Usually a small group of people who organise trips to other theatres, the summer barbecue, the Christmas mulled wine evening as well as the outside social events that constitute a thoroughly good night out.

Have you the design flair to create the shows posters, organise their printing and have the press release ready on time?

If, on the other hand you would like to act on stage, casting takes place about 10 weeks prior to the production. Dates and times are posted on MADS website, notice board in the theatre foyer and in the monthly newsletter. Rehearsals take place 2-3 times a week, up to 8 weeks prior to a production. However, these timings are flexible. Out of 5 plays in a season, one must be right for you. However, we also produce short one-act plays for entrance into local festivals usually between April and July of each year.

It is the director's vision of the play that we see on stage. He or she cast and rehearse with the actors, liaise with sound, lights and the stage team to take that vision from page to stage. For budding directors, we firstly give them an opportunity to co-direct a play with a seasoned MADS director to learn all aspects of what it takes to successfully transfer a play from initial read-through to final performance. Co-directors then go on to direct full length, one act and sometimes studio productions.

The stage manager is responsible for making sure there is a set on which to perform and a safe environment for both actors and crew backstage. He or she is also in total control of all backstage during show week.

This is a must for the budding and the gifted DIY'er. Set design is a working harmony between designer, director and the script. If you want to be involved with the backstage crew in any way, then please contact the director or stage manager of any production during Thursday Club Nights and join the team!

Good lighting helps tell the story. It can create the mood, atmosphere and give a time of the scene to make the set come alive.

The art of noise, heard but not seen. It takes only a fingertip to make an impact, flying helicopters, crashing cars...even flushing the loo!

The props department is responsible for making sure that all the set dressing is in place for each scene and each actor has his or her items to take on stage. They are also the ghostly figures that you see dressed in black during scene changes.

The wardrobe team has to costume the cast in the correct outfits for the period, gender and setting. It can be a challenge!