Hope Mill Theatre is a vibrant community theatre in the heart of Manchester and their work to create true community is outstanding. Alongside professional productions, such as High School Musical, which is having its regional premiere in Manchester, ahead of a London transfer, they also create amateur production, with the most recent being Sister Act. From hysterical cross-stage chases to expertly timed musical transitions and gorgeous dancing, the amateur production team at Hope Mill did an excellent job showing off local talent. We sat down with the theatre’s outreach manager, Naomi Albans, to learn a bit about the electrifying production and what their amateur theatre community gets up to more broadly.
Tell me about the process for creating an amateur show? How is it different from professional productions (if it is!)?
“While the rehearsal process feels like it is a lot longer than a professional show, in reality, in terms of contact time, there are a lot less rehearsals as everyone is trying to work alongside it and obviously have commitments outside of the show. But we try as much as possible to run the show like one of our professional shows and give people an experience of working in this environment. The creative and production team are all professionals and as are some of the cast.”
Who makes up the cast?
“Our cast is made up of a huge variety of people. We offer an audition to everyone who applies and usually have a cast of around 25/30 people. Some are professional performers who are resting, others haven’t been in a show for years and want to try something new.’
Do you have any fun stories about the Sister Act experience?
“Sister Act has been an absolute joy! Everyone in the team has worked so hard. I think what will stick with me is seeing everyone’s confidence bloom and the teamwork aspect off stage – how they all help each other out and support each other. Some of the members recently sang at the opening of our new Community Hub by Arlene Philips, and it was so lovely seeing all the community groups and some of our new degree students come together and celebrate what an amazing community Hope Mill is.”
What’s next theatre-wise for the HMT am dram team?
“We are branching out and producing our first play, Pride and Prejudice, in June! Next year, there will be another play and musical too! Don’t ask me what yet – I need to catch up on sleep after Sister Act first!
What other community opportunities are there at HMT?
“We have a community choir and orchestra, a theatre school for 3-18 year olds. We also have a play reading group and we also offer school workshops.”
How important is the community outreach work for HMT? And Why?
“Hope Mill Theatre is a charity, and as such, outreach and community work is vital to us and our values. We believe theatre and access to the arts should be for everyone. As an organisation, we try to make it possible for everyone who wants to be involved – be that through funded places at our community groups, school workshops or accessible performances such as captioned, relaxed or audio described.
How can people get involved?
Check out our website https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/classes/ or email Naomi at outreach@hopemilltheatre.co.uk for info.
JADAR 