The Executive Committee
The Executive comprises 9-10 members who are responsible for the overall running of the Oasthouse Theatre and Society. The current committee, which usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month, is:
There are various sub-committees that are called upon to help the Executive Committee to run the theatre, maintain it, and stage the annual programme of events, both in terms of productions and social.
Some of these sub-committees and additional functions are described below. Appointments to sub-committees are made at Executive Committee meetings subsequent to our AGM and will usually, but not always, be headed by at least one member of the Executive Committee. If you are interested in being on a sub-committee then please add your name to the list that appears in the theatre foyer a few weeks before the AGM.
[Return to Top]The Programme Committee
This committee is responsible for selecting the plays that the Society will perform in
the coming year. This is achieved by spending long hours reading various scripts trying
to picture if the set requirements can be accommodated on our small stage, whether our
audiences will appreciate the play and, of course, whether it is practical and affordable.
The recommendations are then taken to the Executive Committee for approval.
The current Programme Co-ordinator is Kerry Bailey, assisted by Jan Wyatt, Linda Brown, Steve Berry, and Janine Hewlett.
If you have a play that you would like to suggest (or direct) then please contact the Programme Co-ordinator via programme@oasthousetheatre.co.uk.
[Return to Top]Publicity
This group comprises a variable number of members and is, unsurprisingly, responsible for
getting as much publicity for the Theatre as they can. This is achieved by inviting members
of the local Press to review our productions, getting our pictures in the papers, interviews
on local radio stations, press releases, and distributing flyers and posters. They are also
responsible for the production of our regular newsletters and production programmes.
Currently, publicity is handled by:
Dean Caston - Public Relations Manager,
Jill Balderston and Charlotte Gentry (Social Media)
Bar Sub-Committee
This group comprises a variable number of members and is responsible for keeping our
bar stocked and running smoothly.
Janine Hewlett – Pricing, financial matters and till programming,
Jo Godman – licensee and organising staffing
Additional Roles
In addition to the committees mentioned above there are several other vital roles that must
be performed. These are usually fulfilled by a co-ordinator who seeks volunteers as required.
The roles are:
Electrics Team
Responsible for providing lighting and sound technicians for each production,
ordering of replacement electrical equipment for both on-stage (including stage lights,
filter gels and special effects) and off (replacement bulbs and so on). Anyone wishing
to help with lighting and sound during productions should contact the team.
The current electrics team is Steve Hewlett, Phil Willing and Janine Hewlett.
Facilities Management Team 1
Responsible for general repairs around the building. This is not a simple task since the
Oasthouse is a Grade 2 listed building (simply put, the inside of the building can change
but the external appearance cannot) and the legal requirements become more stringent every
year.
Facilities Management Team 1 is Kerry Bailey, Hugh Bailey, Alan Godman.
Facilities Management Team 2
Responsible for ensuring that we pass our regular Fire Certificate and Health & Safety checks.
This team also arrange for specialist contractors (e.g. cowl maintenance) and other external trades (e.g. heating, electricians)
who are needed for more major maintenance tasks.
Facilities Management Team 2 is Steve Hewlett and Janine Hewlett (finance).
Health & Safety/Fire Risk Assessment Sub-Group
Chaired by Helen Caston, this team comprises Steve Hewlett, Ian West, Phil Willing and Hugh Bailey.
Their objective is to review and update the Health and Safety check list and Fire Risk Assessment.
Front Of House Manager
Responsible for getting volunteers to be the public face of the Oasthouse Theatre on production
nights and drawing up the rota for their services. Volunteers are required to sell programmes.
The Front of House Manager is also responsible for arranging the Bar rota and staffing.
This role is currently held by Jo Godman.
Tea Bar Manager
Responsible for the ensuring the stocks of tea, coffee and all associated supplies are
maintained, and organising a rota of volunteers to staff this facility during productions.
Our Tea Bar Manager is Jill Balderston.
Wardrobe Manager
Responsible for the acquisition, repair, cleaning and modification of the costumes and accessories
that are available from our Wardrobe. This role also includes looking after the public hiring
of any costumes.
Our Wardrobe Manager is Claire Feekings.
Membership Team
Is responsible for maintaining our database of members and collecting subscriptions.
Our Membership Team is Claire Feekings.
Properties Manager
Is responsible for the care and storage of our stage props. Anyone seeking props for a play
should consult our Properties Manager, Jo Godman
Social Committee
A fairly self-explanatory function, this small team look at ways of improving the Society's
income by staging events such as the popular Wine & Wisdoms, Garden Party, and so on.
The current team is Jo Godman, Kerry Bailey, Steve Berry, Kevin Lane and Jill Balderston.