RE:LAUNCH
For the first six months of 2017, Mayhem took itself out of the spotlight to regroup and re-imagine Mayhem's place in the busy amateur theatre circuit of South West London. After much work, at the end of May 2017, Mayhem relaunched with a completely new structure, ethos and vision for the future with a goal to create far greater opportunities for members to be involved in all aspects of the company.
To give the changes some context, back in the autumn of 2016, the Mayhem Governors reached out to all current and previous members with an extensive survey inviting the members to share their thoughts and views on everything ... the good, the bad and the ugly. One of the main points to come out of the survey was an overwhelming desire for the company to continue (86%) and they were very much wanting to continue to be part of a future incarnation of the company (78%). However, it was clear that numerous changes were required and that shifting the focus of the company may not be such a bad thing. So a working group was put together to explore and re-work the structure of the company flipping the traditional society structure on it's head to create a new repertory/resident theatre company for SW London.
To give the changes some context, back in the autumn of 2016, the Mayhem Governors reached out to all current and previous members with an extensive survey inviting the members to share their thoughts and views on everything ... the good, the bad and the ugly. One of the main points to come out of the survey was an overwhelming desire for the company to continue (86%) and they were very much wanting to continue to be part of a future incarnation of the company (78%). However, it was clear that numerous changes were required and that shifting the focus of the company may not be such a bad thing. So a working group was put together to explore and re-work the structure of the company flipping the traditional society structure on it's head to create a new repertory/resident theatre company for SW London.
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Previous Structure
- Committee led company model - Traditional amdram society structure - Seasons established annually by committee - Show choices influencing venue bookings - Open creative team applications for all shows - Responsibilities heavily focused on few individuals - Committee roles unappealing due to level of commitment - Competition from other local socieities |
Revised Structure
- Member centric company model - Repertory / Resident theatre company structure - Productions chosen by members for members - Venue bookings influencing show choices - Creative team rosters & pitching opportunities - Devolution of responsibilities across the membership - Greater opportunities for members to get involved - Re-establish Mayhem's USP in SW London |
So how does it all work? Well a new Mayhem Year has been created which has been designed to drive the activities of the company and bring members back into the heart of the decision making.
May - Members Night - Vote for October show and Member Council appointments
Early June - Summer Musical (Pitch Slot) - Show & creative team chosen by members at the Pitch Night in November
July - Outdoor Shakespeare tour
Early October - Autumn Musical (Members Choice) - Show choice voted by members at the Members Night in May
November - Pitch Night - Members vote on pitches from creative teams for the Summer Musical
Early March - Spring Production (Wild Card) - Show & creative team selected by the Council to balance season
Early June - Summer Musical (Pitch Slot) - Show & creative team chosen by members at the Pitch Night in November
July - Outdoor Shakespeare tour
Early October - Autumn Musical (Members Choice) - Show choice voted by members at the Members Night in May
November - Pitch Night - Members vote on pitches from creative teams for the Summer Musical
Early March - Spring Production (Wild Card) - Show & creative team selected by the Council to balance season
The working group examined the committee structure that has supported the company over the last 10 year to see if such a structure could facilitate the new ethos of the company. It became apparent that Mayhem needed something new ... and so the traditional committee and society constitution was torn up and a new Members Council created.
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Committee (2007 - 2016)
- Chairman - Treasurer - Secretary - Vice Chairman - Members and Welfare Officer - Publicity and Sponsorship - Online Coordinator - Fundraising - Production Officer |
Members Council (2017+)
- Company Manager - Finance Manager - Production Manager - Members Rep - Marketing - Communicaitons - Stage & Tech - General Members |
For further information about the Members Council and how to get involved, click here. Taking on board the feedback received from the survey, numerous other changes have been made including ...
Creating a 'home' for Mayhem
We have ended our relationship with Emmanuel Hall in Morden and moved all production rehearsals to South Wimbledon. We have also cut down the number of venues we perform in and will be focusing on three larger venues for the foreseeable future, The Michael Frayn Theatre in Kingston, Kings Collage School in Wimbledon and the Epsom Playhouse. Over time we hope to develop our relationships more with these chosen theatres and potentially make a permanent move to one single venue for all of our productions. We are also exploring options with the local pubs in South Wimbledon to secure discounts for our members (for that all important after rehearsal drink) and a new venue for all our social events.
We have ended our relationship with Emmanuel Hall in Morden and moved all production rehearsals to South Wimbledon. We have also cut down the number of venues we perform in and will be focusing on three larger venues for the foreseeable future, The Michael Frayn Theatre in Kingston, Kings Collage School in Wimbledon and the Epsom Playhouse. Over time we hope to develop our relationships more with these chosen theatres and potentially make a permanent move to one single venue for all of our productions. We are also exploring options with the local pubs in South Wimbledon to secure discounts for our members (for that all important after rehearsal drink) and a new venue for all our social events.
More events and opportunities for members
We have refocused our member events and activities to provide a broader spectrum of opportunities for members to keep involved even if they're not directly participating in a production. Mayhem Dance is moving to a permanent slot once a month and will run throughout the year without interruption during busy rehearsal periods. We're introducing a new members evening for those who prefer to workout their vocal chords called Mayhem Sings which again will run throughout the year on a regular night each month. Finally we are launching and new a very exciting programme called Mayhem Swings which is a fantastic way to keep involved and to help out during rehearsals even when you're not in a show. There are often rehearsals for which a cast member may not be able to attend due to illness or other commitments. Mayhem Swings provides a way for members to fill-in for absent cast members and get to learn a dance routine or maybe act out a few scenes at the same time. All you need to do to get involved is sign up to the Mayhem Swings facebook group and we'll give you a shout when we're in need of a fill-in. Simples.
We have refocused our member events and activities to provide a broader spectrum of opportunities for members to keep involved even if they're not directly participating in a production. Mayhem Dance is moving to a permanent slot once a month and will run throughout the year without interruption during busy rehearsal periods. We're introducing a new members evening for those who prefer to workout their vocal chords called Mayhem Sings which again will run throughout the year on a regular night each month. Finally we are launching and new a very exciting programme called Mayhem Swings which is a fantastic way to keep involved and to help out during rehearsals even when you're not in a show. There are often rehearsals for which a cast member may not be able to attend due to illness or other commitments. Mayhem Swings provides a way for members to fill-in for absent cast members and get to learn a dance routine or maybe act out a few scenes at the same time. All you need to do to get involved is sign up to the Mayhem Swings facebook group and we'll give you a shout when we're in need of a fill-in. Simples.
A name change and fresh new look
There's no better way to kick off a new beginning than with a bit of facelift. So Mayhem Musical Theatre Company and its various social media handles and acronyms have been streamlined into a stronger company name (Mayhem Theatre Company), a single social media handle (@MayhemTheatre) and new website and domain name (www.mayhemtheatre.co.uk).
There's no better way to kick off a new beginning than with a bit of facelift. So Mayhem Musical Theatre Company and its various social media handles and acronyms have been streamlined into a stronger company name (Mayhem Theatre Company), a single social media handle (@MayhemTheatre) and new website and domain name (www.mayhemtheatre.co.uk).
The changes outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg as they say and we will be launching new and exciting initiatives throughout the year with loads of ways to get involved and to join in the Mayhem. We'll be keeping everyone up to date on social media and via our email newsletter so if you're not signed up, pop over to the Contact page and join the mailing list or follow us on facebook and twitter @MayhemTheatre.
Mayhem SwingsA new fill-in programme that provides Members with a fantastic way to keep involved, even when they are not involved in the current production.
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Mayhem SingsJoin us once a month for our 'social singers night' and learn a variety of vocal numbers covering all sorts of styles from musical theatre and accapella to choral and popular music.
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MembershipAll you need to know about Memberships and how to join in the Mayhem.
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Members CouncilFind out how the company is run and who's who on the Members Council.
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