uk-based ocp website

A problem with having the otley community players website hosted by Google and based in the USA is that lots of people automatically click to search UK websites only. If they don't they'll find us straight away, but if they do they never will (except via Courthouse, Red Lion or Glenn Smith's sites).
Charging over the hill aboard his trusty steed and with his armour clanking as he flies comes Joe Kelly. Joe still has a website for ocp which I didn't even know existed: www.otleyplayers.co.uk Because it would require some technical ability to update, I think we should carry on using otley community players googlepages site, but we should use this site to link to our site. It's much easier to remember, of course. I'm doing stuff now to get it found by the search engines, but it will take a long time. Still, it is an excellent solution, and shortly we will be able to tell everyone that the otley community players web address is www.otleyplayers.co.uk, even though it kind of isn't really. And eventually it'll show up in a UK search.
Thrilled? I knew you would be.

The String of Pearls rehearsal schedule

Here is the full schedule, except I haven't filled in some of the later gaps because I'm waiting to see which bits need more work.

Weds 24th Oct – Red Lion

8pm Ray, Dudley & Brian scenes 14 + 19

9pm Hannah & Sarah A scene 10

9.30 Sarah A & Richard F scene 4

Mon 29th Oct – Courthouse - 8pm

Ruth, Brian, Ray, Richard A, Flo, Amy, Karen O, Karen L, Dudley, for chorus/street scenes workshop with Jonas. Other actors may wish to use robing room/art room to practise – please arrange this yourselves.

Thurs 1st November – Red Lion from 8pm prompt

Pie shop bits, in this order -

scenes 7, 8, 9, 16, 21, 22, 24

(Lovett, Ingestrie, Lucy, Skinner, Todd, Mrs Wrankley, Blunt, Jeffery, Rathbone)

Mon 5th – Courthouse – 8pm prompt

barbershop bits, in this order –

scenes 13 (Tobias alone bit), 3, 6, 17, 20, 23

(Todd, Grant, Tobias, Jeffery, Rathbone, Deliverers, Johanna, Wrankley, Blunt)

Tues 6th – Red Lion 7.30 prompt

in this order

scenes 2, 5, 11, 12, 13 (Mrs Ragg + Todd bit), 15, 18

(Johanna, Mr Oakley, Todd, Lapidary, Deliverers, Tobias, Lucrum, Fogg, Watson, Popplejoy, Mrs Ragg)

Thurs 8th – Red Lion 8pm prompt

scene 19 (Blunt's office part) then other bits we've fallen behind on – tbc

Mon 12th – Courthouse – from 8pm prompt

Prologue, scene 1, all chorus/street scenes, scene 24 and epilogue (full cast minus Todd)

if you are only in scene 24 please come at 9.20.

There will be additional rehearsals this week – tbc – under-rehearsed + wonky bits

Mon 19th – First full stagger through. 7.45 prompt – Courthouse – may finish after 10pm, please make arrangements accordingly

There will be additional rehearsals this week – to be confirmed – please remain available

Mon 26th – Second full run through - with props. 7.45pm Courthouse. May finish after 10.

Thurs 29th – Red Lion – first half 7.30 (if we start prompt tonight, we'll finish early tomorrow!)

Fri 30th – Red Lion – second half. 7.30 start.

Production week (all at Courthouse)

Sat 1st December – 12.30-4pm. Full cast, full run with music

Sun 2nd – 4-8pm. Set + lights build – help from cast greatly appreciated – no children please.

Mon 3rd – FULL CAST FOR FINAL REHEARSAL WITH PROPS, MUSIC and LIGHTING. Arrive 7pm for a prompt start. We'll stay till we finish, so if we start on time, we'll finish by 10!

Tues 4th – night off – only if we are well-rehearsed.

Weds 5th – Final rehearsal – all cast on stage and ready 6.45pm

Thurs 6th – Dress rehearsal – as above in costume.

SHOWS – Fri & Sat: house opens at 7.15, actors call is 6.45 to stage in costume

Sun house opens at.5.15, actors call is 4.45 to stage in costume

workshop 20th August

This Monday's workshop is on Physical Theatre.

Karen Oxley will be running the session. It will be in the main function room of the Red Lion, and is free to members or new members alike.

Workshop for Monday 13th August

This week's workshop is 'getting into someone else's skin - body sculpture and breathing'.

Ruth Shakespeare is leading the session, which is in the Red Lion main upstairs function room, 8pm 'til 10pm.

Workshop for Monday 6th August

8pm in the front upstairs room at the Red Lion. This will be a free workshop.

We haven't got a proper workshop for this week, so instead, if people are willing, I'd like members to try out the first drafts of the early scenes of The String of Pearls (Sweeney Todd). It would be useful for me in the writing process to hear them out loud and to get some feedback from other members. I hope that's not too self-indulgent!

workshop for Monday 30th July

The OCP workshop for Monday 30th July is the follow-on session from last week's improvisation workshop. We'll be further developing the characters we created last week, in more structured improvised scenes.

The purposes (if anyone wants a purpose, other than having a nice evening of enjoyable activities amongst friends) are: increasing our confidence with improvisation as a style of theatre (and our confidence in improvising our way out of scary moments in scripted theatre); focusing on being in character instead of learning lines and moves.

Jess will be leading the workshop. It will be in the main function room at the Red Lion, 8pm 'til 10pm.

Don't worry if you weren't at last week's session - each workshop is planned so that you can attend it independently of the other sessions.

Workshop for Monday 23rd July

This monday's workshop will be in the large function room, upstairs at the Red Lion.

It will be free.

Jess and I are in the process of finalising what will be involved, but the idea is we'll be having a go at a more modern script, to see the difference in style and just to have a go at it in an informal way. More details to follow.

If you can let me know you're coming I'd be very grateful, because I'll have an idea of how many copies of scripts we'll need.

Alan.

We are having drinks to celebrate our greatness at performing AMND on Monday 9th 8ish at the Manor. If it's nice we can sit in the beer garden (smokers and non-smokers alike). Some want to go currying, I guess we can decide on the night. Bring along ideas for what we might do next.

You don't have to come to any rehearsals at the moment. Hurrah!

saturday performance

saturday's performance will be at the mill. hurrah. bring a coat.

Friday's performance at Mill as planned

Friday 22nd weather looks fairly okay, so we're going ahead at the mill.

If it rains at all we may have electricity issues, but these may be surmountable, so bring something waterproof.

Thursday performance at the Courthouse

Thursday's performance is at the Courthouse because of threat of rain.
(even though it's getting sunnier - don't tell us, we know!)

Monday's rehearsal is at...

The Courthouse. Rain forecast.

Alan.

are we outside or inside?

Weather looking dodgy as it does for A Midsummer Night's Dream next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we will post information here by 7.15 on the night about where the play will be performed. If the weather is good, we'll be at the mill every night. If it rains, we can up-sticks and perform at the Courthouse on Thursday or Saturday. If it rains Friday, there'll be no show as we haven't found an alternative indoor venue. So, we'll make the decision by 7.15 on the night as to which venue we'll be at that night. We'll post the decision here, and we'll also leave answerphone messages on 01943 862651 and 07960 777761. Let's hope for glorious sunshine!

Final schedule

Tues (today) 8pm to 9.30pm - Act 1 scene 1, Red Lion.

Weds 8 to 9.30 - Bottom, Titania, Oberon, Puck and fairies. Red Lion.
Pucks come half an hour early and bring costume.

Thurs 7.30 to whenever we finish (hopefully 10, but you need to stay
till it's done) - Full run, concentrating on music and song (we won't
stop for bits that go wrong).

Fri - currently no rehearsal, you might want to organise something if
you are scared!

Sat - day off, except for leafleting the carnival, meet 12.30 at Red Lion.

Sun - full run, meet 5pm, finish about 8, at mill unless raining, then
Courthouse.

Mon - full run at mill (if rain, courthouse), meet as soon as you can
after 7pm, we'll need to set up all the furniture etc, finishing about 10.

Tues - tech, meet soon after 7pm, at mill (we have no alternative venue
if rain, so assemble anyway and we'll do what we can).

Weds - dress rehearsal (run as show) all costume all props, waiting out
of sight etc. Meet 7 to 7.15 in order to help set up and get changed,
etc. We'll start at 8pm.

Shows, Thurs to Sat, arrive 6.45 to 7 pm to get out of sight of audience
by 7.15 (unless you've signed up to set-up from 5.30).

amendments to schedule 5

Mon 4^th – First half of play – with songs. Courthouse 7.30 start.

Tues 5^th – poss rehearsal if you arrange one

Weds 6^th- - Rude Mechanicals 7.30-9.30 venue tbc Ruth's?

Thurs 7^th – 7.30-8pm Act 4 sc 1 (from Th + Hip's entrance), 8-10pm Act 5 (full cast). This is important, we must work out the end!

Sun 10^th – all cast available 5-7pm, various bits, meet at Buon Apps cafe by Mill. If it is raining, meet at the courthouse.

Mon 11^th – Second half of play – with songs. Courthouse. 7.30 start. full cast needed till 10.

Weds 13^th – tbc. I'll know once we've done the 11^th and will tell you on that evening. Red Lion 7.30

Thurs 14^th – more ropey bits – tbc on 11th. Red Lion 7.30. One week to go.

The rest of the schedule will be sent as soon as I know what it should be.

Can I urge you to meet as often as you can, at each other's houses (and the Red Lion is often available) to do extra rehearsals without me.

Amy – 01943 862651 / 07960 777761 / amyverity@googlemail.com

AMND - schedule 5

We are now 'books down'. No scripts will be allowed on stage during rehearsals. All rehearsals will now start at 7.30 (unless stated otherwise).

Tues 29th - Act 3 sc 2 - Red Lion 8-9.30

Weds 30^th – Act 1 sc 1 – Red Lion 7.30-9pm + Act 4 sc 1 9-10pm

Thurs 31^st – Songs again. RMs 8-9, Fairies and Tit 9-10 Red Lion.

Sun 3^rd – poss rehearsal tbc.

Mon 4^th – First half of play – with songs. Courthouse 7.30 start.

Weds 6^th- - Rude Mechanicals 7.30-9.30 Red Lion/Chouse not available - venue tbc

Thurs 7^th – 7.30-9pm Act 3 sc 2 + 9-10pm Act 5 (full cast). Red Lion

Sun 10^th – all cast available 5-7pm, various bits, meet at Buon Apps cafe by Mill. If it is raining, meet at the courthouse.

Mon 11^th – Second half of play – with songs. Courthouse. 7.30 start. full cast needed till 10.

Weds 13^th – tbc. Red Lion 7.30

Thurs 14^th – more ropey bits – tbc. Red Lion 7.30

The rest of the schedule will be sent as soon as I know what it should be.

Can I urge you to meet as often as you can, at each other's houses (and the Red Lion is often available) to do extra rehearsals without me.

Amy – 01943 862651 / 07960 777761 / amyverity@googlemail.com

AMND – Rehearsal schedule 4

Thurs 17^th – SONGS – Rude M's 8-9pm. Fairies and Titania 9-10pm. R Lion

From Thurs 17^th May rehearsal onwards, we are 'books down'. No scripts will be allowed on stage during rehearsal. All rehearsals will now start at 7.30

Mon 21^st – First stagger through entire play (no songs), full cast from 7.30 prompt, we will start if you're there or not, so don't risk missing your bit!

Weds 23^rd - Act 1 and Act 4. Red Lion 7.30-10

Thurs 24^th - Act 2 and Act 3 sc 1. Red Lion 7.30-10 (four weeks to go)

Mon 28^th – Act 3 sc 2, 7.30-8.30. Act 5. 8.30-10. Courthouse

Thurs 31^st – Songs again. RMs 8-9, Fairies and Tit 9-10 Red Lion.

Sun 3^rd – poss rehearsal tbc.

Mon 4^th – First half of play – with songs. Courthouse 7.30 start.

Thurs 7^th – very ropey, under-rehearsed bits – tbc. Red Lion 7.30-10.

Sun 10^th – poss rehearsal tbc.

Mon 11^th – Second half of play – with songs. Courthouse. 7.30 start.

Weds 13^th – tbc. Red Lion 7.30

Thurs 14^th – more ropey bits – tbc. Red Lion 7.30

The rest of the schedule will be sent as soon as I know what it should be.

Can I urge you to meet as often as you can, at each other's houses (and the Red Lion is often available) to do extra rehearsals without me.

Amy – 01943 862651 / 07960 777761 / amyverity@googlemail.com

LATEST REHEARSALS

AMND – Rehearsal schedule 3

This overrides schedule 2 – note the changes to 26^th April and 7^th May. Please be prompt (i.e. five minutes before the start time).

Mon 23rd - Act 5 (this involves everyone). 7.30-10pm Courthouse.

Tues 24^th – 11am – costume visit, WYP and Homburgs. All welcome.

Tues 24^th – 7.30pm – production meeting, Red Lion

Weds 25^th – 7.30 pm – costume visit, Ilkley Playhouse. All welcome.

Thurs 26th – 8-10pm Cobweb, Moth, Must, Pease, Sylv, Bec, Flo, Puck,

Ober + Tit for Titania and Bottom scenes. Red Lion upstairs.

Mon 30^th – Courthouse. 7.30-8pm fencing, Meg and Brian.

8-9pm Act 1 sc 1. Above cast plus lovers etc.

9-9.30pm, Act four sc 1. James, Ray, Karen, Meg, Brian.

9.30-10pm, James, Karen and Ray various bits.

Thurs 3^rd – Karen, Karen, Ray, James, Hannah, Frances, Steve. Oberon Puck and the Lovers various bits. 8-10pm Red Lion.

Mon 7^th – 8.30-10pm, Ray, Karens, James. Act 1 bits and act 3 bits.

Thurs 10^th – All Rude Mechanicals scenes. 8-10pm.

Plus Hannah and Frances from 8.30-9ish. Red Lion.

Mon 14^th – Act 5 and the end of the play. Everyone. 7.30-8pm. Courthouse.

Thurs 17^th – SONGS – fairies and Titania 8-9pm. Rude M's 9-10pm. R.L.

From Thurs 17^th May rehearsal onwards, we are 'books down'. No scripts will be allowed on stage during rehearsals. This is just over four weeks away, plenty of time! If you are books down sooner, even better.

Mon 21^st May – First stagger through entire play, full cast from 7.30 prompt.

SUBS: We need to pay subs as there are expensive overheads for OCP. Due to the fundraiser, we can set them lower than of late. They'll be £20 for waged members and £10 for unwaged/students/retired people etc. This will cover much of the costume expense. Please bring it to your next rehearsal (you can pay in two instalments, if necessary), cash or cheques to 'OCPA'.

Amy – 01943 862651 / 07960 777761 / amyverity@googlemail.com

AMSND schedule 2

This overrides schedule 1 – note the change to 26^th April. Please be prompt (i.e. five minutes before the start time).

Thurs 19th - All Fairies (no Meg?). 8-10pm Courthouse.

Fri 20^th – 7.30 to 8.30, Red Lion. First production meeting. Glenn, Karen L, Gary, and anyone interested in finance, set building, design etc.

Mon 23rd - Act 5 (this involves everyone). 7.30-10pm Courthouse.

Tues 24^th – 11am – costume visit, WYP and Homburgs. All welcome.

Weds 25^th – 7.30 pm – costume visit, Ilkley Playhouse. All welcome.

Thurs 26th – tbc, you will be called soon if required.

Mon 30^th – Courthouse. 7.30-8pm fencing, Meg and Brian.

8-9pm Act 1 sc 1. Above cast plus lovers etc.

9-9.30pm, Act four sc 1. James, Ray, Karen, Meg, Brian.

9.30-10pm, James, Karen and Ray various bits.

Thurs 3^rd – Karen, Karen, Ray, James, Hannah, Frances, Steve. Oberon Puck and the Lovers various bits. 8-10pm Red Lion.

Mon 7^th – Oberon, Titania, Puck, Becca, Sylv, Flo, start of Act 2, 7.30-8.

8-10pm above cast + Cobweb, Moth, Must, Pease and Bottom

for Titania and Bottom scenes. We'll look songs too. Courthouse.

Thurs 10^th – All Rude Mechanicals scenes. 8-10pm.

Plus Hannah and Frances from 8.30-9ish. Red Lion.

Mon 14^th – Act 5 and the end of the play. Everyone. 7.30-8pm. Courthouse.

Thurs 17^th – tbc.

From Thurs 17^th May rehearsal onwards, we are 'books down'. No scripts will be allowed on stage during rehearsals.

Amy.

Rehearsals

From now on, Monday rehearsals will start at 7.30pm.

Mon 9th (bank holiday) - Act 3 sc 2. (Mechanicals not in this bit, but you can do stuff anyway in Robing Rm)

Thurs 12th - Rude Mechanicals - Red Lion 8-10pm

Friday 13th - Demetrius, Lysander, Hermia and Helena - Red Lion 8-10pm

Mon 16th - Act 4. If you're not in this bit, you can still come down and work separately.

Thurs 19th - All Fairies (but not Flinty)

Mon 23rd - Act 5 (this involves everyone)

Thurs 26th - Act 1 Sc 1. Red Lion 8-10pm

After this, we will do more traditional rehearsals working on just a section at a time with me directing, but everyone is always welcome to come along to any rehearsals they like. On Mondays, there is space for people to practice together, even if not called.

Amy

interim rehearsal arrangements

For the time being, rehearsals are every Monday from 8pm 'til 10pm at Otley Courthouse.

Amy will produce a full schedule and email it soon.

Alan.


Back to website

Play and director agreed. Next meeting details.

Yesterday's meeting made a strikingly swift decision, and the summer 2007 production will be A Midsummer Night's Dream, which will be directed by Amy.

We agreed to aim for performance dates of 21-23 or 24 June, although this will be dependent on venue availability. Cast members would need to be available every night from the weekend before.

Next meeting:
Monday 5th March, 8-10pm Otley Courthouse Arts Centre - beginnings of work on the play, and last day to express interest in a part.

Please send me your contributions for http://otleycommunityplayers.googlepages.com/

Alan.

meetings about next production

Meetings about the next production are Monday 26th February and Monday 5th March, both at 8pm at Otley Courthouse.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is not a foregone conclusion, as it was an undemocratic pub-based suggestion which has snowballed, rather than a decision from a meeting to which everyone's invited.

If you want to be in the summer production, come along to either of the meetings, or let Amy know if you're not going to be able to come but want to be involved. (Proxy votes at the discretion of the Chair?).

If it is A Midsummer Night's Dream, and if it is Amy directing, there may be more people wanting to be in it than there are parts. If you don't come to either meeting and don't contact Amy then you are likely not to have a nice speaking role.

Lots of love,

Alan.