1. Where are your productions performed?The Dulwich Players main plays are usually performed at The Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College SE21 7LD. A modern theatre venue, with a racked auditorium seating an audience of 150 persons. [Please note, to access the theatre you will need to use the entrance on Thurlow Park Road/South Circular and not College Road.
We also have performances at St. Barnabas Hall, the Dulwich Picture Gallery Gardens and in Dulwich Park. |
2. How many productions do you perform each year?
The Dulwich Players stage three main productions a year. Each production usually plays for three or four nights and the plays are usually performed at The Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College.
In addition to these main events various other productions may also take place from time to time, for example as part of the Dulwich Festival. For further information on our recent productions, click here. |
3. Where does the group perform their "Open Air" productions ?In 1998 the society staged an Open-Air production of "A Midsummer Nights Dream" in the grounds of Dulwich Picture Gallery. Those performances attracted a very large audience and raised over £2000 for the Picture Gallery's Rebuilding Fund.
Since then we have staged a whole series of open air Shakespeare in the Gallery grounds, most recently "Pericles" and "As You Like It" all in association with and supporting The Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery. |
4. Where do the Players meet and when?
Most of our activity is centred around the Dulwich vicinity and the majority of our membership is drawn from that area of South East London. The focal point of our activities are our current rehearsal venues at The Constitutional Club in East Dulwich Grove, SE22 and The United Reformed Church Hall in Tell Grove, SE22. The United Reformed Church Hall can be hard to find, so there is a picture of the entrance here:
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5. How do you conduct you auditions and casting?The society does not normally engage in formal audition procedures. All acting members are invited to attend a series of readings conducted by the Director and are encouraged to read various parts in turn. The director will finally cast the production based on his or her assessment of the actors understanding of the play and their ability to interpret the character. Consideration is also given to the actors experience and physical presence.
Casting Readings for our main productions usually attract around 20 actors seeking to take part. Much will depend on the level of the actors commitment, acting ability and experience. |
6. What are social readings?These readings are held regularly in various locations across Dulwich.
Hosted by various members, they serve a number of purposes in that they provide an opportunity for directors to re-assess plays for performance, enable actors to practice their timing, phrasing and delivery of lines and widen the participants knowledge of theatre and the craft of the playwright. They also offer an opportunity to socialise with other members in an informal environment! |
7. What else do the Players do, other than productions?
We do lots of other things! Our Social Committee regularly arrange group theatre visits and we hold social play readings as well as regular informal meet-ups at pubs in Dulwich. |
8. I don't want to act, can I do something else?
On Stage or Back Stage, whatever your talents, if you have an active interest in Theatre and Drama, membership provides an opportunity for everyone to participate. We have over 100 members, Actors, Technicians and Patron supporters.
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9. Do you have your own costume and wardrobe department?
The Dulwich Players possess an extensive wardrobe containing excellent sets of period costume researched, designed and hand made by our members. These are frequently adapted and altered to suit a current production and augmented when necessary by hired items from The Royal National Hire Service, from The Royal Shakespeare at Stratford and various other sources. If a members interests lie in costume design the society provides many opportunities to practice the craft.
Members of the Players, and local drama groups, hire costume from time to time for other plays and events. Please contact [email protected] for more details. |
10. I'm more technical, are there opportunities to learn about lighting, set construction and sound?
The Players' audience have come to expect and demand high standards of stage presentation and we have teams of lighting and sound technicians ready and willing to recruit new enthusiasts.
The wide variety of our productions make considerable demands on the ingenuity of our design and construction crews. Painters, carpenters and set decorators are kept very busy throughout the season. Generally work is carried out during weekends and culminates on stage at the theatre venue. |
11. Are beginners and new people welcome?
As a 'Dulwich Player' you will meet and work with a wide range of members in every age group, some with a wide variety of talents. Some members have years of experience and many others are still gaining that experience but they bring with them an immense enthusiasm and many different skills. All share one thing in common - A love of drama and a yearning to take part in theatre.
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12. I only want to act, is that ok?
Some people only want to take on one role for the majority of the time and that's ok. However, we work as one team in the Dulwich Players and we expect everyone to lend a hand where they are able to and when it's needed. You may be acting in one play, but then a stage hand in the next and stewarding in the one after that. We are looking for people who will be happy to do what's necessary to 'keep the show going'.
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13. Will you keep my personal data safe?
The Dulwich Players has a Data Protction Policy that outlines what we do with your personal data and your rights to access it. You can read this below:
'In order to comply with the Data Protection Act, the Dulwich Players confirms that it retains physical and electronic personal information relating to its members, friends, helpers and contacts. The personal information held is name, postal and email addresses and telephone numbers. In some cases, bank details and measurements are also held. Production photos and cast and crew lists will also be displayed on our website indefinitely for archive purposes.
The Dulwich Players further confirms that this information is so retained solely for the purposes of the better functioning, performance and operation of the Dulwich Players as an amateur dramatic group. In particular, the Dulwich Players may, from time to time, notify you of or request assistance for Dulwich Players’ productions, events and activities. The Dulwich Players will not disclose any of your personal information to any third party outside the Dulwich Players without your consent.
Where the Dulwich Players holds personal information in relation to a minor, this is with the express consent of the minor’s parent(s) or guardian(s) whose personal information may also be held, in line with child protection policies.
The Dulwich Players Committee is responsible for the regular review, updating and implementation of this policy.
All individuals have the right to access personal information that is held about them. You can request a copy of any information that we hold about you. Please contact the membership secretary (membership @dulwichplayers.org) if you wish to make such a request.'
The Dulwich Players has a Data Protction Policy that outlines what we do with your personal data and your rights to access it. You can read this below:
'In order to comply with the Data Protection Act, the Dulwich Players confirms that it retains physical and electronic personal information relating to its members, friends, helpers and contacts. The personal information held is name, postal and email addresses and telephone numbers. In some cases, bank details and measurements are also held. Production photos and cast and crew lists will also be displayed on our website indefinitely for archive purposes.
The Dulwich Players further confirms that this information is so retained solely for the purposes of the better functioning, performance and operation of the Dulwich Players as an amateur dramatic group. In particular, the Dulwich Players may, from time to time, notify you of or request assistance for Dulwich Players’ productions, events and activities. The Dulwich Players will not disclose any of your personal information to any third party outside the Dulwich Players without your consent.
Where the Dulwich Players holds personal information in relation to a minor, this is with the express consent of the minor’s parent(s) or guardian(s) whose personal information may also be held, in line with child protection policies.
The Dulwich Players Committee is responsible for the regular review, updating and implementation of this policy.
All individuals have the right to access personal information that is held about them. You can request a copy of any information that we hold about you. Please contact the membership secretary (membership @dulwichplayers.org) if you wish to make such a request.'
Any other questions? Contact us at [email protected]