Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society

Off stage.......

Do you remember the last time you were at the cinema … .. It ' s probable that there was a surge of people trying to leave the auditorium the very moment the credits started to role on the screen. A very few may have waited to read some of the detail … .like … .

Gaffer ……………………………… .................................... Joe Bloggs

Assistant Gaffer ……………………………… ..................... Fred Smith

Assistant to the Assistant Gaffer …………………………… John Jones

Assistant to the Assistant Gaffer ' s Assistant …………… Bill Brown

Etc. Etc. Etc.

Well that ' s the way it is with CATS. No doubt when most people think of CATS or any other theatrical experience they remember the actors they have seen on stage. However, there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes and involves more people can ever imagine … .. And that might mean there is an exciting and suitable role for you … even if you don ' t act or even fancy acting.

Behind any successful show there is a team of people that carry out a range of jobs that ensure the shows runs smoothly and that the paying audience have a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Before the show can be staged there is a great deal of work to do including building the stage set, making costume and props, backdrop and curtains etc. Items that spent hours in preparation and may only be seen on stage for a few minutes, but are essential to creating the atmosphere and illusion in the show. Unlike many Theatrical Societies very few items are hired for our performances. Costumes are made, acquired and altered along with scenery and staging by members of the CATS team. In the world of Pantomime there have been several interesting props required to add that special interest for the audience. CATS is proud to of it ' s performances, staging, costumes and of the work everyone puts into any performance.

Front of House

The front of house team are there to welcome people into the theatre, sell tickets, provide refreshments before the show and during the interval. This is an important team of people that set the tone of the evening and that will usually create part of the theme for the particular show. Fund raising for our chosen charities is an important element to any CATS performance and the front of house team are involved in this process by selling raffle tickets etc. One important role, not often seen, is that of health and safety of the audience, actors, stage crew etc. and gives rise to a number of challenges. We are grateful to the many volunteers that help out at our events and equally to those that form part of the Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society Committee.

Back Stage

The back stage team are vital to the smooth running of any theatrical performance however amateur or professional. There are so many aspects to the back stage crew that it would be almost impossible to cover each role that takes places behind the scenes … . But we ' ll try to name some of them … .

•  Prompt

•  Dressers/Make Up

•  Wardrobe/Costumes

•  Curtains

•  Lighting

•  Sound

•  Health and Safety

•  Fire Officer

•  Stage Manager

Stage Crew

A group of people that arrange the stage sets between acts, change back drops etc. creating the illusions of time and place settings. This job requires bursts of activity and needs good organisation and understanding between parties. Yes … . Okay … . So you can get a bit of sweat on … .particularly at the Pantomime which usually requires several stage changes per Act. However, this can be very enjoyable and you get to see the show from a totally different perspective.

General

There is a warm welcome for anyone who wants to join or help CATS - Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society …… . Even though it says Amateur in our Name we believe the performances we put on are anything but amateur. So members started as young as six or seven, but are still here today with some potential for grey hair. There is no age limits or restrictions … . CATS is an open house and we ' d love to see you.

On Stage.....

Diane Atkinson	Diane has been a loyal member of CATS for a number of years, appearing in many pantomimes and plays.  However 2004 was the first time she donned knee high boots to play the part of Aladdin, and she hopes it won't be the last!
Caroline Sturdy	Caroline has now appeared in four panto's for CATS. This year, she swapped her hotpants with a Chinese dress for Aladdin.  Caroline enjoyed the Panto, and was glad she remembered not to slap her thigh!.  Caroline won Best Actress (Under 21) at the 2004 One Act Festival.
David Stoddard	David has returned to CATS after a period of living in Australia, and his first role back was his favorite - Dame!.  David is a natural in this part and we're sure the audience agreed with us that it's great to have him back.
Warren Leese	This is Warren's 23rd Year with CATS, and for the Panto he once again took on the role of comic, a part he has become very attached to over the the years.  Aside from acting, Warren will be directing this years play in October.  Check back here soon for news..... Warren has also won Best Supportin Actor at the 2004 One Act Festival.
Caroline Stokes	Caroline is a very loyal member of CATS and has appeared in many Pantomimes and plays.  This year she played the not so-shy "So-Shy" in Aladdin, a part that allowed her to sing, dance and best of all, tease Wishee Washee! (Warren Leese)
Daniel Ede	2004 is the first year Daniel has played a baddy and it's a big change from his part of Dame in last years Panto.  Baddy and Dame are the two best parts in Panto, and Daniel is just as good in both. Dan was nominated for Best Actor in the 2004 One Act Festival.
Kevin Sturdy	Kevin is well known for his crazy performances.....  So far he has played a swamp monster (watch out for the scenery!), a Caeser wannabe and now a Teddy Boy Genie!. Whilst audiences (and us) are wondering just what he will appear as next, Kevin says that he is holding out for that coveted role of back end of a horse!
Tara Cooke	Having played the Cat in Dick Whittington, Spirit in Aladdin wasn't Tara's first big role with CATS. She has also been a member of the chorus for many years and is a very loyal member of CATS.
Peter Langford	Peter is one of those very flexible people.  Not only does he act, but he can also be found constructing scenery, up a ladder or operating a sound desk (Not at the same time, though)  Over the last few years, Peter has taken many lead characters for CATS.
Marj Stokes	Following on from her role as "fairy Sunshine" in last years panto, Marj took on the royal role of Empress for Aladdin.  Marj will also be taking part in CATS entry "Last Panto in Little Grimley" in the All England One Act Festival in March.