14/10/08

Saturday May 9th 2009 has been confirmed as the date the Group will host it’s first Scout Car event.  The inaugural 1st Calow race day wil take place at Holmebrook Valley park…more news on this event will be posted shortly!!

09/10/08

Many thanks to everyone who helped in any way with the Exhibition Weekend and Service of Thanksgiving…they were both tremendous successes.  Also many thanks to those who gave up their time to keep the grass at the back of the Church Hall in good order…it is very much appreciated.

After remaining static for a good number of weeks, the site will now begin to take on a more generic ‘group’ look rather than being purely a vehicle for the Gang Show.  Please keep an eye on the individual section pages, the new Diary page and this page for what’s new.  We will be adding more images soon plus some sound clips captured during conversations between ‘old Scouts’ during the recent Exhibition weekend.

We will also be using the site to promote our first Scout Car event (due to be held in May ‘09) and the Group’s next ‘on stage’ project…the rumours are true, we are looking into the possibility of staging a Pantomime in either very late 2009 or early 2010…writing has already begun!

Look out for the date of the Canada ‘launch’, that too is coming soon! 

…also if anyone can lend a hand with the Memorial Garden on October 25th plase give Glyn or myself a ring (details on the Contacts page). 

16/06/08

As a fundraising initiative there is currently a copy of the show DVD (opening night performance at the Pomegranate), a copy of the programme and a 75th anniversary badge on Ebay.

Follow this link to see he auction.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110261851496&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=001

Please bid generously!

 

We hope someone will bid generously to boost the Group’s funds and win themselves a unique collection Scouting memorabila…and maybe a little bit of history!

All funds raised from this auction will be given to the group  

15/03/08

Tickets for ‘It Ain’t Quite as Cold Mum’ are now able to be reserved on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.  Information on how to reserve tickets is detailed further down this post.  Please remember, we are only allowed to sell 100 tickets for each performance. 

…more songs from the opening night, more will be added soon.  Remember this?  http://www.box.net/shared/j1vs9r0soc

…or this, http://www.box.net/shared/yswl1qtk4k

or even this…http://www.box.net/shared/4rv768ecks

(please click on the link to listen to/download one of the songs from opening night.  Once the file has downloaded, you can return to the site by pressing the back button in your browser)

07/03/08

Rehearsals are due to resume on 13th  April at 18.00hrs at the Community Centre.  If any cast member wishes to be considered for a ‘change of role’, or to have more/less to do within the show,  could they please inform the Group Chair at least two weeks before this date.  

05/03/08

Sunday 18th May has been confirmed as the date when the show will be performed at Calow Community Centre.  As the maximum seating capacity at the Community Centre is 100, we are considering the option of staging the show twice during the day; an afternoon ‘matinee’ and an evening performance (times subject to confirmation).

The show will need to be restructured to suit the venue but we aim to try and recreate as much of the original as practicle.  We envisage this new variation of the show will be approximately 1.5 hours long.

Tickets for the show(s) will cost £5.00 each and will be available shortly.  They can be reserved at any time after 9.00am on Saturday 15th March, by emailing the group at gangshow@calowscouts.co.uk or by the telephone via the Group Chair on 01246 230845.

More audio files from the Pomegranate shows will hopefully be uploaded shortly, please keep checking the site.

Also we will be adding a couple of new pages as the site evolves to reflect the wider activities of the group, these might include a ‘diary of forthcoming events’ and a general news section…any other ideas will be considered.  

…and finally, should any group member/parent/quardian wish to be alerted of any updates on the site’s content/group annoucements/news etc., please feel free to email the group at shortsplice@calowscouts.org.uk and you will then (subject to confirmation) be added to the email list.  

26/02/08

We have yet to confirm the date of the ‘third show’ at the Community Centre.  Although previously posted as the 10th of May this date is not possible due to the unavailability of the Explorers and a number of the Leaders.

We are now looking at the possibility of staging the show on Sunday 18th May.  Hopefully this will be confirmed later this week…please keep checking the site.

Finally…remember this from the first night?

http://www.box.net/shared/r8w4a8qow4

(please click on the link to download/listen to a song from opening night.  Once the file has downloaded, you can return to the site by pressing the back button in your browser)

22/02/08 (posted from Fuertaventura)

Baden-Powell Meal - Friday night should (hopefully) have given the Scouts (and Explorers) the opportunity to see the show DVD on a large screen courtesy of the projector kindly funded by Derbyshire County Council. 

16/02/08 (posted from Fuertaventura)

The first batch of DVD´s have now arrived and are being distributed.

We are looking into the possibility of staging the third show on Sunday 18th May at the Communitiy Centre…please keep checking the site for updates.

In answer to Liam´s request earlier this week…should we get any more images of the rehearsals or performances themselves, we will endeavour to upload them to the site.  If anyone has any additional images, please forward them to the Group Chair. 

07/02/08

May 10th is the date now set for the third (…and final) performance of It Aint Half Cold Mum.  We will be rehearsing on Sunday nights at the Community Centre for 4/5 weeks before the show.  Please Note: the weekend before we will all (hopefully) be celebrating the Group’s 75th Anniversary in a more traditional manner…at a ‘Group’ Camp at Walesby.  

06/02/08

Some more images from the dress rehearsal.

Click on any image to see a larger version and press the back button in your browser to return to the site.

 

…the start of something silly!

04/02/08

…a bit of ‘Silly Marching’

To each and every member of the cast and supporting crew…well done, you were absolutely magnificent!

Everyone involved in the production should feel rightly proud of what has been achieved.  The report in last week’s Derbyshire Times summed up the show perfectly and we are still receiving compliments via cards,letters, email and by word of mouth.

In total 642 seats were filled over the two nights…with Friday’s audience an incredible 415!

…and finally!

DVD’s of both Thursday and Friday’s performances were professionally shot and we are currently finalising the cover artwork.  Corrections have also been made to the cast list published in the programmes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the image to see a larger version (press back button in your browser to return to site)

Should you wish to order a copy of either (or indeed both) night’s show, please contact the Group Chair or one of the Section Leaders as soon as possible.  The DVD’s are £17.95 each.  This may sound expensive but are professionally shot with direct feeds from the sound desk plus credits etc.  More importantly, they are a record of what the Group acheived over two remarkable and unforgrttable nights at the Pomegranate.  Many of us (including the cast!) who were backstage both nights never got the chance to see the fruits of everyone’s hard work.  Please support and promote the sale of these unique records.  The group do not make money from the sale of these DVD’s but need to sell 30 from each night’s recording.  The DVD’s will be encrypted to prevent illegal copies being produced, and the show’s content copyrighten. 

 

Click on the image to see a larger version (press back button in your browser to return to site)

Here We Go Again  We hope everyone is looking forward to May, when we will get the chance to do it all over again at the Community Centre.  There will of course be the neccessity for a few rehearsals before then…details to follow shortly.  As yet we don’t exactly know the practicalities of staging the show in the Community Centre, but will do our upmost to recreate as much of it as possible.  All proceeds made at this event will go directly to Calow Community Association as our way of thanking them for supporting the project.

We hope to add a few more images to the site from the shows soon…and maybe some video footage of the dress rehearsal.  The site itself will be kept running indefinitely.

Please also remember we have some amazing sets props and costumes that are owned by the group and available to hire by other Groups/Gang Shows.  Please contact the Group Chair for more details. 

16/01/08

8 Days to Opening Night.

Rehearsals on Sunday 13th went quite well, with a number of key scenes performed for the first time in many weeks.

Rehearsals This Week

All sections will be rehearsing at their respective weekly meetings this week.  Many thanks to the Leaders for allowing these additional sessions amidst their programmes.

Sunday 20th’s rehearsal will take place at Calow School.  Once more many thanks to Mr. Thacker for agreeing to open the School during the weekend.At this rehearsal we aim to run through the entire show, start to finish.  We won’t have the benefit of all the props or scenery but everone should give their upmost…and treat it like the show itself.  Please take note of the final running order and please listen to the instructions given by your allocated ‘adult supervisor’.

Ticket sales are going relatively well but ideally we still need to sell more…please continue to promote the show at every opportunity. 

08/01/08

16 Days!!!

Rehearsals - Sunday 13th Calow Community Centre

This session will run from 17.00 until 20.00.  Beavers are not requireded to be present and Cubs will need to be picked up at 18.00. 

CRB Checks

Would any Parent or Guardian who has volunteered to assist at either of the performances at the Pomegranate or the Dress Rehearsal on the 23rd, please ensure they speak to the Group Chair before Monday the 14th. 

Scenery

Painting is continuing this week and through the weekend.  Anyone wishing to assist should contact the Group Chair.  The quality of the work done so far is astounding but there is still plenty to do.  

04/01/08

Please continue to promote the show at every posssible opportunity.  We want attract as large an audience as possible to watch the show…on both nights!..Remember we now have less than three weeks to sell as many tickets as we can! 

Family…friends….colleagues…schoolmates…ex-Scouts…local businesses…the milkman!

Scenery Update - Following the rapid relocation of the scenery to avoid potential catastophic damage, the painting is currently being untertaken at the Church Hall (Scout Hut). 

Many thanks to Chris (Wragg), Richard and Sam (Pearson), Tomas (Hawkins)  and David (Thompson) for ‘dropping everything’ to ensure the flats were moved to drier/warmer climes. 

Once more, many thanks to the Hawkins family for allowing us to manufacture/store and paint the scenery at their premises over the last few weeks…and their hospitatily.  The egg sandwiches enjoyed by the paint crew on New Year’s Day were wonderful!

Thanks also to Chris Brookes for taking an supplying the images of the scenery painting sessions.    

03/01/08 - Three weeks and counting! 

Scenery painting is now underway…with teams of parents and a number of Exlorers, Scouts…plus one Beaver,  battling against the elements to begin the mammoth task of transforming the original concepts of the Producer and the Set Designer into practical realities.  Anyone still willing and able to lend a hand is more than welcome

31/12/07

24 DAYS TO GO!!!!

The other way to look at it is “don’t worry its not until next year”.

However we perceive it January 2008 is almost with us.  It seems like a very long time ago since the idea was first mooted…it is, September 2006.

Many thanks to those who attended the rehearsal session on Sunday 30th at the School.  Although we always knew this would be a fairly small turn out, we feel that those who did attend managed to get something out of it, and get back into the swing of singing.

There was also a ‘fitting’ session for some of the fabulous costumes being manufactured by Mrs.  Pearson.

Many thanks also to Mr. Thacker (Head of Calow School) for giving up his time to open the School, displaying his athletic prowess in doing so.  It is greatly appreciated.

Also huge thaks to those who have been involved in the design, production and now painting of the secenery.  This is a major task, and will require many more man hours to complete.  The camaraderie and feeling of acheivement is something to behold…it may be the depths of winter but all those who have turned up wielding a brush or roller have thrown themselves into the task with gusto!

Thanks too to Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins (plus Tomas and Hannah) for their kind provision of ‘painting space’, and warm drinks!  in addition to helping with the painting itself.

Should anyone still wanting/willing to help with scenery painting please contact the Group Chair, either by email or on 01246 230845/07968 600544.

Finally, it is impossible to mention everyone by name (at this point) for their help and support in getting the production this far but once again THANK YOU! to everyone; the cast, parents, leaders and friends who are doing everything possible to ensure the show is success.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

P.S.  Painting resumes at 10.00 on 1st January…headaches permitting! and full rehearsals begin once more at 18.00 on Sunday 6th January at the Community Centre. 

21/12/07

34 DAYS!!!

PLEASE KEEP PROMOTING THE SHOW, TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES ETC.  WE ARE NOW AT A VERY IMPORTANT STAGE AND SHOULD ALL MAKE THE GREATEST POSSIBLE EFFORT TO SUPPORT THE HARD WORK DONE BY THE  CAST BY TRYING TO SELL AS MANY SEATS AS POSSIBLE. 

34 days…it really is that close.  We are now in the ’set production’ stage.  Could anyone with any unused stocks of matt white or matt grey emulsion…or any other vivid/bright emulsion please contact the Group Chair ASAP.  Much of the construction side of the sets/large props is now complete and in a position wherby we can start painiting.  If anyone is able to give up some time and assist with this before the New Year…can you also please contact the Group Chair.  We hope to upload a few images of props and sts in production to the script pages during the next week.

There are no rehearsals  this Sunday (23rd December), everyone needs a much deserved rest. 

Please Note: Rehearsals will be held on the 30th at Calow School between the hours of 10.00 and 12.00…many thanks again to Mr. Thacker for agreeing to open the School during his holidays.

For Castmembers…please keep perfecting your lines/songs etc., noting all the additional information on the scripts. 

For Parents…please keep helping/spporting your son/daughter/ward with their lines/songs etc.

FOR EVERYBODY…Please have a very  Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year.  The first three weeks of January promise to be exciting rewarding and very very busy.  Have a great rest!!!      

12/12/07

44 DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT

By now all cast members should (should?) be acquainted with the roles they are playing and have a copy of their respective script.  If you still require scripts…please request one from the Group Chair ASAP.

Rehearsals for the last two Sunday’s have gone relatively well.  Many thanks again to Keith, James and the Community Centre Committee for for their support.

Also a huge thank you to Mr. Thacker (Head of Calow School) for allowing the Gang to rehearse at the School on Sunday 9th.  This was greatly appreciated!

Please Note:  Rehearsals this week will start at 1600hrs at the Church Hall.  This is to make it possible for Group members to attend the Christingle Service at the Church.  Please arrive at rehearsals in full uniform in preparation for the Service.

We are now in the ‘production’ stage of the show…costumes, scenery, props etc.  Set design is now complete and production of the scenery underway.  We will shortly be asking for volunteeers to assist with the painting…be prepared.

The prop list for Act 2 is almost complete, please keep checking the site for more information on when it will be available, and please advise Maggie Jarvis if you are able to assist with the provision of props.

Please be mindful of what sort of accesories you son /daughter/guardian may need to perform their part in the show.  It would not appear too authentic for a Cub/Scout portraying a 1907/1920 Scout, wearing branded trainers!  Please advise the Group Chair if you are having difficulties sourcing any particular items of costume.

For all those who offered asssistance ‘behind the scenes’ on dress rehearsal/show nights, please contact the Group Chair ASAP regarding CRB checks.  We need to act on this now. 

Finally…ticket sales…PLEASE , PLEASE Promote the show at every opportunitey.  The cast are working beyond expectation to make this show a success…please support them as much as possible.

 30/11/07

 55 DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT!

Many thanks to all those who attended the last hour of last week’s rehearsal session.  Although what you saw was only a small percentage of what the ‘Gang’ have been working on, we hope it gave you some insight into the show, and what we are trying to achieve.

Congratulations to all those who performed in front of a ‘real’ audience…this was propably as hard as it gets…your parents, family, guardians…in full lighting and nowhere to hide.

As all present would probably admit…there’s still plenty to do!

This was the very first time that any of the cast had been given the opportunity to sing, dance etc to a live music accompaniment as it will be played at the Pomegranate.

Cast Members - As was stressed at the meeting, please practice your lines, moves, routines etc.  If you’re not sure about something, please don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

Parents/Guardians - Please support your child(ren)/ward(s).   Please practice along with them and help them wherever possible.  Please also return your Consent Form(s) as soon as possible, once the list of registered performers has been passed to the Theatre, we will not be able to add further names.

We will be issuing a few costume notes over the next couple of weeks, please read them and if you need any help or support in finding any items, please contact your respective Section Leader in the first instance.

Tickets - As was explained we really do want to sell as many tickets as possible for BOTH nights, please encourage your friends, schoolfriends, family members, distant relatives, colleagues etc. to come along.

CRB Forms - These will be provided shortly for all those who have volunteered to help at the final dress rehearsal and the two performances.  A list of those required on each night will be issued shortly, along with specific roles.

Please note the revised times on the Rehearsal Page for the next two weeks.  We have extended the times to allow specific sections to practice their scenes easier,without the additional noise of all sections trying to compete to be heard.  Information on Rehearsals for the 16th December will be posted shortly.

Please Note - There are NO REHEARSALS on SUNDAY 23rd DECEMBER.

20/11/07

65 DAYS TO GO!

At last some of the Scripts from Act 2 are now available to download from the Scripts site. 

Also (for the first time) a copy of the provisional ‘running order’ has been uploaded.

Should you have any problems accessing the script site…please contact the Group Chair. 

19/11/07

66 DAYS TO GO! 

Rehearsals have gone relatively well over the last 2 weeks, a change of plan for one of the ‘Beaver only’ sketches, the introduction on a major sketch involving the ‘Time Travellers’, Explorers, Scouts and Cubs…and the general rehearsing of some of the other scenes/sketches.

It’s now less than ten weeks to the opening night, and given that Christmas will punch a bit of a hole in the rehearsal schedule, time and focus are now becoming issues.

All those who now know which roles they are playing, or the sketches they are in, should (?) have a copy of the script.  If not please email the site!!!

We hope to have the majority of scripts from Act 2 uploaded before the end of this week.  Please download those any you need from the Script site.

All Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and explorers should by now have received a Hand Prop list for Act 1…Act 2 plus a ‘Large Prop’ list will soon be available.  Please contact Maggie Jarvis if you are able to provide any of the requisite props.

Sunday 25th will provide an opportunity for Parents/Guardians to see a very small snapshot of what the boys/girls have been doing for the last few weeks, as well as the chance to ask questions about the show.  We will be holding a raffle during the meeting..be prepared!  (if you are able to provide a prize, please bring it along!)

We will also be asking parents/guardians (who have not already done so) to sign a ‘Consent Form’ allwing their child/ward to participate in the show.  Without this, children and young adults are not permitted to perform in the show.

We will also be asking parents/guardians to support the show through the promotion of the event…our aim is to fill the Pomegranate on both nights.

Finally…many thanks to those who are turning out every Sunday to rehearsals, cast and support crew, for all of your hard work and infectious enthusiasm.

07/11/07

Rehearsals went well on Sunday including the introduction of yet another new scene for the ‘time travellers’, the Cubs were in good voice and the Dancing was superb.  Many thanks once again to all those who attended.

Casting is almost completed althought we do still need a couple more adults!!!

Filming for one of the sketches was done on Saturday, thanks to the Scouts and Explorers for their fantastic interpretations of the script, and to the leaders for allowing a filming break during the programme at Camp.

On Sunday 25th, rehearsals will be somewhat different as we wish to invite the parents/guardians of the cast to a meeting, to sample a ‘taster’ of what all the hard work on Sunday evenings is acheiving.  This will also be an opportunity for parents/guardians to ask questions etc., and hopefully (for those not already) get involved in some way. 

The work that is being done by the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Girls, Leaders and the adults who are turning out every Sunday is incredible and they all deserve as much support as possible.  We want to get as many people to the Pomegranate as possible for both nights to celebrate what these young people are doing.  Please continue to promote the show and encourage as many of your families, friend and colleagues to join us at the Pomegranate.

URGENT REQUEST-Does anyone have access to a laminator capable of laminating upto SRA3 (320mm x 450mm) paper?  If so, could you please contact the Group Chair/Producer asap.

30/10/07

Many thanks to the Beavers, Scouts, Explorers, Girls and adults who attended rehearsals on Sunday 28th…plus an extra thank you to James from the Community Centre for your patience.Our first hearing of ’Baden-Powells’ message certainly stirred a few emotions!  Scouts and Explorers are at camp this coming weekend but we would appreciate if you could make rehearsals on Sunday evening…there’s still a lot of new material to look at and even more parts to be cast!..and with Christmas looming, fewer and fewer Sunday rehearsal sessions left.

Please remind your parents, guardians, grand-parents, aunties, uncles, cousins, friends etc that tickets are on sale!  With all the hard work everyone is putting in, we need to fill the Pomegranate!

A Message to Parents, Guardians and Friends of 1st Calow - RAFFLE PRIZES

We are planning to run a raffle on the night of the performances and are therefore looking for Raffle Prizes.  If you are able to either donate a prize or would be kind enough to ask your employer, or any other source i.e a local business, shop etc., it would be most appreciated.  

We are also looking for someone to co-ordinate the raffle i.e. record and store the prizes,  organise tickets etc.

Pease contact the Group Chair if you are able to help!

Props - We are now in the proccess of acquiring hand props.  This is kindly being co-ordinated by Maggie Jarvis.  Your son/daughter/ward will shortly be bringing hoe the first of two Prop Lists, if you are able to supply/source any of the items we require could you please contact Maggie, who’s contact details will be on the list.  

 18/10/07

The first set of images have been added to the site’s new ‘Gallery’ page.  These are converted from a series of slides taken by Peter Hives during his tenure as Assistant Cub Leader at 1st Calow during the 1970’s and 80’s.  Individual captions for each slide will be added in due course.  The slide show plays automatically on the page but if you wish to see larger versions of the images, click on the ‘view all images’ control.  Please Note: This links you to an external ’slide.com’ site on which the images are hosted. 

17/10/07

We will shortly be adding a new feature to the site, a gallery of images of Scouting in Calow from the last 75 years.  If you have any you wish to be included, and already have them in an electronic format,  please forward them via the site’s main email link.  Please contact the Group Chair if you have printed copies you wish to be ’digitised’ for inclusion in the gallery.  

16/10/07

Sunday’s rehearsal again went very well, and thanks to those who attended and the adults who gave help. 

We are aware that half-term will be upon us for the next two Sundays, however rehearsals will take place as normal.  This week, the 21st October, rehearsals will be for Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and the Girls. 

05/10/07

Many thanks to all those who have provided help and support thus far.  A first visit to the Pomegranate earlier this week, to dicuss the ‘technical’ aspects of staging the show, proved very educational and enlightening.  Our thanks go to the theatre staff at the Pomegrangate for their words of advice.

Also thanks are extended to the growing list of ex-Scouts and other ‘individuals in the public eye’ for their kind words of support for what we are doing.  A list of these can be found on the ‘Supporters’ page.  Their specific supportive comments will be published in the Gang Show programme.

Could anyone with information or leads that will enable us to source more information on the history of the group or images of Scouting in Calow since 1933, please help in collating this information.   In addition to using images and quotes in the show itself, we wish to include some in the programme and a display in the Pomegranate on show nights.  Any

01/10/07

Tickets went on sale this morning from the Pomegranate box office (01246) 345222 and the Tourist Information Centre.  Tickets are priced at £7.00 for Adults and £5.00 for Concessions. 

Rehearsals on Sunday 30th went exceptionally well, apart from a small number of ’technical’ problems.  Many thanks to the Scouts, Explorers (plus one Beaver and one non-Scout Choreographer) who attended…again tyou were great!  Thanks also to the parents and Leaders for their invaluable support and continuing input.  From the sketches and songs that were rehearsed, more casting was done…but there are still speaking and non-speaking rolles to fill in both Acts of the show.  

Anyone who saw a role being performed at rehearsalas on Sunday that they would like to be considered for, should contact the organisers asap.

Once again everyone threw themselves into it, and a number of parents/guardians commented after on how much progress has already been made by the performers!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE  With the nights now beginning to get darker earlier, it is imperative that parents/guardians aim to get the castmembers to the Community Centre by six o’clock and certainly no later than ten minute past six.  For safety and security reasons we will place an adult at the door until then.  At ten past six the door will be locked.  Unfortunately, our presence at the Community Centre means the gates are open, allowing others access to the Car Park…and if we are not vigilant, the buiding itself. 

We are very lucky to have the use of the Community Centre and must respect it.

At the end of rehearsals it is also very important that each and every member of the cast is met by a parent/guardian, who should arrive no later than ten minutes to eight.

…finally

Our apologies to the staff of the Community Centre for running  later than normal on Sunday night.  We will endeavout to ensure that the buliding is clear by eight o’clock in the future. 

27/09/07

With the exception of a short welcome message, due between Scenes 1/2a and 1/3, the ‘provisional’ Scripts for the entire First Act (the first half of the show) are now uploaded onto the Scripts site.  Please feel free have a look/download and offer suggestions on amendments. 

26/09/07

A Provisional Rehearsal Schedule is now available on the Rehearsals page, please check regularly for updates/changes.

A small number of  additional scripts have been uploaded to the Scripts page…including a revised version od Act 1 Scene 6 - If I Were Not a Calow Scout.  More will be added over the next few days.

Beavers and Cubs both practised songs for the show at the end of Colony/Pack meetings this week, and were in exceptionally good voice. 

24/09/07

Many thanks for all those who attended rehearsal on Sunday.  This was always going to be the most ‘chaotic’ session…singing, casting, introducing a couple more of the scripts, dancing and more singing!  You were all brilliant!

The version of Crest of a Wave we will be performing is now uploaded to the Scripts website, along with the opening number, Meet the Gang.  The lyrics for these are also uploaded.  The music files are mp3’s but should anyone require alternative formats, please contact the Organising Commitee at gangshow@calowscouts.org.uk.

Some of the roles were cast during rehearsal, but please remember there are still a good number of important roles to be cast…hopefully, anyone wanting to play a major part will still have the opportunity.

Rehearsals next week are for, Scouts, Explorers and the Girls only.   

19/09/07

The original version of the scripts uploaded previously have been repalced with revised versions, formatted in the manner they will be produced for the cast and crew…there are also a couple more uploaded now. 

The list of ex-Scouts and other notables who have kindly sent message of goodwill is growing…more will be revealed at rehearsals on Sunday 16th.   

17/09/07

Many thanks to all those who attended the meeting on Sunday 16th, and we hope everyone now understands a little more of what is required to make this project a success.  Thanks to all those who ’signed up’ to assist with some aspect of the show.  With the exception of a Health & Safety Co-ordinator and Transport Manager (details further down this page) plus a Costume Designer, we now have the ‘organising commitee’ in place.

For those unable to attend the meeting, there is still room for further volunteers to help out, please feel free to contact the Group Chair or your son’s/daughter’s/ward’s respective Section Leader if you feel able to help in any way.  

Please Note: In addition to the list of those require to attend rehearsals each week on the notice board in the Scout Hut, the Rehearsals Info page will also carry details for the forthcoming week’s session. 

12/09/07

A new version of the A4 promotional poster and a ‘press release’ has been added to the green download box.  Please feel free to download these and distribute them by email to friends, family and colleagues.

Don’t forget, tickets for the two Pomegranate shows go on sale from the Pomegranate Box Office on 1st October…these can be ordered/paid for over the telephone, or by collection from the Box Office.  The Box Office can be contacted on 01246 345222.  Ticket prices have been set at £7.00 for Adults and £5.00 for Concessions.

10/09/07

Many thanks to the Scouts, Explorers, parents and helpers who turned up for the first Rehearsal session.  This was an opportunity for those present to have a read through and act out a small number of the sketches from the show plus hear some of the music and songs…and generally learn a little more of what to expect.  Everyone joined in…and that really is the key to it. 

Added thanks to the surprise visitor who joined us near the end of the session, complete with with 12 string acoustic guitar….and for the feedback and input from those present…and last but not least the Community Centre staff for their help.

Now some of the scripts have been ‘tested’ more will be added to the Scripts page over the next week…please feel free to request the password, download them and have a read through.  The scripts are not ’set in stone’ and any input is always welcome.

o6/09/07

We are looking to use images of Scouting in Calow past and present as part of the on stage visual effects.  If anyone knows of any contacts who may have old pictures of Scouting in Calow could you please email the site at gangshow@calowscouts.org.uk or contact the Group Chair by telephone. 

Also if anyone wishes to take responsibility for overseeing this particular task i.e. making contact with anyone who may have images and collecting them for scanning etc., again could you please contact the Group Chair.  

01/09/07

We now have a number of A3 (420mm x 297mm) promotional posters available.  Please contact the Group Chair if you require one, or know of somewhere that may display one.

29/08/07

We are looking for ’Patrons of the Show’, Individuals and Companies who will support the show in return for  preferential seating, advertising space (for Corporate Patrons) and other benefits.  Full details are available on the ‘Supporters’ page. 

28/08/07

A downloadable mp3 version of ‘On the Crest of a Wave’ is now uploaded to the Scripts page.  Although the arrangement in our show will differ slightly from this version, it does give a good basic idea of how the song should sound. 

27/08/07

With rehearsals due to start on Sunday 9th September, then planned to run every week until the shows are staged, we need volunteers to assist with rehearsals…from helping overseeing/refining the sketches and routines, ensuring the performers are supplied with drinks etc. to helping set out/tidy up.  We need enough volunteers to ensure its not down to the same few every week.  Parents/guardians of group members from all sections are invited to volunteer…even if you can only give us the odd hour…all support will be appreciated.  If you are able to help out, in any capacity,  please contact the organisers through the email  link. 

23/08/07

The lyrics from five of the songs that will be performed at the show are now downloadable from the scripts page.  Two songs; ‘Meet the Gang’ and ‘On the Crest of a Wave’ will be sung by the entire cast.  Notes on the ‘motions’ that accompany ‘On the Crest of a Wave’ are also included. 

‘Ging Gang Goolie’ is to be performed by Cubs only. 

The other two songs currently uploaded are to be ‘performed’ by Scouts and Explorers. 

23/08/08

The Organising Committee need volunteers to fill the following key positions.  All appointments will be subject to the requsite CRB checks in accordance with current legislation. 

Scenery Co-ordinator - To co-ordinate those volunteers involved in Set Design and Manufacture, including backdrops and larger scenery items.  Working with the Writers/Producer to transform ideas into practical reality within the allocated budget.   On ’show nights’ the Scenery Co-ordinator will work with the Stage Manager and volunteers to ensure the swift transition of sets in accordance with the production requirements.  (This position is now filled) 

Props Manager - To take responsibility for the sourcing, production, aqcuisition of ‘props’ required for the production witihn the allocated budget.  This will also involve maintaining records of where props are sourced and ensuring their safe return where necessary.  Liaising with the Writers/Producers, Scenery Co-ordinator and (on show nights) Stage Manager to ensure all props are correctly positioned for each ’sketch’.  (This position is now filled)

Transport Manager - To take responsibility for arranging the transport to and from the Pomegranate Theatre of all items of scenery and props on show nights.  Working with the Stage Manager and supporting crew on show nights to ensure props and larger items of stage sets are transported safely between the Theatre and the mode of transport/storage.

Show Treasurer - To take full responsibility for ensuring production stays within budget and maintain hard copy records of all incoming/outgoing transactions.  The Show Treasurer will control how the Show’s budget is allocated within the terms detailed in the original Grant agreements with the Show’s financial supporters, Awards for All and Derbyshire County Council.  The Show Treasurer will liaise with the Group Treasurer to ensure funds are available as and when required.  The Show Treasurer will ensure all monies are collected and invoices settled without incurring late payment penalties.  (This position is now filled)    

Health and Safety Co-ordinator - Overall responsibility for ensuring all activities relating to rehearsals and performances are in accordance with current Scout Association, national and local H&S regulations relating to children rehearsing and performing in theatre.    

Stage Manager - Overall co-ordination of those volunteering to assist with scenery design and production,  prop design, production and sourcing plus management of the Stage Crew on show nights.  (This position is now filled)

Front of House Manager -  To take overall responsibility for ensuring show nights run smoothly ‘in front of the curtain’.  Responsible for those volunteering to assist with programme selling, to co-ordinate the ‘welcoming’ of guests and patrons plus arranging their interval drinks/seating etc.  The Front of Stage Manager will also liaise with the Theatre Box Office staff on show nights should the need arise, acting as the link between Theatre staff and the show’s Production Team. (This position is now filled)

Wardrobe Manager - Overall responsibility of those volunteering to assist in costume design, costume sourcing, cast dressing, make-up etc. (This position is now filled)

We also need volunteers to help and support the above roles - Costume Makers, Joiners, Painters, Programme Sellers etc.

Would parents, guardians of any member of the Group, or individuals willing to volunteer with some established link to the group, please contact the Group Chair (either through this email link details on contacts page) as soon as possible.