Be Involved
There are many ways to be involved with Viva
Performing Arts
Be in a show!
Viva produces plays and musicals for all ages throughout the year. We hold open auditions for each show which means that anyone is welcome to come along and try out, providing they meet the age criteria for the particular show. Visit our Tickets page for all upcoming auditions.
Once auditions have taken place and the roles have been cast the rehearsal process begins. We usually rehearse twice weekly, usually one mid week evening and one weekend session. Each show has its own rehearsal schedule depending on the availability of the creative team.
A rehearsal process is usually 2-3 months, working towards the Show Week. Each show is normally performed several times over the course of the week including weekend matinees.
Produce or Direct a Show
Anyone can apply to produce or direct a show or put forward a proposal for a future production.
We wish to encourage new directors and creatives to suggest a musical or a play, something for young people or adults (or both!) the Viva Theatre Council will consider all ideas and applications. However we ask that your proposal fits into one of 5 slots:
The slots we
have decided would work best are as follows (please note it is a biannual cycle
to account for Edinburgh Fringe years):
Non-Edinburgh
Year:
- Feb/
March ‘Out There’ Musical (could be swapped with smaller play) – Examples
might be: Stranger Sings or Sondheim or Rent.
- May
– Smaller Play (Examples might be: Bunch of Amateurs or 39 Steps or Blithe
Spirit or Steel Magnolias)
- July
– All Ages Musical (Examples might be: “Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang” or “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” etc –
something offering opportunities for all ages and types)
- Aug/
Sept – Large Ensemble Play (Includes a run at Thorington).
- Oct/Nov
– Youth Production (Musical).
Edinburgh Year:
- Feb
– Smaller Play (Examples might be: Bunch of Amateurs or 39 Steps or Blithe
Spirit or Steel Magnolias)
- May
– Youth Production (Musical)
- July
– Edinburgh Musical (Home Shows) – This is likely to be something that
could otherwise fit in the ‘Out There’ Musical Slot in a Non Edinburgh
year.
- Aug
– Large Ensemble Play – Outdoor Theatre and/or Edinburgh
- September
– Edinburgh/Outdoor Play Home Shows
- Oct/Nov
– Adult Section Musical (Examples might be: Made in Dagenham, The Addams
Family, Calendar Girls, Acorn Antiques).
We also reserve the right to break this cycle if an exception opportunity comes along (for example if the rights were suddenly released for Mamma Mia…we would not say no!)
If you have a proposal in the mix currently we will be in touch shortly to chat about the implications of the above, please email info@viva-group/org.uk
Costs
To perform in or direct a Viva show you will need to become a member.
Annual membership is £60 and runs from 1st September-31 August. A show fee is also required for performers to help cover the costs of putting on a show. This is £60 for musicals and £36 for plays.
Bursaries
Viva Arts and Community Group is a charity and in cases of special need we can provide limited help for Viva members who would otherwise not be able to participate in the full Viva experience. Bursary applications will be dealt with confidentially via a Viva Trustee. Contact the Viva Office by email info@viva-group.org.uk or call 01353 722228 for further details.
Volunteering Opportunities
Backstage Volunteers
There are many volunteering opportunities involved in putting on a show, both in the run up to a performance and during show week.
These include:
- Stage crew
- Costume
- Hair & Make-up
- Lighting and Sound effects
- Sourcing and making props and scenery
To volunteer in any of the above areas you will need to become an associate Viva member. This costs £30 per year and covers your insurance backstage.
The Viva Theatre Box Office, Bar or Front of House Volunteer Team
If you enjoy working as part of a busy team and love a showbiz atmosphere then joining of Front of House team could be for you! Front of House duties include welcoming customers, taking tickets, working on the bar and selling programmes.
Please complete the form below to show an interest in volunteering. We shall then contact you with further details. If we do not have any volunteering opportunities available, we shall inform you but if requested keep your details on record in case of a vacancy in the future.
Viva Community Projects
Over the past 20 years Viva has successfully delivered a range of community or heritage projects.
Volunteer roles can include archival research, gathering and curating images, carrying out oral history interviews, editing and transcribing oral history interviews, manning exhibition stalls or supporting the Viva Office.
To find out about our current projects, volunteer or suggest a new project please contact Rachael Polsom at the Viva Office by email info@viva-group.org.uk or call 01353 722228.
Licenced Chaperones
All involved in the work of Viva youth activities are called to recognise the unique status of children. There is a special need to respect them as individuals and protect them in their vulnerability.
There are regulations covering children working in entertainment. This covers children from birth to end of compulsory school leaving age. Children in entertainment can be looked after either by their own parent or a licensed chaperone.
Adults wishing to become a licenced chaperone will undertake an evening’s training with Cambridgeshire County Council the cost of which is covered by Viva.
To apply to become a chaperone for Viva youth activities please contact the Viva Office by email info@viva-group.org.uk or call 01353 722228.