The Old Stagers are a dramatic society based in Canterbury. Many OKS have performed with the society over the years, and they welcome and encourge new OKS members to join.

The Opportunity 

• To be part of the oldest dramatic society in the world – The Old Stagers (or “OS” for short) – first formed in 1842, which has performed every year since then, in Canterbury, Kent, apart from during the two World Wars and in 2020 and 2021 (due to the coronavirus pandemic). 
• To join a dedicated group of actors, directors and stage managers who love the theatre and who place great value on putting on high quality productions – not your average Am Dram!  Some of our members have worked in professional theatres, trained and/or performed as professional actors, written plays and musicals.  All of our members have acted seriously at school or university.
• To perform in a newly-built, professional state-of-the-art theatre (The Malthouse in Canterbury) over 5 – 6 nights (with a mid-week matinee) in late July or early August – known as “The Week”. 
• To take part in a light-hearted, topical sketch and musical revue – known as “The Epilogue”.  This is traditionally written by one or two members of the OS every year and read out for the first time at the OS Dinner (at the start of The Week).  It is learned and rehearsed during The Week and performed to the audience after the play on the Friday and Saturday nights.
• To enjoy social occasions both during The Week and throughout the year, including play readings and an Autumn social gathering in London.

The Commitment 

• The Epilogue only – in Canterbury for The Week in late July/early August (Saturday to the following Sunday), rehearsing every morning from 10am – 1pm in The Malthouse Theatre, performing on the Friday and Saturday evenings after the main play (c.9.45 – 10.30pm); or
• The Play and The Epilogue – rehearsing the play from mid-June in London (in Pimlico), 2 – 3 evenings per week depending on role, from 7 – 10pm. Rehearsing on 2 Sundays in July in London or nearby (10 am – 6pm). Then committing to The Week itself in Canterbury (as above).
• Clearly, for The Week itself, you need accommodation in or near Canterbury.  For those who do not live in Kent, this is usually rented and there are plenty of local options, including of course AirBnB. Cast members often organise to stay together during The Week to spread the cost and have more fun! 
• The Week is a wonderful social occasion, with afternoon lunches and get-togethers after Epilogue rehearsals in the morning, and usually an evening pub trip after the Wednesday matinee performance. After every evening performance, the OS Room (in the Malthouse Theatre) allows cast and crew (and their guests from the audience) to get together and enjoy each other’s company. The extensive OS archives are also available to browse through.

For more information, please visit: www.oldstagers.com

or email: oldstagers@gmail.com