Everything you want to know about us, in one handy Q&A.

FAQ'S

WANT THE ANSWERS?

 

 Funnybone has been up and running since 2001 and during that time we have had numerous members who, in the process of joining our group, have asked  questions about how we do things, who can take part etc, which we have dutifully answered.  To make things easier for you, we have listed most of these here for you to read through.

 

If there is a question you have that isn't answered below, please contact us and we will get back to you ASAP.

Q.

How often do you stage shows?

 

A.

We stage our productions annually, in the February half term holiday. The shows run Thursday - Saturday, with an extra matinée performance on the Saturday.

 

Q.

Does it cost anything to take part?

 

A.

Yes, it is now £1 per session, per child.  We also ask our contributors have time, patience and a sense of fun!

 

Q.

We don't actually live in Fowey, can my child still take part?

 

A.

No problem.  We have members who take part from all over Cornwall.  All we ask is that you attend all of the scheduled rehearsals, or else we will be forced to recast your child's part.

 

Q.

What commitment of time would I be making if I volunteer to help out?  Likewise, how much time is my child expected to devote to Funnybone, if they take part in a production?

 

A.

Children will be expected to attend a weekly rehearsal (in term time) on Sundays 12.00 - 14.00pm from mid September right up to performance week (excluding Xmas).  Rehearsal times increase from 12.00 - 15.30 in January as we near the performance. You child will need to be available for dress and technical rehearsals the first weekend & Monday and Tuesday of the February half term, as well as the actual performances on Thurs, Fri, Sat nights, plus the Sat matinee.

 

Adult volunteers, could range from helping out at rehearsals, to sewing costumes, helping make props, set design, helping run the theatre on the night. Let us know how much time you have/are willing to give us and we'll find a job to suit!

 

Q.

What safeguards do you have in place to keep my child safe while they are in your care?

 

A.

All of our volunteers have a current DBS* check.  We also complete risk assessments for any venue we use for rehearsals and performance.

 

*The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

 

Q.

Do you have public liability insurance?

 

A.

Yes we do, up to £5,000,000.

 

 

Q.

Can I stay and watch rehearsals that my child is taking part in?

 

A.

Yes, you are free to stay if you must, or you can leave your child with us (which is preferable to us as it is less distracting for the children).  Please bear in mind that we are not a creche, so we expect very young children to be accompanied during rehearsals.

 

Q.

How do children get parts in the plays?

 

A.

We ask children to audition and we promise that EVERY child will be given a part in the show and take part in the production process to learn about the theatre.

 

Q.

What is the audition process like?  Will it upset my child?

 

A.

Not at all, we run fun, friendly and inclusive auditions.  We are mindful of the age of each auditionee, making sure we don't ask children to try for parts too complicated for their age or skills.  Children who don't want speaking parts are catered for, as are children who prefer not to sing (most of our Panto's are musicals).

 

Generally, we are looking for the following qualities in our young performers:

 

• Team Players -- actors who listen and support their fellow actors

 

• Poise & Personality -- confident, relaxed and energetic actors

 

• Good Diction & Projection -- speaking loudly, clearly, and slowly enough to pronounce all the sounds in each word

 

• Understanding -- actors who “get” what they’re reading

 

• Expression -- an actor must share his/her feelings and emotions with the audience while reading, dancing or singing

 

• Vulnerability -- allowing your sensitive side to show

 

• Whole-hearted Acting -- using everything you've got -- Face, Voice and entire Body

 

• Flexibility -- being able to make changes if asked

 

• Dedication -- Volunteers who can really commit to the show.

 

 

Q.

My child doesn’t want to act, but would love to help behind the scenes, do you have a provision for this?

 

A.

Yes, depending on their age and health and safety checks, they can help us out behind the scenes or in front of house, whilst also observing the rehearsals and overall theatrical process of staging a show.

 

Q.

What does my child need to bring to rehearsals?  Do you feed them, etc?

 

A.

You should send you child along with a snack and a drink, though we do offer them juice and biscuits while they are here.

 

Q.

I would like to donate to Funnybone in some way, what forms of support do you accept? (i.e. money or in-kind donations such as materials or goods you would use – if I gave you a load of paint for example, would that be handy etc)

 

A.

We accept ANY kind of support, the most obvious being cash donations which we use to buy materials to stage the show and have programmes and costumes made etc.  We welcome ANY kind of support, so if you are thinking of donating in ANY way, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

 

Q.

I would be interested to volunteer to work with Funnybone behind the scenes as a designer/technician/crew. Is that possible and if so, how should I apply?

 

A.

Yes, please get in touch, we'd love to have you. Use our contact page to get in touch.

 

Q.

I own a business and would like to sponsor one of your shows, can I do that and what fees would be involved?

 

A.

Yes, please get in touch with us. For patrons, we usually accept a cash donation of whatever you can afford, but to sponsor an entire show exclusively (which we would be very happy to do), please contact us.

 

Q.

I would be interested in doing a work placement/internship with Funnybone.  Who should I contact?

 

A.

We don't offer work placements per se, rather we ask that people donate their time or expertise to help us.

 

 

Q.

I am doing some research and would like to know more about Funnybone.  I have specific questions about Funnybones's working practices and would like to interview a member of the company, is this possible?

 

A.

Yes, drop us a line.

 

 

Q.

Where can I get DVDs or CDs or see the Theatres Funnybones's work?

 

A.

You can buy them from this very website!

 

Q.

Do Funnybone run workshops to learn acting/directing/behind the scenes skills?

 

A.

We used to run workshops but found lack of attendance a problem, so we now include everything one needs to know and learn within our Sunday rehearsals.  That way everyone, whatever age, gets to learn the ropes and know days and times etc.