PHOTOGRAPH: Stab in the Dark rehearsals being serious as usual.
Our Ethos
Our main aim as a company is to entertain as many people as possible and have as much fun as we can in the process. In order to achieve this goal, our vision is to put on at least 3 productions each year in various venues across the South West.
We want to create a connected company so we will never exclude anyone from our shows. If you don't get cast in one of our plays, you are given first refusal to other production roles (lighting, sound, wardrobe etc.). You are also welcome to come along to our pre-rehearsal workshops (see 'rehearsals') to get to know other company members and enjoy a compulsory tea-break.
We are striving towards the best possible standard that we can achieve, but at the end of the day, all we want is for everybody to enjoy themselves.
We want to create a connected company so we will never exclude anyone from our shows. If you don't get cast in one of our plays, you are given first refusal to other production roles (lighting, sound, wardrobe etc.). You are also welcome to come along to our pre-rehearsal workshops (see 'rehearsals') to get to know other company members and enjoy a compulsory tea-break.
We are striving towards the best possible standard that we can achieve, but at the end of the day, all we want is for everybody to enjoy themselves.
Productions
Each production is directed by a member of the company, but we are always open to suggestions from the rest of the group to keep the production running as a co-operative.
We believe that hands-on experience is far more effective as a learning process and everybody has to start somewhere in order to excel. We encourage anybody with enthusiasm to have a go in whatever aspect they are interested in. First-time directors are to be a common sight within this company, but so are great productions.
We believe that hands-on experience is far more effective as a learning process and everybody has to start somewhere in order to excel. We encourage anybody with enthusiasm to have a go in whatever aspect they are interested in. First-time directors are to be a common sight within this company, but so are great productions.
Rehearsals
Before you set foot in a SITD rehearsal it is vitally important to know one thing: 'a band of merry lunatics' is an understatement.
We approach rehearsals in a rather unorthodox and creative way to incorporate improvisation, warm-up exercises and ridiculous games into every session. If you don't think this is a sensible use of time, speak to any company member and they will disagree.
We spend time and effort working to develop a production through this creative process which means that we spend a lot of time in the rehearsal space. On average we rehearse twice a week, but this can increase to three rehearsals if there's a lot to get through. We are also very used to arranging rehearsals to work around your agendas. Obviously there are limits to our organisation skills, but we will do our best to adapt the schedule to suit you.
For every rehearsal members are expected to wear comfortable, loose clothing to allow for maximum flexibility and to give us a 'blank canvas' when creating characters. This means no jeans, high-heels, shirts or other restrictive clothing. We suggest that leggings or tracksuits are worn with loose T-shirts.
Whenever we are rehearsing a production, there will always be a pre-rehearsal workshop at least once a week. These sessions are open to the whole company and are a brilliant way to keep the group connected and for new members to meet the old-timers. These sessions are extremely creative and we've had some interesting moments in the past (the most memorable were probably a spontaneous sex-ed class and pretending to be a fire-fly. Check out our YouTube channel for other crazy exercises). If you'd like to get involved with these workshop sessions then email us your name and contact details and we'll forward you the times and dates. It's all good fun and new-comers are always welcome.
We may all have a screw loose somewhere, but it results in brilliant performances and intriguing characters from every member of the cast.
We approach rehearsals in a rather unorthodox and creative way to incorporate improvisation, warm-up exercises and ridiculous games into every session. If you don't think this is a sensible use of time, speak to any company member and they will disagree.
We spend time and effort working to develop a production through this creative process which means that we spend a lot of time in the rehearsal space. On average we rehearse twice a week, but this can increase to three rehearsals if there's a lot to get through. We are also very used to arranging rehearsals to work around your agendas. Obviously there are limits to our organisation skills, but we will do our best to adapt the schedule to suit you.
For every rehearsal members are expected to wear comfortable, loose clothing to allow for maximum flexibility and to give us a 'blank canvas' when creating characters. This means no jeans, high-heels, shirts or other restrictive clothing. We suggest that leggings or tracksuits are worn with loose T-shirts.
Whenever we are rehearsing a production, there will always be a pre-rehearsal workshop at least once a week. These sessions are open to the whole company and are a brilliant way to keep the group connected and for new members to meet the old-timers. These sessions are extremely creative and we've had some interesting moments in the past (the most memorable were probably a spontaneous sex-ed class and pretending to be a fire-fly. Check out our YouTube channel for other crazy exercises). If you'd like to get involved with these workshop sessions then email us your name and contact details and we'll forward you the times and dates. It's all good fun and new-comers are always welcome.
We may all have a screw loose somewhere, but it results in brilliant performances and intriguing characters from every member of the cast.
The Boring Stuff (Also known as: Important Information…)
We won't limit your participation within the company based on experience or age, but sadly, due the the legalities involved, we cannot accept members under the age of 16. This is not our choice and goes against our ethos, but there's nothing we can do about it at the moment I'm afraid.
Two weeks notice should be given for any planned absences and if you might miss a session through illness please let us know asap.
We only have one rule within Stab in the Dark: no politics.
We're aiming for a professional standard and therefore expect a professional attitude when it comes to each production. There is no guarantee of getting a role in one of our shows because we base our decisions purely on the talent and enthusiasm you show on the audition day. If you do not get a part, then it is not personal. If there are complaints about how a show is being run we would expect you to voice your concerns with the producer or director and not other members. All personal upsets should be set aside before entering a rehearsal; we want to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere within every production and that cannot be done if there is disquiet within the group.
Anyone that causes tension within the company will be asked to leave.
Two weeks notice should be given for any planned absences and if you might miss a session through illness please let us know asap.
We only have one rule within Stab in the Dark: no politics.
We're aiming for a professional standard and therefore expect a professional attitude when it comes to each production. There is no guarantee of getting a role in one of our shows because we base our decisions purely on the talent and enthusiasm you show on the audition day. If you do not get a part, then it is not personal. If there are complaints about how a show is being run we would expect you to voice your concerns with the producer or director and not other members. All personal upsets should be set aside before entering a rehearsal; we want to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere within every production and that cannot be done if there is disquiet within the group.
Anyone that causes tension within the company will be asked to leave.