Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
Box 50, Eppindust, 7475
Tel: 021 671 2242 Cell: 082 821 4353 Fax: 021 528 2299
E-mail: andrethomas@vodamail.co.za
www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com
June 2010 – Number 88
So it’s 2 weeks and 1 day into the long-awaited Soccer World Cup – and hasn’t it just been amazing? I must confess that I was less and less interested in it’s arrival in the last few months, and couldn’t wait for it to be over and done with.
I never had any doubt that we would run the thing well – but this has blown me away! I’ve never been into soccer much either – but now I’m keeping tabs on the teams and how they fare, and making sure I get to see some games – even as far away as Jozi!
Do yourself a favour – seriously – even if you don’t have tickets to a game, go and take a walk down the fan mile in Green Point towards the stadium on a game day – the vibe is electric. The fans are excited and full of smiles. The camaraderie is beautiful. It is just phenomenal – do yourself that favour!
Member news
In April we lost our dear friend and long standing fellow CDS member and CATA panelist Richard Farmer. He is remembered fondly – and our thoughts are with Sue and her family.
Here an obituary from Fiona Chisholm:
The versatile and self-effacing actor Richard Farmer, who was well known on both the professional and amateur stages in Cape Town, died at his Pinelands home on Tuesday April 20 of pancreatic cancer. He was 74.
Born in Redding in the UK and educated as a boarder in Leighton Park, he later joined his parents in Zambia where he worked as an accountant in his father’s firm in Kitwe. In 1962 he married Sue King and both were active in amateur theatre till they moved to the Cape in 1978.
He then made an agreement with his wife. She would work, and he would try to become a full-time actor. Their bargain succeeded. She was a costumier for Capab for five years later opening Sue Farmer Costumes which lent out fancy dress outfits. (She no longer has that business )
Farmer, in spite of the fact that theatrical work was drying up, kept going as an actor. He appeared in numerous productions for Capab at Artscape, the Baxter, Maynardville and with local amateur theatre societies. He was also in demand for TV appearances, feature films, voice-overs and advertising.
Comedy was his forte and he excelled in cameo roles, sometimes in multiple comic roles in the same play.
His personal favourites were Don and Barbara Maguire’s production of One for the Pot in which he played four different roles and Sylvia for the Claremont Dramatic Society . Here he was a dog owner, a wonderfully funny society hostess and a psychiatrist, winning a Best Actor award in the Cape Amateur Theatre Awards in 2004 for these performances.
Plays for which he be remembered include The Madness of George III, Glen Garry Glen Ross, Blue Remembered Hills, the Man Most Likely To…, Loot, The Winter’s Tale, Othello (at Maynardville). Equus, Shadowlands, The Girl in My Soup and most recently Barefoot in the Park.
His TV credits include Arende, Just Nuisance, Stolen Lives, Sinbad, The Syndicate and Madam and Eve. He featured in films such as 12 Days of Terror and The Ring.
Brenda Gray who directed him in Sylvia, Shadowlands and Inherit the Wind for the Claremont Dramatic Society described him as a self-effacing man with a lovely sense of humour.
“The parody about Richard was that he never wanted the limelight although he was an excellent actor. His powers of observation were most acute and this was reflected in his acting.
“I loved working with. He was a team player, undemanding yet always produced the goods.”
Richard Farmer is survived by his wife, son Simon and daughter Nicola.
Production updates
Rumours
Director Sue Bolton’s production of Neil Simon’s “Rumours” had a fabulous run at the Masque Theatre in April. We were never lacking a full audience during the run which was testimony to the cast and director. Our new Front of House Manager, Allison Blair, was able to learn all the ropes involved in organising Box Office and Front of House. A huge THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who helped us. The cast have since had a reunion where they all sat and watched the DVD of their production and they had a grand time laughing at themselves in their on stage antics.
Lady Windermere’s Fan
This exquisitely written play by Oscar Wilde is being directed by the amazing talent and vision of Brenda Grey. Rehearsals have been underway for the past two months and are currently running very smoothly with the actors getting the “knack” of their characters. Some wonderful chemistry between the characters has begun to surface and the talent of the actors prove that yet again Brenda has got herself a breath taking cast. The blocking of the principal characters has now been set and rehearsals of the full acts are now in play, including Act 2’s Ballroom scene. This production is definitely going to be a must see with rich wit and comedy.
Gigi
Our final production of 2010 is going to be a collaboration between Pinelands Players and CDS. The run is set for 03 to 18 December. “Gigi” is a musical set in the early 1900s in Paris. We have now cast our players and assembled our production team. A very successful get-to-know-you party was held at the Production Co-ordinator’s home, and director Clifford Graham was able to bring them all up to speed on his vision of the production. Rehearsals are due to start at the end of August.
Audition Notices
There are 2 audition notices this month:
See one for MVDS attached at the end of the newsletter.
Constantiaberg Theatre Players will be holding auditions for Neil Simon’s “God’s Favorite” and Susan Sandler’s “Crossing Delancey” (both plays are comedies) on Saturday 10 July 2010 at 2.30pm at the False Bay Rendezvous, 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg.
Phone Director Celia Musikanth on 021 7887911 
or 083 358 8415 for further information.
The cast comprises men aged 20-ish to 50-ish and women 20-ish to 75-ish. (Slightly younger auditionees need not be put off by these ages). Experienced actors are needed but there are two roles where beginners are welcome. The ability to perform with American accents is imperative. There are also roles requiring proficiency with either Deep South or Cockney accents. For full details go to www.muizenberg.info click on Masque Theatre, then Auditions and then 10 July.
Member opportunity
I have also attached information on a Voice Power workshop near the end of the newsletter – limited space is available, so please respond swiftly!
Get Thee to The Masque!
Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions
(unless otherwise stated) are Thurs & Fri performances at 20:00,
Saturday matinee at 14:30, Saturday evening at 18:30
Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Bookings on 021-7881898
The Collector by Mark Healy and directed by Yvonne Copley for Milnerton Players is back and on at
the Masque in July.
This psychological thriller stars MVDS’ members Jane de Sousa (Miranda) and James Skilton
(Frederick) and is described as “a chilling portrayal of one man’s darkest fantasy made real”.
Matinees and Thursdays R50/R60, other evenings R60/R50. An evening to remember!
Information on your theatre – The Masque!
See the end of the newsletter for a copy of the minutes of the Masque Theatre AGM held in April.
See you at the theatre – or the Stadium!
Claremont Dramatic Society Committee 2010
| Simon Sutton (Chair) | simons@gem.co.za | 021 794 1923 |
| Elza-lynne Kruger (Vice-Chair) | elmkruger@telkomsa.net | 021 855 2677 |
| David Campey (Treasurer) | ||
| Simon Dutton (Secretary) | simon.d@mweb.co.za | 021 683 8630 |
| Kim Harris-Dalla (Production Coordination, Publicity & Archives) | kbjhharris@yahoo.co.uk | 021 713 2026 |
| Pamela Burger (Members Evenings) | pamb@masterparts.com | 021 696 5959 |
| Allison Blair
(Masque F.O.H. Co-ordinator) |
||
| Sven Yaffe
(Play Reading Portfolio Coordinator) |
MUIZENBERG DRAMATIC SOCIETY
AUDITION NOTICE
‘WHAT THE BUTLER SAW’
BY JOE ORTON
To be directed by Professor Ralph Yarrow
MVDS’ is delighted to announce that this busy Professor of Drama, who currently resides in England and who has acted in and directed numerous productions both in the UK and in
India, has agreed to take time out to guest-direct for our society
DATE : SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 2010
TIME : 14:00
PLACE : RENDEZVOUS (OLD ZANDVLEI BOWLING CLUB), 57 PROMENADE ROAD, MUIZENBERG
ENQUIRIES : ANDREW BLAKE TEL 021 7810114/0824933330 EMAIL ablake@mweb.co.za
RUN : 1 TO 9 OCTOBER 2010, MASQUE THEATRE, MUIZENBERG
CALLBACKS ; MONDAY 9 AUGUST 2010
REHEARSALS : START WED 11 AUGUST. MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS
SYNOPSIS: The play consists of two acts, and revolves around a Dr. Prentice, a psychiatrist attempting to seduce his attractive prospective secretary, Geraldine Barclay. The play opens with the doctor examining Geraldine Barclay in a job interview. As part of the interview, he convinces her to undress. The situation becomes more intense during Dr. Prentice’s supposed “interview” with Geraldine Barclay when Mrs Prentice enters. When his wife enters, he attempts to cover up his activity by hiding the girl behind a curtain. His wife, however, is also being seduced and blackmailed by a Nicholas Beckett. She therefore promises Nicholas the post as secretary, which adds further confusion, including Nicholas and Geraldine dressing as the opposite sex. Dr. Prentice’s clinic is then faced by a government inspection. The inspection, led by Dr. Rance, reveals the chaos in the clinic.
Characters
Dr Prentice
Geraldine Barclay
Mrs Prentice
Nicholas Beckett
Dr Rance
Sergeant Match
Nick and Geraldine are early 20s; the others anywhere between 40 and late 50s.
The play involves much fast and furious ‘business’ typical of classic farce. Dialogue is also fast, furious and bizarre. For examples of both stage directions and dialogue, and a more detailed account of the play, contact the production secretary via email above. So you need to have physical and verbal agility if you intend to audition! Please note also that, although there is no actual nudity (the play was written in1967, the year before censorship was ended on the British stage), Geraldine, Mrs Prentice, Nick and Sgt. Match are at various times (and, in the case of Geraldine, for considerable periods) forced to remove large amounts of clothing.
Props, set, stage, lighting, sound, costume people are also needed.
Freeing the Voice Power workshop
Compiled by Lynsey Milewski
About the facilitator:
Lynsey Milewski has a Licentiate Trinity college of London Diploma (1999). She has worked for ‘The Voice Clinic’ for 8 Years where she taught individuals and groups to use their voice, body and energy to bring uniqueness to their way of communicating.
While working for the Voice clinic part time she ran her own Drama Company for three years working at 8 schools and working with a diverse group of both children and adults.
She has worked for the past three years for Ackermans Retail Group co-ordinating and training the Head Office and Distribution Centre Staff in all manners of soft skills training.
She is now embarking on her next adventure and going back to her passion of being involved in the Theatrical World.
She has done a number of amateur plays including ‘Twelfth Night’ (Nominated Best actress for the part of Viola in the Cape Times awards) ‘Rosherman’ (Best Actress of the year for Anchor players) and ‘Butterflies are free’ (Best actress of the year for Fish Hoek players)
Current Amateur Dramatic Societies need:
Due to new talent being brought into the different amateur productions it has come to the attention of a number of influential people that there is a need to enhance the skill of projecting one’s voice when on stage.
In order to do this I would like to put forward the following proposal.
- 1 x workshop – “Freeing the Voice Power” which will be open to all and presented at the Masque theatre on Sunday the 18th of July 2010 from 15.00 – 18.00
- The workshop will cover:
- Sensithizing exercise – looks at where the person is at currently with how they project their voice.
- Background to projection and resonance
- Breathing processes – Intercostal Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Relaxation techniques
- Shoulder, jaw and neck exercises
- Body language – Power Piece
- Warm up exercises for the stage
- Tongue twisters
- Projecting in script simulations
- Final greeting and reflection.
There will be a special price of R25.00 per person for this opening workshop for the Amateur Dramatic Society members (This will include tea or coffee).
What is recommended thereafter?
A de-briefing of workshop and re-look at any additional needs.
Each play that is presented under an Amateur Dramatic Society Banner will go through a projection workshop before moving into the theatre. This will ensure that all cast members old and new will understand the theory behind projection and be able to actively use it when on stage with a full auditorium.
If need be the option will be available for a second session when in the theatre to deal with any projection problems when actors / actresses are on the stage doing their final rehearsals. Individual attention can also be given.
Benefits:
- The less experienced actors and actresses can be exposed and gain knowledge in how to project. This will raise their level of acting therefore strengthening a possible weaker area of a show.
- Audiences will always be able to hear exactly what is being said even if they are not sitting in the front row.
- Actors will be able to project over the rain on the tin roof in the Masque Theatre.
- Actors / Actresses will always be heard, putting them in a better position to win awards.
- Each cast will be equipped with exercises to warm up their voice before actually going on stage.
Fee structure
- For a full cast workshop (less than 12 People) R 300.00 – standard rate for the first workshop before going into the Theatre.
- For a cast of more than 12 People a R25.00 per person fee will apply for the first intervention for the cast.
- Follow up session with the cast in the theatre, R150 per hour.
- Open workshop (min 12 max 20 people) R 50.00 per person.
- Per society intervention (min 12, Max 20 People) R 25.00 per person.
Regards
Lynsey Milewski (LTCL)
Please make bookings with Celia Musikanth on
Stern Masque Theatre Association
Annual General Meeting: 25 April 2010, 19:30 – 20:37
Minutes
| Present:
Allsopp, Ruth Bent, Tony Bester, Lieske Blair, Allison Blake, Andrew Blewett, Margi Charman, Gill de Jager, Brian Duff, Alastair Fargher, Gary & guest Lindsay Small(HHDS) |
Fargher, Hayley
Gill, Scott Gray, Brenda Harris-Dalla, Kim Inglis, Sheila Kettle, Adrian King, Alison Lewis, Miranda Magnin, Rick (chair) Mathers, Helen |
McConnell, John
Moss, Lynn Moss, Mike Musikanth, Celia Philbrick, Jane Rudolph, Raymond Sutton, Simon Thom, Di Thomas, birga (minutes) Thomas, Wolfgang |
Apologies: John Blewett, Janice Budd, Eve Carr, Ron Carr, Jane Cohen, Brenda Commins, Brian Commins, Lee de Andrade, Aubrey Hindle, Mav Magnin, Wendy Morling, David Muller, Val Mulligan, Dawn Scholtz
1 Rick Magnin, the chairperson, thanked everybody for coming, took apologies and declared the meeting constitutional (there being a quorum). He thanked members and their families for all the support during the year.
2 Minutes of the last AGM (17.05.2009) were taken as read and accepted.
3 Reports by the chairperson and other office bearers, also including a report by the marketing manager, were tabled. The chairperson also read out his report.
The treasurer read out his report, which was followed by a short discussion about certain items handled via the trust and others via the association accounts, the difference between salaries and wages, etc. Also mentioned were ways of saving costs and fund-raising by the theatre as well as the individual societies. In the end it was suggested to arrange a brain-storming meeting with all societies attending. This meeting to be open to any member and not restricted to (say) committees. The new Man.Com. to attend to this at their next meeting.
4 Election of office bearers
Jane Philbrick acted as election officer. The following members were nominated and accepted to the individual portfolios and accepted their nominations.
| Portfolio | Name | Nominated by | Seconded by | Elected |
| Chairperson | Rick Magnin | birga Thomas | Lieske Bester | Unanimously |
| Vice-chairperson | Simon Sutton | Lieske Bester | Andrew Blake | Unanimously |
| Secretary | Kim Harris-Dalla | Kim Harris-Dalla | birga Thomas | Unanimously |
| Publicity officer | Ruth Allsopp | birga Thomas | Rick Magnin | Unanimously |
| Backstage manager | Scott Gill | Kim Harris-Dalla | Simon Sutton | Unanimously |
| Wardrobe, props | Lieske Bester | Andrew Blake | Rick Magnin | Unanimously |
| Theatre Club secretary | birga Thomas | Rick Magnin | Sheila Inglis | Unanimously |
5 Acceptance and approval of the annual financial statements
as presented by the treasurer.
Proposed by Simon Sutton, seconded by Andrew Blake; unanimously accepted
6 Appointment of external auditor for the new financial year
Chris Hochfelden had accepted to be auditor in the new year too.
7 Any other business
7.1 No motions were received by due date.
7.2 Simon Sutton introduced the 1 : 20 model of our stage (with all flats etc.) to the members presented. A thank-you to Bruce Edwards who did this wonderful job.
7.3 The chairperson thanked the outgoing secretary for her work and presented her with an envelope from all societies. Contents to be spend at the forthcoming Teddy Bear Fair. (The ex-secretary thanked all, but forgot to remark that her husband is at least as “obsessed” with teddy bears as she herself.)
7.5 Guest Lindsay Small informed us in some detail about the new mentoring system for new (and old!) directors for the Hottentots-Holland D. S. Agreed that such a system is very valuable and necessary. To be discussed further in societies.
Claremont Dramatic Society 