The ACT Member’s Day 2012

Sunday July 8th saw ACT host its very first Members Day. The venue was the Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham. The ethos of the day was very much informal, despite the formalities of the Members Forum to cover.

With over 75 people in attendance it was an opportunity for the ACT Board to update members on what they felt had been achieved in the first 18 months and their plans for the immediate future. This included an overview from Board Chair, John and GOD, Fred and a plea to remember to communicate from Secretary, Sarah. The Board were formally accepted by the forum and the membership were also introduced to the new Youth Agent Liz Cheetham, who gave impassioned plea for societies to invite her to shows, reviews and rehearsals but more so, to talk to her.

The Open Forum gave an opportunity for all members to ask questions, update on some of the activities within their groups and for the traders present to give an overview of their services. Graham Kershaw from Proscenium spoke about his support for ACT and was also presented with a Birthday card from the ACT Board, for a very special birthday!

The ACT student sponsorship was launched, giving a society member the great opportunity to attend the Ross Summer School, sponsored by ACT. The chosen student will then be followed for a year by ACT with regular updates from them on their progress to be featured in the magazines, newsletters and

The Board were really excited to launch the ACT magazine, with copies flying off the shelves on the day!

The Members Day gave ACT their first opportunity to present the Secretary of the Year Award, which ACT secretary Sarah announced as John Buckley from Mossley AODS. Although John was not their in person a representative was able to pick the Award up on his behalf. John was busy with a Dress Rehearsal for the Youth section of his society.

Other Awards presented were the new ACT Out of the Spotlights, awarded to those people who excelled in front of house and back stage roles over the last performance year. Winners of the Awards were; David Baxter of Burnley Garrick and Gwen Owen of South Manchester OS for their Excellence in Customer Service, Sonia Robinson of Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society for Character Presentation  and Tony ratty and David Gater from Curtain Call for Excellence in Stagecraft

After a pie and pea lunch and an opportunity to circulate, meet old friends and make some new ones the ACT Annual Quiz got underway, hosted by Quiz Master Nick Dawson. Nick is a member of a member society Worsley Intimate Theatre and put together a fun performing arts quiz which included some very interesting facts about Denis Nordern!

The day ended with the Quiz trophy being presented to Romiley Operatic Society and the agreement we would do it all again next year!!