that you should be. When casting for a show, we make every effort to fit people into roles so as to make the best of their abilities. That's what auditions are for - so that we can get some sort of idea what you are/aren't capable of. Don't underestimate your own abilities, though. You never know what you can achieve until you try.
If you're still hesitant, there's no need to leap into a major role straight away. Why not learn your craft and build up your confidence and ability, with a line here and a song and dance there, as a member of the chorus, or in a minor role.
Your shows look so professional - I could never be that good, could I?
Something that’s often asked (we're glad to say) by people who've seen our shows. The answer? Oh yes you could! Naturally, we set ourselves high standards - after all we have a reputation to maintain. However, being "professional" is all about following a few basic rules, applying a few "tricks of the trade" and doing the best you can. Again, if you've got the commitment and the enthusiasm, we'll give you the "know how", so that you too can be a "true pro".
What if I do try and find I really cannot act/sing/dance?
If treading the boards really isn't for you, then there's a wealth of "back stage" activities which you can get involved in. These are as vital as the people on stage to the success of any production, and so are just as rewarding
What sort of people are in the group?
Anyone and everyone - well almost. Our seventy-odd members come from a wide range of areas throughout the airline (Customer Services, Cargo, Engineering, Finance, Information Management, Recruitment etc.) and beyond. Consequently, there's an equally varied mix of personalities, abilities and experience. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no we're not all a bunch of pretentious "luvvies" and "drama queens" - just a group of people who enjoy "the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd" and make it their hobby.
Can anyone join?
Unfortunately not. As we are a section of British Airways Club and use their facilities, we are bound by their rules. Therefore, anyone who wishes to join the Concorde Players must first become a member of British Airways Club. However, it is NOT only employees of BA who can do so. Eligibility extends to quite a wide range of people, including family of staff (current, retired and ex), subsidiary companies (e.g. Drake & Scull), and staff of other London based companies including the Metropolitan Police, HM Customs, Immigration & Meteorological Office, BAA plc, and airlines associated with British Airways.. Joining British Airways Club enables you to make use of all the club's facilities (including the subsidised bar), and to join other sections, not just the drama section.
Even Under 12s?
We are willing to accept young members, indeed we do have one or two amongst our current membership. However, we do insist that any under 12s be accompanied by a responsible adult at all rehearsals and performances to ensure their good behaviour and safety. Whilst this may sound a little draconian, its not meant to be - it's for practical reasons. Firstly we have neither the numbers, nor time, nor qualifications to provide "proper" child care. Secondly, and more importantly, a stage can be a very enticing place for inquisitive young eyes and hands; but it most certainly is not a playground. With props and set part way through construction (and therefore with potential rough edges or incomplete safety measures), large pieces of set being moved around, and back cloths being dropped from above, the stage can be a potentially dangerous enough place for grown-ups, let alone for inattentive or disobedient youngsters. The last thing any of us would want is for it to end in tears.
What's the catch?
Well, only a very small financial one. We charge a joining fee of £5.00 for new members, plus an annual subscription fee of £20.00. So, that's £25.00 for your first year and £20.00 thereafter (so long as you renew your subscription before our Annual General Meeting).
Subscriptions are renewable at the start of each financial year.
Junior members - i.e. under 16s, or under 18s still in full time education pay half the annual subscription.
So what do you get for your membership? First and foremost, you get to be a member of an participate in the regular activities of our group. BA Club rules stipulate that all sections must operate a membership system and charge a membership fee.
Secondly, you get extremely good value for money. £20 a year is all it takes to enable you to participate in a hobby that's fun, educational, sociable, creative and rewarding. That's many evenings out each year for what’s barely more than the price of a couple of trips to the cinema nowadays.
Doing shows with many other amateur dramatic groups would cost you considerably more. Other groups often charge, in addition to a membership fee, a combination of fee per rehearsal or fees per show. Some groups even require their members to pay for all of their own costumes whereas we provide most costumes and usually only require you to provide personal items such as shoes, tights, leotards etc. In addition, we are able to procure reduced-price dance shoes and dancewear for you.
The funds from your membership provide important income for our group too. We cannot rely on profits from shows alone - not least because not every show makes a profit, some do make losses. Plus, rising cost mean that our profits are falling.
All our profits are invested back into the group for the benefit of YOU our members either as funds for producing future shows, as equipment and facilities for our use, or into social events.
Everyone's welcome. Unlike some groups, we don't have an 'entrance examination' to decide whether or not you're allowed to join the group before you even audition for a particular show. Of course, we do still hold auditions for shows - but the aim of these is to match people's talents to the roles available. We've never turned anyone away.
In addition, as members of the Concorde Players you get:
A professional stage with state of the art equipment to rehearse and perform on
Regular Newsletters
Subsidised tickets for social events (Dinner Dances, barbeques etc)
Free drinks at recruitment evenings
Free drinks for cast & crew members after the final performance of each show.
Subsidised videos/DVDs of each show (where permissible). The cost of camera hire, editing, duplication etc far outweighs the income gained from selling copies of the videos/DVD
Reduced rates for group bookings of theatre tickets
Some people have even met their future spouse in the Concorde Players!
What about learning all those lines, will I be able to?
Yes! The number of lines, and how easy they are to remember will depend upon the show and the part you play. This aside, everyone learns their lines by different methods and at different speeds. Even some of our seasoned performers don't find it easy and have to work at it; whilst others seem to breeze through. You'll probably find you have to put in some practice outside of rehearsals. Anywhere will do, whether it be whilst driving to work or queuing in the supermarket, or wherever. You don't necessarily need to go the whole hog and launch into a dramatic outburst (it'll get you some very strange looks in Sainsbury's if you do); just run through your lines and moves mentally. Learning lines isn't as bad as you might imagine. Remember, you'll usually have 3 months (or more) to master them.
How much time does it involve?
Rehearsals commence approximately 3 months before show time, and usually involve 2 nights a week for each cast member. Although, where time is short, or people combine principal roles with chorus/dancing parts, 3 nights a week may sometimes be required.
Is it as much hard work as it sounds?
Well, like most things in life, the more you put in to it the more you get out. Certainly, being in a show requires a fair amount of time, energy and dedication. However, it's far from being all work and no play. After all, if we didn't enjoy it, we wouldn't do it. Rehearsals are usually enjoyable, often hilarious, and sociable affairs. Plus, we organise a wide range of social activities.
So, is it worth all the effort?
You bet! Whatever part you play, whether on or off stage, no matter how great or small, there's a real sense of achievement in helping to create a successful production. When you sense the audience's reaction to the drama unfolding before them, and hear their applause, boy, is it worth it?! There really is no feeling like it. You only have to look at the faces of the cast and crew at the end of a show to know that they get a real buzz from doing it.
How do I join?
Contact our Membership Secretary or Concorde centre Reception for a Membership form - complete it at return it with your payment. Cheques should be made payable to British Airways Clubs. Most people join when they get involved in a particular show; but you can join at any time throughout the year.
How do I find out what shows are coming up?
Members are always informed about forthcoming productions via the newsletters, which give a description of the show, and invite members to participate.
If you're interested in joining us, contact our Membership Secretary (see Contacts), give us your contact details and we'll add you to our distribution list.
In addition, we usually advertise for new members, few weeks in advance of the auditions/readings, in the Clubs News section of British Airways News and in The Flyer, as well as here on our web site. So, keep an eye on these publications.
What do auditions involve?
Don't worry, they're nowhere near as scary as you might think.
Do I need to buy special kit?
If you're planning on performing on-stage then - yes. As, with many sporting activities you need to have the right clothing and equipment in order to perform to the best of your ability. Exactly what you'll need will depend upon the role you're playing, and you'll be advised of this once you've been cast.
For rehearsal purposes you don't need to splash out on the latest trendy gear. It's not a competition to see who looks the best. What is important is that you have clothing and footwear that allows you to move freely and comfortably. This applies even to non-dancers. Your part may require you to make some unusual movements or end up in some strange locations or positions (e.g. lying or kneeling on the floor). Obviously, this becomes more difficult in restrictive clothing or footwear (e.g. tight jeans, high heels). Also, the stage is not always the cleanest of places, particularly when set construction is underway. Again you will be hampered if you are constantly worrying about getting your best togs mucky.
For performances themselves, you will need to buy yourself some make-up. You will need some stage make-up such as Pancake and/or Greasepaint, which can be obtained from (amongst others) Charles H Fox Ltd., 22 Tavistock St., Covent Garden, London WC2. Most of the make-up can be purchased from your local chemist/drugstore/supermarket. Exactly what make-up you will require will depend upon the show and the role you're playing - so ask before you buy.
Depending on what role you're playing, you may also need get yourself Character, Ballet, Tap and/or Jazz shoes. These can be obtained from Dance Depot, NW11 through the section, or possibly from you local dance wear shop.
Why Stage Make-up?
Bright stage lights have a bleaching effect on your appearance (like a photograph with too much flash). Therefore, you need to use make-up just to make yourself look normal onstage. Plus, when we play to full houses, the people at the back of the audience are some 100+ ft away from the stage. They still need to be able to distinguish your features and expressions; so, we use make-up for emphasis. After all, it would be a shame if the audience couldn't see all this wonderful acting you're going to be doing. In addition, make-up can be used to great effect to alter your appearance, making you older/younger, fatter/thinner, more evil, happier etc. Stage make-up is formulated for these conditions, and so is generally heavier and more opaque that that used for TV or day wear. You may look like a red-Indian in warpaint at close quarters; but not from where the audience sit. Again, you'll be shown what you need and how to apply your make-up. If necessary, we'll organise demonstration/practice sessions in the run up to a show. It's not really difficult. You'll soon get the hang of it.
