JOHN FIRTH’S

This turned out to be very informative and great fun; especially being able to see the different effects that can be achieved. Who would have guessed just how terrifying Andrew could look when lit in green from an uplight. We may never have to do it, but we all now know why you should not touch some of the lighting bulbs with fingers. Yes its very hot but more importantly they can be damaged by sweaty fingers! It would be good at some time to have a workshop where the participants have to work out lighting for a simple scenario and programme the desk and run it, with guidance of course. Thanks also to Big Kev for running up and down the stairs with various bits of equipment.  Thanks John. Lesley Jackson Membership Secretary

SCDA Festival &

Planning Meeting

With this year’s pantomime cast, and into production, it is necessary to think beyond its performance and what will be produced next year. To this end, a planning meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 11^th of October in the Mill at 7.30pm. This is really a good opportunity for you to air your views and have some influence on the image we present to our audiences so please come and show your interest.

Are Thurso Players going to follow up last year’s successful entry? Do we have anyone keen enough to enter a play for next year’s festival? If so come along and let us know at the planning meeting or if that is not possible, contact Betty Bradstreet, Club Secretary or me (892650) before the last week of November.

Barbara Smith

SCDA Representative

First Aid

The Committee are currently trying to compile a list of members who are registered first aiders. While this is not an existing requirement placed upon the club, this is considered by the committee to be a pre-emptive measure of best practice. Therefore, we would appreciate any members who have undergone any first aid training in the past to contact Lesley Jackson on 01847 891429 or peterjackson566@btinternet.com in order to register their details.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

RENEWAL IMPORTANT CHANGES

The increases will take effect from the 1^st January 2007. Please note. If you pay by Standing Order you must fill in a new S.O form (found at bottom of the renewal form and take it to your bank. Please remember to cancel your existing S.O. Only you can do this. Renewal membership forms are enclosed with your newsletter. If you joined after January 2006 please keep your renewal form and you will be reminded in the month before your renewal is due. It is very useful having members e-mail addresses, as we can keep you updated with forthcoming performances etc. However please write your e-mail address very carefully. If it is particularly long or has underscores within it just write it on the back of your form. Lesley Jackson

The professional programme for 2006 has now drawn to a close and what a way to go out. The performance given on 23^rd September by Johnny and Isaac, otherwise known as Sutherland & Son, was enjoyed by all.  Shame on you if you missed it. The Adult and Junior Workshops led by Louise Allan and Alasdair Satchel were also a great success and, provided that I can secure the funding, I intend to repeat them again next year.

The prospects for the new year are mixed.  I have some excellent shows lined up for the first quarter.  We kick off the year with some Burns songs and verse from Dr Fred Freeman & Co with their new show entitled, ‘The Jolly Beggars and A’ That’.  We’ll probably add to the flavour of the show by adding some flavour of our own in the form of Haggis & Clapshot which will be served during the interval.  Martin Taylor will be doing a solo spot in February and this will be followed in late March/Early April by ‘Mobile’ with David Anderson.

I’m not sure how things will go for the remainder of the year.  With so many of the touring companies losing part or, in some cases, all of their funding from the Scottish Arts Council, it is becoming increasingly difficult to entice anyone to come this far North for the amount of money that we can realistically offer.  The Professional Programme itself has been dependent on financial assistance from the SAC’s ‘Arts in the Community Fund’.  With effect from 1^st April 2007 that fund will be replaced with their new ’Performing Arts Programming Fund’.  It’s possible that we may be eligible to apply to this fund and I will be looking closely at the application guidelines when they become available.  I’m ever the optimist and will do my level best to secure the necessary funding to ensure the survival of the Professional Programme.  Meanwhile, we have some excellent entertainment to look forward to in the New Year and I look forward to seeing you all then.

New term, new rep, new workshops multiplied by fun = Thurso Players Juniors! We have been working on some devised pieces of theatre which included plays about Adam and Eve, The Big Apple, Car Journey and Who am I? These plays all linked together in some way. Now that we are back after the holidays we need ideas from Juniors to find out what kind of workshops they would like. Also we need adults who are able to help out at workshops to contact Lynsey or Carly. Out last week of Juniors will be the 27^th of October which will be a Halloween Party so remember to come dressed up. Lynsey Harper Carly Simpson

A group of keen adults, players members and a couple of guests met at ten on Saturday morning to spend a day with Louise Allen and Alistair Satchell of Theatre Modo. As one of the participants, I can only give the greatest of praise to our workshop leaders for their wit, quality of presentation, flexibility and stamina. We ranged in age from young through not so young to would like to be young. Everyone gave 100% to the tasks set in the fields of mime, vocal work and improvisation as well as some good simple stagecraft reminders. We contorted, laughed, sang and generally had one of the most productive days I can remember for a long time. The day produced some memorable moments which will stay in my mind for a long time to come. e.g. Alex Rankine the psychedelic dancing fire, Joan Meyrick the murderous cat and me getting slapped in the face for chatting up Barbara Smith.....

For all our budding acting members out there, beware any director who uses the phrases "Mm Nn went the little green frog one day..." OR "Imagine an imaginary menagerie manager....." life could be about to get strange.

So a big thank you To our guests and to Neil MacDonald for organising the event. At the time of going to print the junior version of these workshops is to follow.... watch this space for their comments. John Glen

Junior Workshop

Macbeth

When we started on this summer's production I did think I had massive job to contend with. A large cast. A well known piece. A potentially interesting series of audiences. All were in place for what was in my head as a 'different' take on presenting this Shakespearean classic. Well one large fixed set, 4 Gallons of Kensington Gore and a shopping trip to the cheap knives section in IKEA and I had a start. The cast were super to work with. They showed that Thurso Players continue to learn from the regular work we do and the professional work we have been connected to. They turned up at least 30 mins before every rehearsal and started both a physical and vocal warm up before our group work. The stage crew had the set, lights and sound in place 2 to 3 weeks prior to the show and we rehearsed in full as often as we could.

The end result I am pleased to say sent everyone away either extremely happy or discussing what they liked and disliked about the production. Most importantly for me everyone went away having engaged with that piece of theatre and with their own experiences of the blood, pulling their feet in to avoid the fighting, and the chilling Banquo's ghost, of whom one junior member of the players reported, "I was up all night thinking about Glyn".

Congratulatory messages from many members, local theatre professionals and the press helped boost the cast night on night. Thank you all once again for being part of one of my long term dreams coming to life. John Glen

Planning Meeting

As we reach the autumn it is time for us to consider what we, as a club, will be doing for the next six to twelve months. To help us do this we hold planning meetings twice a year and it is time once again for this to happen.

Any member who wishes may attend and help advise us on the types of things they would like to see included in our programme. If you want to try your hand at directing then this is the time and place to dip your toe in the water. If you don't feel confident we will help you to find an experienced and willing producer or co-director to help guide you through. If you have  piece you think we should work on but want someone else to direct, come and let us know. If you cannot attend the meeting contact John Glen or Betty Bradtsreet and we will put your idea forward on your behalf.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 11th October at 7.30 pm in The Mill Theatre Lounge. John Glen