Getting together

Theatre is an odd pastime. It's not like joining any other sort of social club that I can think of. That's what it is, of course. It's a social club, that brings together like minded people. Yet, unlike other social clubs, such as sporting groups, where you see the same faces week in, week out, theatre throws a small group together for a short, but intense period. As with any group, personalities come into play. Sometimes, the group just doesn't gel. People don't get on. You get a Prima Donna in the mix, and it can make it a very unpleasant 3 months for all involved. So what do you do? Mostly, you grin and bear it, and get on with the show. You do your thing to the best of your ability, and vow never to work on a show that he/she is involved in ever again. Sometimes, it's just the opposite. All the cast come together and become firm friends. You start getting together outside the theatre. Lifelong friendships are borne. Romance blossoms. (I met my wife in a green room) These are the times when community theatre feels like a community. It keeps you coming back for more. I've just bumped out from such a show (except for the romance bit.) Some have been people I've been on stage with before. Some I know, but haven't acted with, some were entirely new to our little theatre. When you are thrown together, and then realise, "I've just met this girl, and we have to kiss in act III", well, it breaks down the barriers fairly quickly. There is no hiding in the corner. Of course, as actors, it is not usually our wont to hide away. I'm looking forward to a well earned break for a month. Then I shall be back at the theatre with a new group of people, but in a more behind-the-scenes role this time. I shall sit in the biobox, and watch the show from there. But it's not the same. You don't get the bonding experience of all the rehearsal time spent together, and then in the green room throughout the performance. You do your job, but are not part of the group. To my fellow cast members of Suddenly at Home - I shall see you all on the stage again very soon.