Why Join?

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first performance at this great theatre. Met and worked with some lovely people, thank you all! I look forward to working with you all again, and coming to see all future productions!!” – Matt Sharp, Snoopy!!! The Musical, 2016

Our 200-strong membership is open to anyone interested in the dramatic arts, either as an audience member or as an active participant. We’re not just looking for actors, but directors, singers, musicians, stage managers, dancers, lighting & sound technicians, as well as people to help with costumes, set-building, props, working behind the bar, looking after the fabric of the building… and membership costs only £25.00 per year.

To join just download and print off page 1 and page 2 of the membership form

TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD JOIN BECKENHAM THEATRE

1. A very busy place

We have a full programme of productions, social nights, weekend performances, set-building, rehearsals, workshops, concerts and events. Our theatre is entirely staffed by volunteers, and the building is in use almost every day of the year. There is always something to do and fun to be had, so there has never been a better time to join.

2. Fun, friendly atmosphere

The delightful atmosphere onstage, backstage, in the bar and other public areas is partly due to the innate charm of the building, but can also be attributed to the passion and enthusiasm of the members. So many people contribute their time and energy to the theatre that there is a real buzz to the place.

3. Excellent location

Conveniently located in the heart of Beckenham, just minutes from the High Street, the theatre has excellent transport links to Bromley, Croydon and Wimbledon, and central London is just twenty minutes by train (Beckenham Junction – London Victoria). Details of how to find us can be found above.

4. Great value for money

Tickets cost just £10.00 for adults and £8.00 for concessions (unless otherwise stated).

Membership only costs £25.00 per year for single membership and £35.00 per year for a household membership, which includes:£2.00 discount on full production tickets (£8.00 for adults and £6.00 for children and concessions)

> Two free tickets per year
> The chance to take part, onstage or backstage, in any of the productions
> Regular social events and weekend spots throughout the year

5. Excellence is at our core

We may be an amateur group, but our membership includes some wonderful actors and directors, who bring with them a huge variety of experience. Shows at Beckenham have won numerous awards in recent years, and a commitment to high-quality drama is central to all we do. Each year we also celebrate excellence on our stage with our annual Beatties awards: the entire membership is polled for their views on the last season’s shows, and winners are announced in a glamorous black-tie awards ceremony.

6. Make new friends

Whether it’s to see a show, to take part in a rehearsal, or to play board games over a drink in the bar… whatever your reason for being at Beckenham Theatre, you will always find yourself with like-minded theatregoers. Often a new person will move into the area, pop in once to see what we do, and never look back. It is very easy to become involved in the social fabric of the theatre, and within months, people will think you’ve been there for years!

7. Help the local community

As a registered charity, it is important to recognise the value Beckenham Theatre has to the community it has served for almost 70 years. The theatre is committed to involving the local community in every aspect of our work, from our collaborations with local schools and charities, to our active membership of the Beckenham Business Association. Any member is eligible to join our board of Trustees, elected by a quorum of members at an annual general meeting. The current chairman is Melanie Jones. A full list of Trustees can be seen here.

8. Learn new skills (or improve old ones!)

For those who want to develop experience in the theatre, whether as an actor, director, stage manager or a lighting and sound technician, there are people on hand to guide you through your first time, and the learning curve will be fast and fun! Whatever contribution you can make to running a show will be welcomed and there is no better way to find out how much you will enjoy it.

For those who have previous theatrical experience, whether recent or in the dim-and-distant past, there is plenty to do onstage and backstage in one of our shows to develop your skills and to make friends along the way. It is not uncommon for new members to join us after a 20-year hiatus, and return to the stage triumphant. It’s a bit like riding a bike… but with better costumes.

9. Support the smallest complete theatre in the country

When our founders moved into that “funny little house on the corner”, they built a tiny proscenium-arch theatre with a full working fly-loft, lighting and soundbox, dressing rooms, wardrobe, props room and members’ bar. These features make us the smallest ‘complete’ theatre in the whole of the UK. The founders (you can read the story here) felt it was important that members learn all aspects of theatre production, not just ‘village hall amdram’ – and this philosophy is still an integral part of who we are.

And finally…

10. It’s really really easy to join:

Step 1: Print off page 1 and page 2 of the membership form
Step 2: Fill in both pages of the membership form
Step 3: Write out a cheque for £25.00/£35.00, made out to Beckenham Theatre Centre Ltd
Step 4: Put the cheque and the membership form in the post, addressed to Membership Secretary, Beckenham Theatre, 46 Bromley Road, Beckenham, BR3 5JD, or pop it in the letterbox next time you pass the building or hand it into the box office on a show night
Step 5: Wait for confirmation of membership. This will follow the next Trustees meeting, which occurs every five to six weeks
Step 6: Tell all your friends how easily you joined Beckenham Theatre (and perhaps buy them memberships for their birthdays)