Working in a play

The Kampala Amatuer Dramatic Society, KADS, is performing Sound of Music this May. There are about 45 actors with at least 2, if not 5, costume changes. In the KADS wardrobe are some pieces that will do for for perhaps 20% of the necessary items of clothing. Some of the actors have clothes that will do.

Between now and the dress rehersal in early May, all the remaining items have to be found or made, fitted to actor/ress and labeled, washed, pressed, etc. Since this is amatuer theatre, sometimes the actors take their pieces and do the laundry, pressing, etc themselves, which helps out a lot.

They have a budget for purchasing clothes, cloth and tailoring. What is needed is someone to track it all and ensure that all the bits and pieces get to the right person for them to use. I've helped with 2 pantomine performances previously. Now is my chance to help with a real play.

The actors have been working since 25 February on rehearsals, with the Music Director, Stage Director and Production Manager beginning before that. Rehearsals occur 4 times a week, following a schedule that allows actors to work together for their different scenes at different times. Of course there is lots of time for practicing all the wonderful songs that we all love.

My friend Melody has a singing part as one of the nuns. This was the first play she ever saw live as a child and she is delighted to be part of it now. Learning to do the chant-style singing is a good challenge for her. She has a great singing voice and will do well I'm sure.

I have begun taking measurements for actors and listed out their costume needs, etc, which begins the journey into the world of theatre. There is a chance we can rent the 12 nun habits from a local nunnery! That would save a lot of work and sewing time! We'll see what happens.