 The Crescent Theatre is one of Birmingham's oldest theatre companies and while it's celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, it's certainly showing no signs of slowing down.
Acknowledging the ongoing needs of the city's theatre-goers, The Crescent provides a unique and truly distinctive experience for all its visitors. The 300-seater auditorium and 100-seater studio give the audience an up close and personal experience to every performance, wherever they sit.
The theatre, located on Sheepcote Street, is run almost entirely by volunteers in their spare time. Members come from all walks of life, but all with a passion for theatre. Even with over 250 loyal members, The Crescent is always on the look out for new volunteers, especially considering how many jobs there are to do on, off, behind and in front of the stage. Membership provides an abundance of opportunities if you want to become involved in a theatrical production. You don't have to be an aspiring actor to work in the theatre and there are usually more roles behind the scenes than there are actors on stage. A typical play with eight to 10 cast members needs the assistance of a stage manager, a couple of crew, a props person, a prompter, scene changers, lighting operators, sound technicians, a front of house manager, stewards, refreshments and bar staff, set designers, set builders and painters, a director, costume designers, wardrobe assistants, production assistants and a marketing team to decide how best to promote and sell the play! Add to that the team responsible for breaking down each production at the end of the run; it amounts to a huge number of jobs attracting people from all walks of life. To celebrate 75 years in the city, there's a diary of entertainment to suit everyone, from true classics to innovative and exciting productions from the hottest, new playwrights. From wonderful, imaginative family favourites, like James and The Giant Peach and The Elves and the Shoemaker to one-man shows, dance extravaganzas and truly exhilarating music performances. Ian Thompson, a long-standing member of the company, with over 23 years' theatrical experience at the Crescent is very excited about the theatre's birthday celebrations: "A lot of hard work and dedication from our members goes into each and every show and this year is even more special than most. "Seventy-five years in Birmingham is something to celebrate and we are so proud of our heritage. Throughout the season, there's something to suit everyone and we are certain that every theatre-goer will come away from the Crescent with a sense of contentment and fulfilment." If you'd like to meet like-minded people and take part in a satisfying, creative activity why not join in. If you are under 18, you could join the Youth Theatre which also meets regularly. Log on to www.crescent-theatre.co.uk to find out all you need to know or call 0121 643 5858.
To celebrate 75 years in Birmingham, The Crescent Theatre is giving away a very special prize to one lucky SelectLiving reader. You could win a pair of tickets to every main house production for a whole year* by answering this very simple question: Which Shakespeare play includes the line "All the world's a stage..."?
To enter call 09012 290274 and leave your name, address and a daytime telephone number and the answer to the question. Calls cost 25p from a BT landline. Mobile costs may vary. OR text LSWIN5 followed by a space, your answer and your name, house number and postcode to 84080..
If you would like to receive information from the Birmingham Post & Mail, Trinity Mirror Midlands or Le Royal Méridién in the future, please add a YES at the end of your text (e.g. LSWIN3 answer Andy Smith 18 B7 3RS YES) Texts cost 25p (plus your standard message rate). Closing date: January 29 2008. * Should the theatre be unable to provide a pair of tickets due to a sell-out, the winner will be offered tickets to a studio performance as an alternative. Winners will be selected at random from all correct entries.
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