Being a member
Here’s a taster of what being a member of HLO is like.
What we do
Main show
Our main show at Hampton Hill Theatre is usually in October/November. We mostly perform Gilbert & Sullivan shows but sometimes also Broadway/West End shows like Little Shop of Horrors or Anything Goes.
Smaller-scale shows
There’s usually a concert or revue in March/April, and sometimes a Christmas concert. And we put on plays from time to time.
Other singing events
We’re a regular seasonal fixture at Osterley Park, usually outside the Stables Cafe. We have a summer singing slot over the August Bank Holiday weekend and sing carols a couple of weekends before Christmas. We also sing at charity events such as Macmillan Coffee Mornings (which are usually afternoons, with cake) and carol-singing at Hampton Pool in aid of the Hampton Pool Trust and Shooting Star Hospices.
Social fun
We like to have social events throughout the year, some of which are fund-raisers as well as being fun! Non-members are welcome at social events.
We’ve had garden parties, quizzes, barn dances, wine and beer tastings and Promise Auctions. During the Covid-19 lockdown we even had social events online, including ‘holiday’ and ‘handicrafts’ evenings where people showed holiday pics or things they’d made. Suggestions for events – especially if they might involve fund-raising for the company – are always welcome.
Diversity and inclusion
We’ve long been an inclusive company, welcoming and including people of all backgrounds and abilities on stage – it’s a natural part of who we are, rather than an add-on.
Putting on shows
Auditions and casting
Once a show has been chosen and rehearsals have started, we hold auditions for the principal parts. We’ll post details of the auditions – date, time, place and audition pieces – on this website.
The audition panel usually includes the director, the musical director, the choreographer and at least one other person who is not auditioning for a part. Anyone can audition for a principal part, whether you’re already a member of the company or not. If you’re cast you will be expected to join the company and pay the membership and show fees.
Chorus
You don’t have to audition to be in the chorus, but this doesn’t mean the chorus isn’t important. Every member of the chorus plays a vital part. As well as singing, you need to act all the time you’re on stage. To help with this, think about who your ‘character’ is. You might even give them a name.
For shows at Hampton Hill Theatre we also have Balconeers who sit in the upstairs balcony and sing in the chorus numbers. This is a great way to be involved in the show if you can’t commit to all the rehearsals.
Offstage help
Even if you don’t fancy being on stage, there’s a place for you at HLO. We always need people to help with our shows, backstage and offstage.
Main shows need stage managers, lighting and sound operators, someone to organise the costumes and props, and ‘front of house’ people to welcome audience members and sell tickets and programmes.
Concerts need ticket and programme sellers, and people to organise refreshments.