Acting
We present a diverse range of high quality plays. In order to
uphold our reputation, we keep our productions alive by welcoming
new actors. Whether you have years of experience or are new
to acting, we welcome you. Our productions are usually 6
performance (Monday to Saturday evenings). Cast help strike the set
and return the theatre to normal on the Sunday morning after the
final performance.
Directing
Our directors know their plays and they guide actors, help with
interpretation, characterisation, movement and projection. They
have a vision. The set designers and lighting and sound engineers
turn this vision into reality. We rehearse three nights a
week for 6-7 weeks. With 6 plays a year, we are always on the
lookout for new directors with fresh ideas.
Production Assistant
She/he provides the link between all areas of a production. Good
man-management and organisational skills are called for here, from
making sure the cast turn up for rehearsals on the right night to
co-ordinating production meetings to dealing with any other snags
which might occur along the route to Opening Night.
Stage Management
The stage management team are responsible for making sure a
production runs smoothly. A stage manager needs to be flexible and
have a working knowledge of all departments including technical,
directing and acting.
Set Design
The set designer designs an acting space which:
- Supports the action of the play (entrances, windows, stairs,
etc.)
- Maintains the safety of the cast and crew
- Creates the right mood and feel for the play as the
Director sees it
- Allows the audience to see all the action, but nothing
else
- Can be built by the Set Builders
The results can range from:
The realistic:
Funny Money

The stylized:
Vincent in Brixton

Defining a space:
Twelfth Night

Set Construction
The set builders turn the Designer's concept into reality. To lead
the set building you need to be highly skilled but to assist you
need only the willingness to have a go. You know a good set when it
is completed by the presence of the actors.
Lighting and Sound
We need people with technical knowledge and ability to design
and operate lighting and sound equipment. We will also train
people new to these areas.
Backstage
As part of the backstage team, you will help with scene changes
and costume changes. It's a good way to learn about Stage
Management too. Backstage volunteers will be contacted by a member
of the production team to ask if you're available for a particular
show. Alternatively, you can attend the play reading and indicate
your availability. Space is limited backstage and there is often
only the need for a couple of stage crew.
Props
The props person finds the correct props either from the
company's prop store or elswehere. Ebay has become a popular
source! We also value people who are good with their hands and can
actually make props!

Costumes
Costumes can add a sense of reality to a show. Done well, people
do not really notice them, however an audience will sense if
they're out of time or place. It helps if you can sew but it's not
essential.
Marketing & Publicity
Members of the team run the Box Office, create
the posters and programmes, put adverts in the press, administer
the website, take the photos, manage membership and produce the
newsletter. We welcome people with design flair, writing
skills, IT & media skills as well as a willingness to help
promote our productions and our theatre.
Front of house and Bar
Our evacuation procedures are a condition of the Swan's public
performance licence, agreed with SSDC and the Fire & Rescue
Service. The Swan must provide three Front Of House staff plus two
bar staff each night of every public performance, as well as two
coffee helpers.
For a six night run that's 42 people, all volunteers! To meet
this commitment, it is a condition of membership
that full members help with FOH and bar. Patrons are welcome and
encouraged to help if they can. You will be sent a link via email
for you to sign up via a Doodle Poll. If insufficient volunteers
sign up, you may also receive a follow-up telephone call.
St John's Ambulance also provide two volunteers per show.
The FOH team are the first people our audience meet. They deal
with tickets, sell programmes, answer questions about the
theatre and its facilities, serve tea and coffee or drinks from the
bar, and generally try to ensure that a visit to the Swan Theatre
is as enjoyable as possible.
For every public performance, we have on duty:
1 Theatre Manager, who is responsible for the
entire building while it is open to the public.
Four people in the foyer:
1 selling programmes
1 taking tickets
2 providing teas and coffees
Two people in the bar
We also have a Box Office Manager who is responsible for
ticketing arrangements, and who will be at the theatre before the
start of every show.
Bar
We need two bar staff for every public performance. These
people are also required for our evacuation procedures. We also
have a bar manager who ensures the bar is kept well stocked. If you
enjoy talking to people and are willing to help maintain stock
levels and, especially if you have retail experience, please get in
touch. .
We will train you to be a theatre manager or work behind
the bar and teach you how to operate the coffee machine.
Volunteering is a good way to meet other members.