Local theatre enthusiasts are throwing their arms open to welcome new members in a bid to breathe new life into Beaudesert’s community theatre group.
BAMS Theatre Inc. will host an info night at 7pm June 11 and auditions at 2pm June 16 at The Centre, Beaudesert for their production of ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’.
The humorous and heart-warming musical celebration of Neil Sedaka songs will be the amateur theatre group’s first show since 2022 and they are coming at it with a renewed sense of vigour.
New director Janine Francis said volunteers were the lifeblood of community theatre.
“Outsiders often wonder what it is about community theatre that attracts people to it like a magnet,” she said.
“They can understand those who, tread the boards and whose egos are massaged by the thunder of applause.
“What is less understandable to those who do not feel the thespian urge is why people spend the numerous, tedious, and often back breaking hours in what can be a freezing or hot, inconvenient, dusty, and dingy theatre or hall doing the numerous petty, tiring and often thankless mundane tasks that keeps the theatre functioning.
“The directors and musical directors, stage managers, set designers and builders, props makers, costume coordinators, lighting and sound designers and operators, musicians, front of house personnel, advertising, committee members etc.
“To those of us that do these things it is a labour of love. It is the magic, the drama, and the excitement one feels as one sees the whole illusion grow before one on stage. The wonderful feeling of satisfaction of knowing that you did it and did it well.”
She encouraged newcomers to get involved.
“For those who have secret yearnings to be involved with the theatre in some form, the welcome carpet is always there – there is always a place and a job for any willing hand. We need your expertise, plus training is available in all areas.”
BAMS committee member Laurie Dunne said anyone could volunteer either onstage or backstage.
“You don’t have to be experienced, anyone interested in theatre is welcome. We’re an amateur theatre group and we can teach and train people.”
For more information phone Janine on 0449 187 910 or Laurie on 0407 442 198.
