Aside from mounting productions, our members are involved in a host of other activities to contribute to SDS and express themselves by using their skills and interests:

SDS General Committee

The SDS committee is elected and re-elected by the membership at the AGM each year and focuses on running the society and looking after its best interests both artistically and in general administrative matters.

A chairman, secretary and treasurer are the three principal elected officers with others serving - some of whom hold specific posts such as membership secretary, publicity officer and technical manager.

The committee meet most months of the year.

While you understandably might prefer to wait a while before thinking of committee involvement, we always benefit from new blood and new thinking and there have been instances in the recent past of relative newcomers to SDS joining the general committee.

Sub committees for specific projects

Various sub committees are formed at times to tackle specific projects such as:

• Creating a new web and social media presence
• Organising social activities
• Planning and organising activities for specific events such as our centenary 

...and more.

These sub committees often include non main committee members who make valuable contributions based on their areas of interest and expertise.

Trips & socials

We occasionally arrange trips to other theatres and venues to catch some live entertainment; you're more than welcome to join us! We organise regular social gaterings including our last Sunday of the month lunchtime drinks in the Quay bar and other activities: recent ones include bar quizzes, kayaking and bingo. 

Workshops and associated activities

Attending a workshop is a great way of meeting people and learning more about aspects of acting, drama, specific dramatists and other areas of theatre.

Workshops have been run for us by members and others with specific knowledge and experience covering subjects such as Shakespeare and elements involved in performing the Bard’s work, general acting skills, pantomime-specific acting and vocal and movement workshops.

Some directors run pre-audition workshops related to their production, and these are often open to attend whether or not you intend auditioning; they’re often highly informative and enjoyable and provide another way to meet people and get involved.

Maybe you have particular experience or a certain skill that may be of value to our members? If so, how about running a workshop or two for us?

One offs

Occasionally it’s fun to take part in something that's rehearsed and performed in a short time frame outside the main SDS theatre activities. Amongst other events we've held a few murder mystery evenings held at the Quay and elsewhere having rehearsed them over a handful of sessions (including a virtual one during the 2020 Covid lockdowns when live performances were curtailed), a promenade style performance in and around the theatre of scenes from Shakespeare plays - this event was revived as a film made during the pandemic lockdowns - and we performed a 'play in a day' with a rehearsed reading of Lucy Kirkwood's Maryland which was literally rehearsed and performed on the same day. 

Special events

We occasionally receive invitations to take part in drama activities such as festivals, and one such event was a national Amateur Theatre Festival organised by a play publishing company held in London. We performed a couple of extracts from a recent production (attended by the playwright concerned) at this gathering attended by some 400 people. 

Helping the Quay: volunteering

Perhaps you’d be interested in volunteering for the Quay generally? Many of our members have done and still do so, and it’s another way of meeting people and finding your way around.

The Quay is open many hours a week with a full programme of entertainment events to host, and relies heavily on volunteer help in roles such as manning the box office, performing front of house duties and duty management when there’s a production on.

The Quay’s admin team would be pleased to hear from you if volunteering for the theatre appeals, so email them here: admin@quaysudbury.com

For further information about SDS activities and how to get involved email us NOW!