Burnside Players Inc (BPI) is a community volunteer organisation that provides everyone interested the opportunity to become involved with theatre.

Please note that all participants are required to become members of BPI. Please see our memberships page for more information.

Amateur theatre requires dedicated people to work on a wide variety of tasks to bring a show together. It is much more than seeing your name in lights and there is a place for everyone. Find your role below:


Actors:  Can you see yourself centre-stage?  Burnside Players produces an average of two shows per year.  Open auditions are held for each show and characters range from leads to non-speaking servants, with everything in-between. We advertise auditions through the Adelaide Theatre Guide web-site and here on our home-page.  If nothing is currently listed, please feel free to e-mail us to check when our next auditions will be.

Directors:  Behind every production is the director who has the vision to see the entire process through, from initial idea to closing night. Directors have to be passionate and very dedicated to their production.  Though previous directorial experience is not required, a background and experience in various aspects of theatre will be regarded favourably. Do you have what it takes to direct?

Construction: A play is much more than words on a page. Similarly, a show is much more than actors reading these words. Beautiful sets and costumes can transport the audience to the world of the characters and people with an interest and/or skills in these areas are always useful and valued.  The amount of construction needed for each production varies and will depend on the complexity and design. Everyone can help, whether you have years of experience or are keen to learn.

Publicity: What is a splendid production if there is nobody to witness it? Bringing audiences to each show is one of the most important ways you can help. Our advertisement is primarily done through distribution of posters and fliers, getting the media involved, and simple word of mouth. If you have an interest in marketing and promotion, we’d love to utilise your talents.

Crew: Are you curious about what happens in the dark of theatre? For the run of each production, a backstage crew is needed.  This may include running lights or sound, organising props, moving scenery, ensuring that actors are ready for their cues and helping with costume changes. Do you love wearing black and want to be involved in the team that makes the whole production work?

Front of House: Enthusiastic and friendly people are always needed for ticketing, selling programs, and ushering.  Front of House duties are flexible to the time constraints of the volunteers; volunteer for one night or the whole run of a show. Will you be the smiling face that greets the crowds?

Committee: BPI needs a group of dedicated people to manage the practical running of the company, hear proposals from potential directors, approve casting and attend to all the left over odds and ends. The committee meets monthly during productions and bimonthly in our off-season.

Office bearers for the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary are elected at our Annual General Meeting in the first half of the year. Up to eight further general committee members can also serve at any one time; there are often vacancies for general members throughout the year. Being on the committee does not exclude taking part in any other role in productions but also does not require further involvement.

 
Do you have another skill that you think would be useful for BPI? Drop us an email outlining how you would like to be a part of our organisation. It can’t hurt to ask!*

 

*Unfortunately at this time BPI is not in a position to produce original scripts. We suggest enquiries of this type be directed to the South Australian Writers Theatre.