• To select and perform a regular and wide range of amateur theatrical works, to satisfy the taste of both our membership and our audience.
• To stage and to perform to a consistently high standard, in order to attract and maintain a good public following.
• To develop and encourage the talent and enthusiasm of our members, in all aspects of amateur theatre.

• Membership of ROS requires payment of an annual subscription due at the beginning of the financial year.
• To become a performing member of ROS, prospective new members are required to audition to a satisfactory standard in singing (a suitable song of their choice), reading (from a libretto provided) and movement (as directed).
• In order to maintain our theatrical standards, all performing members of ROS are required to re-audition, usually every 3 years, to retain their performing status.
• Performing members are required to pay a performance fee in order to take part in any particular production. This fee is paid, in addition to the annual subscription, before taking part in the particular production.
• Performing membership does not guarantee a place in any specific production. If a particular production is over subscribed, or its style limits the number of places available, those wishing to become chorus members may be required to audition.
• The general level of performing membership is controlled by the committee - when necessary with advice from the Director and the Musical Director for a particular show - on the basis of maintaining a balance of voice types and performing abilities, to achieve the artistic objectives.
• Performing members are expected to attend all rehearsals to which they are called, as defined by the schedule drawn up for a particular production. The rehearsal schedule will enable members to indicate attendance commitment and any foreseen absences, to avoid misunderstanding about availability.
• In the event of continued absence without good reason, the committee reserve the right to exercise discretion with regard to the performing rights of the member(s) in question.
• Those wishing to take part in any ROS production must be fully paid-up members of ROS. However, the committee reserve the right to invite guest performers if suitable talent is not available within the membership.
• When members have chosen, or are selected, to participate in the performance or any other aspect of any particular production, it is expected they will give priority to ROS, in the event of a clash of interests with productions elsewhere.

Back To Top

Apart from on-stage performance, there are many other aspects to membership of ROS; publicity, front-of-house and back-stage all provide an opportunity to be involved on a regular basis.
Performing members not involved in a particular production, are expected to offer support in the above or other areas, as needed. Each member, whether performing or not, is expected to sell tickets for each production, as Box Office receipts, apart from annual subscriptions, form our only reliable source of income.

Back To Top

These are proposed by the committee, approved at the AGM and are presently as follows:

ROS usually stages a production in the spring and autumn each year, at the Winston Churchill Theatre, Pinn Way, Ruislip. Smaller productions or concerts are occasionally performed at other venues such as the Compass Theatre or local schools and churches.

Back To Top

ROS also offers occasional entertainment to local charitable organisations such as the Ruislip Lions and to a number of old peoples' homes and various clubs.
All performing members are invited to participate in these very worthwhile events.

Back To Top

The regular company night is Thursday, when we meet for rehearsals or theatre workshops. We also rehearse on Monday evenings (usually reserved for principals) and occasionally Sunday afternoons, in the run-up to the main productions.
Suitable dress and footwear may be required for rehearsals, depending on the particular production.
Performing members are expected to attend rehearsals regularly and punctually. In the event of unexpected absence, a telephone call to the members' secretary, the secretary or a committee member is required.

Back To Top

If you are interested... call Alison Coe, our Members' Secretary - 07919 276 515

Back To Top

Amongst other things there are several sessions before a show for costume making, set-building and painting. As a member you will be expected to help with these activities, regardless of your ability. You will also be expected to help with the 'set-up', during the weekend before the show.
What goes up must come down... After a show all members of the cast are expected to help 'strike' the set.
It is important to remember that the show is not complete until the theatre is cleared and the scenery is put back in the store, to the satisfaction of the strike manager.

Back To Top

As a Performing Member - you are entitled to participate in some or all of our various productions throughout the year.
As a Non-Performing Member - you are invited to take part in and enjoy the wide range of social activities organised during the year. You are also expected to support our productions.
As an Honorary Member - awarded by the committee, for significant off-stage contribution over a period of time - you are invited to enjoy all the benefits of membership and to participate in your area of interest.
As a Life Member - awarded by the committee, in recognition of a significant contribution over a period of time - you are invited to enjoy all the benefits of membership without the responsibility.

Back To Top

Costumes are usually hired for our productions. However, you may be expected to provide your own accessories...

• Ladies: Long rehearsal skirt, silver/gold sandals and a pair of character shoes, tights, hat pins, hairpins, stage jewellery, long gloves, wigs and hairpieces (the society has a number of wigs and hairpieces but it is helpful to have your own).
• Men: Rehearsal shoes, braces (a 'must' as theatrical trousers are made for use with braces), collar studs, black lace-up shoes, white gloves.
• Stage makeup: We supply stage makeup and usually provide makeup artists to help those who require assistance. If you prefer to use your own makeup, advice can be given for what is required.
• You are not expected to buy all of the above immediately, as items can be borrowed and collected over time. Charity shops and jumble sales are a particularly good source.

Back To Top

At the theatre, there are certain rules and regulations essential to the smooth-running of the production, for instance...

• The stage manager is in charge 'behind the proscenium arch' and so he/she is responsible for anything or anyone backstage
• Costume and makeup are not worn anywhere except for back stage, before, during or after performances
• Unless you are due on stage you are not allowed to watch 'from the wings' (the sides of the stage). A 5 minute call will be announced over the tannoy to anyone who is expected on stage.
• During the bows at the end of a performance, cast members do not clap on stage.
• Above all, you should perform on-stage and not behind the scenes!

Back To Top

ROS has a varied, most enjoyable and well-attended calendar of events. These range from regular visits to amateur and professional theatre, to our annual Christmas party. Other indoor and outdoor activities, such as quiz evenings and camping weekends, are arranged occasionally. All members are invited to attend and to bring partners or friends.
ROS also make an active contribution to local fund-raising events - all members are encouraged to take part in this aspect of our work in the local community.

Back To Top