It is that time of year when peoples minds turn to panto, actors across the UK are rehearsing and crews are setting up the props, costumes and sets. Many will see that energy on the larger stages such as the Kings etc, but what about the small venues and local shows?
Small theatres be it a local church hall or a community centre put on shows of varying formats from the classic panto that we all know and love to kitchen sink dramas and musicals which can get overlooked.
These shows can be a huge part of the cultural landscape and offer a training ground for both cast and crew as well as a cost efficient way for people to experience stage shows that would otherwise be off their radar.
With many smaller venues closing or losing their funding it is important to support them by attending the shows and being part of that journey.
Cast and crew use these opportunities to build their cv, learn their craft and skillset and from experience, theatre skills such as time management or just being an extra pair of hands with the show when your starting out can be a Huge plus later in your career giving you a better sense of what the industry offers and allowing you a chance to Earn your craft and network. In broader terms am dram or even a pro show on a small scale can be a testing ground for yourself to see where you want to be in terms of your career path and offers in some cases a community based expansion of your network.
I have long endorses working in theatre in particular to makeup artists even if you are volunteering your time and energy you can learn a lot and it will benefit you in the future, the shows are well done and smaller venues offer different challenges that you will learn to overcome.
Taking the time to learn and be open to the options that are out there including those smaller venues can be a game changer and something I endorse.
