Dartington Playgoers: More Than Just a Theatre Group

You may have heard of Dartington Playgoers – but do you know who we really are?

We’ve been part of the local arts scene for nearly 80 years, staging a wide variety of productions, from contemporary plays and rehearsed readings to large-scale summer outdoor performances.

Putting on a play is about so much more than the actors you see on stage. Behind every production is a dedicated team of people working hard to bring everything together. From directors, stage managers, production managers, costume makers, props coordinators, lighting and sound technicians, set builders, painters, makeup artists, front of house staff, publicity coordinators, stewards, the list goes on.

The infrastructure behind a show is far more complex than most people realise, and it’s these behind-the-scenes roles that make everything possible.

As many of you know, Dartington Playgoers are currently without a permanent home. After losing our long-standing base, we’re still searching for new premises, not for performances, as we’ve decided for now to be nomadic and choose the venue according to the play but we need space for storage and rehearsals, so this remains a challenge. Despite this, our spirit is strong!

We’re actively forging links with other community theatre groups, sharing resources and determined to keep our productions alive.

This year alone, we are staging The Southbury Child by Stephen Beresford this June, followed just one month later by Education, Education, Education by The Wardrobe Ensemble as part of the Totnes Fringe Festival. Later in the year, we’ll also be performing One Million Tiny Plays directed by our wonderful Jules Harper. In between all this, there will be lots of smaller events and activities taking place too, so there’s always something happening!

 

We’re also thrilled to be hosting a stage at this year’s Totnes Fringe Festival in the Royal Seven Stars Ballroom, showcasing incredible talent alongside curating our own history. Long-standing Playgoers members will be on hand throughout the weekend, sharing stories and celebrating the legacy of our group.

Our membership has dipped recently, but thanks to a surge of younger actors (inspired in part by the success of Jerusalem last year), we’re breathing new life into the group. We offer acting workshops, social events, quiz nights, barbecues and more. Whether you want to act, help backstage, or support with publicity, there’s a role for everyone. And yes, if you’re an actor, come act but every now and then, we do ask that you roll up your sleeves and pitch in behind the scenes too. It’s the lifeblood of what keeps Playgoers running.

If you’d like to be part of something creative, social, and rewarding, we’d love to hear from you.

A brand-new website is on the way, but in the meantime, you can reach us at playgoersofdartington@gmail.com.

Come and join us, we’re a welcoming group with a wealth of experience, and we’re always looking for new faces, new ideas and new energy!

Thanks,

Jody Fendick

Chair