If you would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to get in touch, whether you're interested in performing or becoming involved in the many backstage and business activities required to run the theatre efficiently. Beginners and experienced theatre enthusiasts are equally welcome, and we have many members who will be glad to introduce you to a wide range of exciting responsibilities, including set building, sound, lighting, stage management, wardrobe, front of house duties, and of course, acting and directing

Through the membership secretary it is possible to make contact with existing members undertaking activities of interest. The Plaza Theatre is busy most days of the week and rehearsals, play readings and theatre-related activities are often happening at other locations around Romsey - especially if the Plaza is on hire. In weeks without public performances the Plaza Bar is usually open to members (and their guests) on Friday evenings from 8pm onwards.

If you have not already done so, experience the theatre in full swing by coming to see one of our Forthcoming Productions. Alternatively, visit the theatre during a rehearsal/set building session (typically weekday evenings from 7:30pm onwards).

Membership is via subscription and the benefits include a monthly newsletter highlighting readings, auditions, events and opportunities - the newsletter is available by email.

If you have already decided that you would like to join us, please download a Membership Application Form (Ref 1007) (Word Document). You may also wish to download our Constitution and Directives (Ref 1002) (Word Document). Fill out the application form and post it to the theatre. Membership applications are reviewed at the monthly Main Committee meeting - it is rare but not completely unknown that an application may be declined. Shortly after this meeting, applicants can expect to receive a welcoming letter and will subsequently receive the RAODS newsletter. What then? Participate in play readings and auditions, maybe get a part in a show, help with Front of House duties or technical support for RAODS productions and outside bookings, take part in social events within the Society and contribute to many more activities. Invest as much time with the Society and Theatre as you want - why not see below for more ideas?

• Come along and watch rehearsals (ask at the stage door) - they typically run from Mon-Thurs between 7:30pm and 10:00pm except when the theatre is on hire, in public performance or in the set building fortnight up to the opening night of a given show. Check the list of our forthcoming productions.
• Drop into the workshop and contact our set-building team - the workshop is often open.
• Come and help at set-break 10:00am on the Sunday morning immediately after a RAODS show closes - old clothes are best for carrying furniture, dismantling scenery, clearing stage electrics, hanging drapes, painting etc.
• Volunteer for a night doing a Front-of-House role eg Bar, Coffee, Ice-Creams, Ushers. Most job roles involve working in pairs or groups so there is scope to learn from those with more experience or venue-specific knowledge. Staff are needed for RAODS shows and many outside bookings.
• Join a show crew: each show runs as a self-contained "project" - a temporary organisation of people that together create the productions we stage. Could you help with props, scene building, painting, scene shifting, technical etc?
• Ask to be shown how things work - sound desk, lighting desk, bar, box office etc - we can link you with an appropriate "expert" for one-to-one training.

With a theatre group and venue as busy as this, it may seem difficult to find a way in - be persistent as the opportunities really are worth the effort. Get involved by dropping us a line right now! "Life is an empty box - you can't get anything out until you put something in!"

Please email the membership secretary for more information.