Rules of Society

New members should not be expected to have a part in the current production except at the discretion of the Director of that production and then only in a part that is already scripted.

Any member who does not attend rehearsals for a period of up to 6 weeks, maximum will still be liable for subscriptions. Any member who does not attend for more than 6 weeks (for reasons other than illness) will have deemed to have left the group and will be subject to new member rules on re-joining.

The Director of the show shall be the only person responsible for agreeing on requirements for costume, scenery and props etc. Any expenditure should be agreed beforehand with both the Director and Chairman.

If any member is unable to attend any of the scheduled performances of a production, then they will not be given a part in that show. If they already have a part when non-attendance is known, then their part will be given to another member.

Any non-member, or member who is not taking part in a performance, shall not be allowed in the dressing rooms at any time, unless permission to do so is given by the Chairman or Director.

No FASATS member shall be a member of another drama group whilst a current member of FASATS.

Constitution

1. The Society shall be known as Freemantle and Shirley Amateur Theatrical Society.

2. The Society shall be affiliated to (NODA) the National Operatic & Dramatic Organisation and shall abide by its rules as published.

3. The Society shall be managed by an Executive Committee consisting of Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Secretary, Social Secretary & Youth Representative. This Committee shall be re-elected annually.

4. The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held in the month of July, when reports and accounts for the year will be presented, and officers for the ensuing year shall be elected. Notice of the meeting will be published and circulated four weeks prior to the meeting date.

5. A quorum of Two Executive members plus the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson shall have the power to co-opt to fill any vacancies that may occur at any time. It may also make awards for services to the Society. e.g. vice presidencies.

6. Membership is open to all persons from age 10 (Parental consent will be obtained for all children) and membership shall be gained by audition/interview. On acceptance there shall be a three-week grace period prior to the payment of membership fees. Anyone who has a disability (including sight or hearing impairment) or any mental disability which will prevent them accessing the stage via the stairs or being able to appear in high energy performance, shall state this on joining and acceptance of membership of this individual will then be assessed by the committee.

7. Any member of the Society who is more than 24 weeks pregnant shall not be permitted to undertake a performing role in any production of the Society.

8. Membership of the Society does not guarantee a part in any or every performance; however, it is the Societies intention to include as many members as possible in each performance, and to use a member’s talent to its best advantage.

9. Any member of the Society, who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, and confirmed by an Extraordinary General Meeting, to be guilty of bringing the Society into contempt or disrepute, shall be expelled from the Society.

10. Fees are to be paid weekly (or as arranged) to the Treasurer or Deputy at rates as follows.

Employed Adult, £2.00.

Concessions, £1.30.

Child 10-under 18. £0.50.

11. No member of the Society shall receive expenses unless decided by the Executive Committee.

12. A register of member’s details shall be maintained by the Committee for communication purposes only. It is the responsibility of the member to inform the Committee of any changes in their personal circumstances. Data protection rules (GDPR May 2018) shall be strictly observed.

13. The Society shall create and administer a Child Protection Policy.

14. The Society aims to provide constructive development for all members in all aspects of stage craft. To include, speech, singing, dance, sound & lighting, costume, production, direction. The Society will from time to time provide varied entertainment for members of the local community, in the form of plays, pantomimes, musicals, etc.

15. Any entertainment provided by the Society will not be done for profit or gain. Admission charges will be based on covering the Societies expenses for such production. Any excess over expenditure will be discharged as declared in items 17 & 18 of this constitution.

16. The Society will maintain a reserve fund for emergencies not exceeding £3000.00.

17. The Society shall maintain a working account not exceeding £1500.00.

18. Excess over expenditure from performances shall be placed in the working account.

19. Should the working account exceed its ceiling of £1500.00, the excess will be donated to local charities as decided by the membership in amounts of not less than £50.00.

20. In the event of the cessation of the Society, all funds remaining once all debts have been discharged shall be dispersed as donations to charities agreed on by the Executive Committee.

Any amendment to the Constitution and or to the general running of the Society, shall be recommended by the Executive to the membership, at the Annual General Meeting or Exceptional General Meeting (should this be necessary) for their approval and consent.

Last Updated: July 2024