Direction: Yvonne Copley
Audition Now!
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To obtain more information: email Yvonne – Yvonne@yvonnefinch.com  or send a message to 083 441 9937
 
The Masque Theatre, Muizenberg celebrates its 60th birthday on 9th January 2019 and to celebrate this landmark occasion the theatre is mounting the wonderful comedy “A Bunch of Amateurs”. This exceptionally funny comedy about a dedicated amateur society is a fitting accolade to Bertie Stern, the benefactor of The Masque Theatre, as his passion led to him leaving the theatre to the Cape amateur community when he passed away. This production will be staged at The Masque Theatre, Muizenberg between 9th and 26th January 2019.  
 
Rehearsals will be held in a central location and will begin late September/early October and are planned to minimise cast involvement in unnecessary rehearsals, and will take into consideration the end of year vacation period.
 
The storyline revolves around a fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele, who, keen to boost his flagging career, arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village. And instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit by the enthusiastic am-dram thespians. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself – along with his inner Lear!
 
Characters:
Jefferson Steele: a fading Hollywood star who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity. + 55 years
Dorothy Nettle: director of the Stratford Players and the moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. Her sweet and accommodating manner conceals her inner steel. +40 years
Jessica Steele: Jefferson’s teenage daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood father and now wants to make him pay for it.
Nigel Dewbury: solicitor and leading light of the Stratford Players. Pompous, stuck up and self regarding, he believes he is the star of the show and should play all the leading roles. He also fancies his chances with Dorothy! +40 years
Mary Plunkett: owner of the Rectory bed and breakfast. Jolly, generous and an unashamedly adoring Jefferson Steele fan – although somewhat confused about which roles he played in his films, and how keen he is on her.
Denis Dobbins: handyman and village “Mr Fixit”. Avuncular, though slightly dull, Denis is star-struck by Jefferson and fancies heading up his entourage of one.
Lauren Bell: thirty something marketing executive former physiotherapist and the sponsor’s wife. Passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be, she’s treated as a bimbo because of her looks.
Accents: Jefferson and Jessica: American. All other characters must have good English accents.

The Cast (Ages are only a guide)
 
Madame Ranevskaya = (+/-40) Central Character to the plot. A rather scatterbrained yet charming woman. A Large part.
 
Gayev = (+/-45) Brother to Madame Ranevskaya. A talkative eccentric, addicted to billiards. A medium part.
 
Lopakhin = A merchant (+/- 35 -55) a wealthy man, he has his sights set on the cherry orchard. He tries to help Gayev and his sister. Challenging part.
 
Pishchik = (+/-45 – 65) A landowner in financial difficulties. A comic part. Medium
 
Anya = (+/- 17) Ranevskaya’s daughter, virtous, strong and loyal to her mother. A challenging part.
 
Varya = (+/- 20 - 25) Ranevskaya’s adopted child. The opposite if Anya. She is temperamental and difficult. A challenging part.
 
Trofimov = (+/- 20 - 25) In love with Anya. He is a “perpetual student” and very left-wing. Challenging part.
 
Charlotta = (+/-25) A governess, melancholy and out of place, sees herself as a victim. Interesting part.
 
Yepikhodov = (+/-20) A loyal “yokel”, clumsy and unlucky. In love with Dunyasha. A comic part.
 
Dunyasha = (+/-18) A housemaid above her station. Trying hard to be lady-like. In love with Yasha.
 
Yasha = A manservant (+/-20) Handsome and arrogant, he is predatory and flirtatious. He despises and mocks the family. A small but effective part.
 
Fiers (pronounced “Fierce”) = (+/-60) Aging and eccentric manservant. Talks nostalgically of the old days. Represents Russia’s past. Challenging small part.
 
 A tramp = a cameo part. He seems half-mad, half devious.
 
Please Note:

No Russian accents needed. South African accents are quite acceptable as the characters, in reality, would be speaking in Russian or French.
 
Chekhov billed the play as a comedy. More correctly, it is a tragic-comedy, as the plot is about a family unravelling as it faces great challenges.
 
The play is a great opportunity for experienced and less experienced actors.
 
Back stage crew is also needed.
 
Stage manager
Lighting and sound
Costumes
Props
 
Any help would be gratefully accepted!
 
Alastair Duff, Director
(Tel: 021 788 4984)

Calling all directors to submit proposals for the 2019 MADS slots.
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Where: The Rendezvous (57 Promenade Road, False Bay)
When: Sun May 27 at 2.30 pm

See attached form for rules and regulations.

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, presented by Claremont Dramatic Society, is still looking for some male and young female actors to complete our cast. 

Production dates: 26 July - 4 August Masque Theatre Muizenberg. 

Please complete the form in the link and you will be contacted to arrange an audition. 

Characters we are looking for:

* Shepherd, male, who looks at least 55 years old - this is the shepherd who found Oedipus as a baby. Small but dramatic role

* 3 males needed for the chorus of Theban “elders" - so we need mature actors (preferably at least 35 years of age) who must have excellent articulation and a good sense of poetic rhythm . This is a sizable role and requires versatility. 

* Oedipus’ young daughters - girls, aged approx 9 and 11 (these are walk-on roles: we would like two pairs of children that can alternate performances; very little rehearsing required)

There are no inconsequential roles - even the small roles are satisfying roles for an actor, and are highly dramatic, essential to creating the dramatic tension of the play, and we are seeking talented highly dedicated actors for these.

Please note that this is a community theatre production and therefore no remuneration will be paid. 


https://goo.gl/forms/vMGCvg4lQRE6vroQ2

​From 5th – 7th April the Masque Theatre will feature a ‘play reading’ of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole (2010), brought to life by Circle Productions. Rabbit Hole follows the story of a family who are trying to cling to hope and humour in the face of the unbridled grief of losing their 4-year-old son. The play showcases raw emotion of every colour, each done justice by a talented local cast. MADS members and the general public alike are encouraged to experience this unique performance for only R80 per ticket.

​It is with great sadness that we learnt of the recent demise of yet another ‘grande dame’ of the Masque Theatre - Birga Thomas, after her long fight against illness.  Birga was a loyal member of MADS and an active member of the MADS Committee for many years, as well as a regular visitor to the Masque Theatre.
Birga will always be remembered for her innovate productions, especially August: Osage County[, a black comedy by Tracy Letts, as well as for her insightful guidance to directors, actors and actresses.
In the words of her husband, Wolfgang, “birga’s life was rich and fulfilling - it touched and filled the lives of those around her. Until her last months, birga was aglow with artistic talent which she used to create beautiful fabrics and profound texts on the weaving loom, the written word or the stage”.
We wish to offer our condolences to Wolfgang, her children and grandchildren – you are all in our thoughts and prayers
May you rest in peace birga.
In consideration of birga’s wish to be cremated, there will be no funeral service. Donations in her memory may be made to Boys Town.

Claremont Dramatic Society presents
Peter Shaffer’s Equus
Directed by Bernie Jacobs.

A finely written, deep psychological drama based on true events, this classic play by Peter Shaffer takes place in the 1970's in the Rokesby Psychiatric Hospital in southern England, where a young man has been remanded after blinding several horses in a crazed fit of psychotic rage. The play is a “whydunnit” and seeks to uncover what could have caused him to do this.
The play carries a 16 age restriction and a warning of strong language, some nudity and controversial content.

A big thank you to all of you who attended our fundraiser Karaoke and a special thank you to Gary and Gail for bringing your fantastic karaoke system to the theatre. There is no doubt that fun was had by all. 

Help support your community theatre by attending future fundraisers and joining the 200 clubs. Details on how to join can be found below. 

For those of you who are not aware, our front-of-house is run entirely by volunteers. We are constantly looking for new volunteers to join our team. By volunteering, you are not only meeting new people, watching exciting shows and being a part of the theatre world, but you are also helping the Masque to keep going, uplifting the community, and entertaining audiences with a range of productions. Email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za to find out about the various volunteering opportunities. We are also looking for new people to train in sound and lighting. This is an incredible opportunity to learn a valuable skill. If you are interested in possibly joining our technical team, email manager@masquetheatre.co.za. 

We have two exciting productions coming your way: Claremont Dramatic Society will be presenting the riveting Equus and, all the way from Somerset West, we are pleased to be hosting a local production of Athol Fugard's Hello and Goodbye. Both are certainly not to be missed. 

You may not know this but the Masque Theatre is a permanent drop off point for goods for the SA Children's Home. They mostly require toiletries, linen, and non-perishable food items. 
Join our 200 clubs today; your contribution will help us maintain our special community theatre. There is a lucky draw each month and every club member stands a chance to win. The prize for the 200/100 Club is a R1000 Woolworths gift voucher and the prize for the 200/50 Club is a R500 Woolworths gift voucher. The Masque 200/100 Club is made up of the first 200 people who each donate R100 a month by debit order or R1200 per annum by direct deposit or EFT into the Masque Theatre account. The Masque 200/50 Club is made up of the first 200 people who donate R50 a month or R600 per annum into the same account. We highly appreciate your help in our fundraising endeavors. Winners will be contacted and announced in the newsletter and on Facebook. Click here for details on how to join. 
See you soon!
Yours in theatre,

Nicola Date
Masque Theatre Manager

Congratulations to...
Artistic Contribution: Kyla Thorburn for Choreography – My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Technical Excellence: Neil Leachman for Sound and Effects – You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
Costumes: Noel Pitout - The Wizard of Oz (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Play Set: Barrie Howard and Jane Philbrick - The Barretts of Wimpole Street (Fish Hoek Dramatic Society)
Musical Set: Zanodean Cassiem – Blood Brothers (Carnivals of the Heart)
Cameo Performance: Not awarded
Animal Certificates of Excellence: 
• Orca as himself - The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish (Masque Theatre Players)
• Jojo as Toto - The Wizard of Oz (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
• Oliver Hindle as Flush - The Barretts of Wimpole Street (Fish Hoek Dramatic Society)
• Max as Candy’s dog - Of Mice and Men (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
• Rob Coutts as Snoopy - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
Junior Performance:
• Jordyn Linklater - Blood Brothers (Carnivals of the Heart)
• Amy Reed - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
• Bryony Bosman - Grease the Musical (Masque Theatre Players)
Female Newcomer in a Play: Ilse van Niekerk - Pa, Maak vir my 'n Vlieër, Pa (Milnerton Players)
Male Newcomer in a Play: Zuko Katase - Of Mice and Men (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Female Newcomer in a Musical: Megan Spencer - Shout! The Mod Musical (Pinelands Players)
Male Newcomer in a Musical: Leonard Moeng – You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
Support Actress in a Play: Miranda Lewis - Master Class (MADS)
Support Actress in a Musical: Nicolette Fernandes - The Wizard of Oz (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Support Actor in a Play: Anton Schäfer - Pa, Maak vir my 'n Vlieër, Pa (Milnerton Players)
Support Actor in a Musical: Graham Boxall - My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Lead Actress in a Play: Bernie Jacobs - Master Class (MADS)
Lead Actress in a Musical: Jennifer Human - My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Lead Actor in a Play: James Skilton - The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish (Masque Theatre Players)
Lead Actor in a Musical: Nick Plummer - My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Most Adventurous Production: Not awarded
Musical Director: Neil Leachman - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
Director of a Musical: Neil Leachman - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
Director of a Play: Richard Higgs - Master Class (MADS)
Best Musical: You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
Best Play: Master Class (MADS)
Certificates of Excellence:
• Nicky Enticott and Les Poole for ‘Props Creation’ – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Constantiaberg Theatre Players)
• Faeron Wheeler, Kim R2 and Daniel Enticott for ‘Ensemble Acting’ – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Constantiaberg Theatre Players) 
• James Bone, Liam Walsh and Jared Pitout for ‘Ensemble Acting’ - The Wizard of Oz (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
• Nicolette Fernandes for Female Solo ‘Red Shoe Blues’ - The Wizard of Oz (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
• The Servant Chorus for ‘Chorus Work’ - My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
• Jennifer Human – for Female Solo 'I could have danced all night' - My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
• Graham Boxall – for Male Solo 'I'm getting married in the morning' - My Fair Lady (CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
• Michelle Galloway – for Female Solo 'Tell me it's not true' - Blood Brothers (Carnivals of the Heart)
• Kids Ensemble – for ‘Ensemble Work’ - Blood Brothers (Carnivals of the Heart)
• Megan Spencer – for Female solo 'Son of a Preacher Man' - Shout! The Mod Musical (Pinelands Players)
• Laura Bosman, Melissa Sanderson, Megan Spencer, Christine Thonissen, Enyha Swanepoel for ‘Ensemble Work’ - Shout! The Mod Musical (Pinelands Players)
• Matthew de Klerk, Richard White, Georgia Bailey, Leonard Moeng, Amy Reed, Rob Coutts for ‘Ensemble Work’ - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
• Rob Coutts – for Male Solo 'Suppertime' - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
• Richard White – for Male Solo 'My blanket and me' - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
• Leonard Moeng – for ‘Mime and Musical Timing’ - You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Milnerton Players)
• Duncan Reid and Bryony Bosman for Duet 'Mooning' - Grease the Musical (Masque Theatre Players)
• Maileen Jamey – for ‘Comedic Interludes’ - Grease the Musical (Masque Theatre Players)