WITCHFORD AMATEUR DRAMATICS SOCIETY
@wadswitchford
Backstage Team
There's so much more to putting on any stage show than just the performers on the stage.
WADS is very lucky to have a great backstage team who do so much work behind the scenes for months before the show is actually performed. These are the unsung heroes of stage productions, but the role they play is vital.
Set Design and Build
The stage set for any show is an important part of making it come to life and transporting the audience to the intended place and time. This takes months of work to get ready, usually on a very small budget and the team have to get creative with recycling and using scraps! We have been fortunate enough to get some materials donated to us by local businesses and have made use of Reimagine http://www.reimagineresourcecentre.btck.co.uk/Findus in Witchford for material and paint.
Stage Team
This team work during the performances getting set and props - and more importantly the cast - on and off the stage at the right time to make the show run smoothly. This takes a lot of organisation, especially with limited space in the wings for storage and people and the stage team
Front of House
The front of house team take care of the audience members before during and after each performance, selling programmes, checking tickets, organising a raffle and selling a range of refreshments. A considerable amount of our proceeds is generated by the sale of programmes, raffle tickets and refreshments so this is a crucial part of the team.
Costumes and Makeup
The design of the costumes for a show is crucial to get the feel of the characters and to really bring them to life on the stage. These are often made by very talented WADS members and can take months to get organised. This year we have a cast of over 60 each requiring at least 3 costumes: that’s a lot of costumes to get organised, named and allocated!
With the right make-up all sorts of looks can be achieved, from forest creatures to pantomime dames. When there is a large cast we rely on a good team of helpers to get everyone ready and to keep everyone looking ‘stage ready’ right through the show.
WADS are always on the lookout for more people to help out backstage. If you would like to get involved in any way please email
Sound and Light Team
WADS have worked with Nigel Thompson from Blueshed Studios in Soham for many years now. Nigel makes sure all of the performers can be heard and provides all sorts of special sound and lighting effects . Nigel also provides additional staging which is vital for shows with lots of children - we want everyone to be seen and heard!
With a huge amount of a show's budget being allocated to these vital technical aspects it is essential that we can rely on the support, advice and technical wizardry of Nigel and his team.