Are you a budding writer or dramatist? Or do you just have visions of sugarplums dancing in your head that could be realised on stage for minimum cost? That’s right – we at GLOC are looking for a talented person or team to draft, develop and deliver our next winter production. This is a fantastic opportunity to get your work performed by a fantastically enthusiastic and dedicated amateur company.

The GLOC winter show is a chance for the company to do something a bit different from its usual G&S fare. In recent years this more relaxed show has taken various forms including cabaret, pantomime and comic musical using a mix of songs from G&S and musicals, and pop and festive favourites. To be delivered on a shoestring budget, and performed with piano accompaniment in a local community hall, our main aim for the show is to have fun and entertain our audience, and keep our cast and chorus of around 30 people – mostly young professionals – entertained throughout the three month rehearsal period.

The successful writer or team will be expected to plan the production and be responsible for directing – or finding a director for – the show. The deadline for applications is 30 April. For more information on the company, and what the application should include, keep reading...

Anyone who is interested in this opportunity to showcase their work with a young, lively company should email [email protected] with a short outline of their ideas including:

• plot outline

• characters

• the look and feel of the piece, such as set, lighting and costumes (bearing in mind venue and budget limitations)

• an outline list of songs, and how the music will be sourced

• how you will work with a limited budget and manage the time constraints of our volunteer production team

Please also attach a draft of at least one full scene for the proposed show. A full script, with sheet music, must be completed by the end of July, before production begins in September. This gives time for final reviews and edits, and for our musical director to produce any new arrangements as required.

The deadline for submissions is 30 April.

We expect the show itself to be performed over 2 nights in late November or early December (exact dates TBC). Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights starting in September, with the opportunity for one or potentially two longer Sunday rehearsals later in the rehearsal period.

Some things to consider:

• The winter show can be an opportunity for members who don’t audition for roles in our summer operas to shine – if you are writing an original piece, consider what small to medium roles could be included.

• One of GLOC’s aims is to spread knowledge of Gilbert and Sullivan so while not essential, inclusion of their work (for example, one song, potentially with new lyrics) if appropriate would be appreciated.

If you would like to speak to a member of the company before applying, please contact [email protected] and we will arrange for this.