TOWER THEATRE MEMBERS'
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Production Matters

How are shows chosen?

A balance has to be struck, so that we have a good mix of old, new, musical, comedy, drama, classics etc. We also have to take into account suitability (and availability) of directors for productions that are chosen. The Artistic Team is constantly considering potential Tower productions and is, therefore, always happy to receive suggestions from the company of shows that could form part of future seasons. However, what can be chosen is also very heavily regulated by what is currently available from the point of view of performing 'rights'. That has been quite a problem of late, as there is a 'revival movement' going on in the West End. For the Tower this means that once a professional company choose to produce a particular play or musical, it is immediately withdrawn for amateur performance. This also includes touring productions by professional companies.

Why do we choose so many relatively small cast plays?

The balance referred to in the last answer also applies to the cast sizes of different plays. Many newer plays tend to be smaller casts and offer good, challenging roles. Larger cast productions can be equally challenging and enjoyable in the social context as well. Some believe that it is easier to attract audiences with large cast productions, others argue that such productions are more difficult to cast and make great demands on the technical departments. The truth is that there are many variables and what the Artistic Team try to achieve is that each season offers as much variety and interest as possible to performers, designers, crews and audiences alike.

How are directors chosen?

The Artistic Team look at suitability of potential directors for the plays that are being considered, their own availability, and whether they have previous experience, either as a fully-fledged director, or as an assistant director on an earlier show. Any full Company Member is free to ask the Artistic Team if they can be considered in order to gain assistant director experience.

What size audiences are we playing to?

Last financial year (2006/7) our London productions played to a paid audience of 5,162. This is an average of 59 per performance – 42% of potential sales. These figures include sales for the Stoke Newington run of Murder in the Cathedral in Autumn 2006, but exclude the tours to the Minack and to Paris. The present financial year will end on 31st July 2008.

Should we be doing fewer shows with longer runs?

This is a matter that is always under review. It would have advantages of less production costs, the opportunity to make publicity expenditure go further and the potential for word of mouth to bring in a greater non-member audience. However, it would mean less opportunity for actors, as there would be fewer roles on offer and, if we could not build our non-member audience, might not deliver greater revenues.

What number of shows is required to meet our outgoings?

In recent years we have just about broken even doing 15 shows a year in London and the tours to Paris and Minack. Without the tours, which can be very lucrative, we would not be able to continue operating. Most London shows make a contribution to our staff and premises overheads although, more recently, increased venue hire costs and availability have had consequences on our financial position. Reducing the number of London shows would put our finances under even greater pressure.

Should First Nights have a reduced ticket price or 2 for 1 to reflect lack of rehearsal time in the theatre before opening night?

Although our ticket prices and discounts remain under constant review, we have no plans to introduce a reduced price first night. We do not want first nights to become regarded as sub-standard previews. In addition, we cannot afford to lose the revenue, particularly as Tower Members have historically had an eye for a bargain!

Should directors pre-cast their productions or not?

No, they should not. However, it does happen on occasion and it is extremely difficult to prevent it. It has to be stressed that all fully paid-up, acting Company Members are entitled to audition for any part they wish to be considered for. You should always try for a specific part or a production that appeals to you, regardless of any concern you may have about pre-casting. The director should always consider every auditionee fairly and without favour.

Does the Tower consider putting on plays written by Members?

Yes it does, although it is true that there is less scope to do so while we do not have our own permanent home. Nevertheless, the Tower took a "home-grown" production to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall in Summer 2006, following its London run. Furthermore, we are taking our recent production of Curiouser and Curiouser, devised by two of our Company Members, to the Minack this summer.

How can I order some photos from a show I was in (or saw) last year? Who should I contact?

We have the photographs for roughly the last five years' Tower productions on CD. Copies of previous productions can be ordered via the Tower Office at £10 each. Simply send your cheque for £10 per show (made payable to "Tower Theatre"), together with your name, address and the title of the production(s) to the Tower Office and we will do the rest.

If we need to increase our audience numbers, why don't we do more 'blockbuster' type shows? If they have been running for years in the West End, they must be popular and, therefore, attract a good audience for us.

Yes, West End blockbusters certainly get audiences but we cannot get the rights to perform these works whilst a professional run is on. So, while we may want to do the likes of 'Blood Brothers', they are not available. Even when a professional production has finished, we usually have to wait for a period of time before they are made available to amateur companies. Sometimes there can be a long wait, particularly when a production company might be considering further professional productions or tours.

Mention is sometimes made of fringe venues and 'off West End' venues. What's the difference and why does it matter where we put on our shows?

At The Bridewell we are only 5 or 6 bus stops away from what is seen as the West End. Some authors and their agents will, therefore, not give their permission for an amateur company to do a show so close to 'Town'. Other authors and agents don't worry about this - it is effectively the luck of the draw. When we perform further away from the West End, such as at Theatro Technis, that is seen as being far enough away to be considered 'fringe' and, therefore, no threat to the integrity of the West End.

I saw a brilliant production recently. It is something the Tower could do really well - who do I contact to put forward this suggestion?

The most direct method is to speak to one of the Artistic Team. Alternatively, you can mention your suggestion to any member of the Company Committee and s/he will pass it on to the Artistic Director.