Who would have thought when we received the Teesdale Mercury Community Award for Contribution to the Arts this time last year that 2020 would be the first year since 1949 that we did not stage a production?
Equally, when I took over as Chairman of the Club in July 2020 we did not expect that in November we would be in a second lockdown with no prospect of using the theatre for rehearsals or performances for the rest of the year. Because of lockdown the Theatre cannot be used and even when that is lifted the size of the auditorium and adjoining rooms make social distancing, in accordance with government guidelines, difficult, with only approximately 15 to 20 seats being available.
So what has been happening and how can we move forward to get back on stage in 2021?
Gainford Village Hall Committee has kindly allowed us a rent-free period but the next rental instalment of £1350 will become due in March 2021. Fortunately we currently have some reserves which we can use to cover rent and occupation costs for the coming year but we will need to bring in some money, not only to fund rent and future performances but also to allow us to continue to invest in equipment including eventually changing all our lighting to more flexible and economical LEDs.
We have already moved our Committee Meetings online via Zoom and we will hold our first online play reading at the end of this month, 30th November, reading a play especially written for us by member and Social Secretary Michelle Hope.
We hope to further exploit the wonders of modern technology by presenting a Murder Mystery for members kindly hosted by Sara West of Tall Tales Mysteries. If you would like to take part as a member of the cast please get in touch with me as soon as possible as Sara will need to audition online and actors must sign an agreement with Tall Tales Mysteries. The date of our Murder Mystery will be confirmed by Sara once we have a cast!
Other performance options have been looked at, including broadcasts over the internet, but the cost of licencing and royalties preclude these for the moment.
Fund raising has commenced with further sponsorship of the remaining seats in the theatre (a form is enclosed with this newsletter) this would make an ideal Christmas present for family and friends who enjoy attending our performances and could raise over £800. We are also looking to sell some surplus costumes, lighting and props which we anticipate could raise several hundred pounds.
The Treasurer and other Committee members are exploring online options for income generation such as raffles and a “Go Fund Me” appeal. We are also in the process of identifying a source for Club Polo shirts, complete with “Gainford Drama Club – 70 Years” logo. If you are interested let me know.
We hope it will not be long before we can once again host play readings in the theatre, even if socially distanced and we have drawn up the requirements for us to be “COVID-safe”; if the pandemic abates we may be able to re-commence rehearsals for “One Day I’ll Fly Away” early in the New Year.
Best wishes
Allan Jones, Chairman