I used to be a PA for a businessman in property development. Here in France, I am a copywriter. Craig is a professional actor, mainly doing voice work.
The first winter we were in Chabanais, we went to see the pantomime put on by the Theatre Chabanais Association.
It was started by Barry Shipman, 82, in 2009, and he is still a member.
Craig, and our son Alex, immediately joined the group, but I didn't because our daughter was just three at the time.
I gradually got involved anyway. I have performed with them and I have been directing for five years. I am now the artistic director, director and president.
We produce a summer show and a pantomime. We do four performances of the summer show in various local venues, and three performances of the pantomime in Chabanais at the salle des fêtes.
College
Last year's production was Up the ChimneySara Bowles
This year's panto is called Forever Treasure Island. We will do an exclusive show for pupils from the college, then we will do the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (December 6-7).
It is a massive amount of work, but because members come from up to an hour-and-a-half away by car, we are thinking of giving more performances over a wider geographical area.
The bank gave us €2,000, which we used to buy our own lighting rig and sound equipment (microphones and a mixing desk), which will make putting on shows cheaper because we will not have to hire. We would like to continue building assets.
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We run a tombola at each performance in aid of charities including Restos du Coeur, Croix Rouge, Secours Catholique, and the local PTA. It usually amounts to about €500 for each production. Friends of the Association donate the prizes.
Non-profit
It costs more than €1,000 to put on a show, and our income is purely membership fees and ticket sales, so as a non-profit, we are registered as an Association 1901.
The company is bilingual, French-English, and includes people from Holland, Belgium, Canada, Australia and Spain, as well as British and French locals.
Our shows are bilingual, too – the pantos are in English but we translate what is happening into French at the beginning of each scene so everyone can follow the action.
Our French audience is growing year on year, by word of mouth. They get into participating very quickly, but we do run sessions at the school explaining the traditions of panto, because their English teacher is French.
We have around 45 members, and the cast last year was 35. We would love more members, especially French ones.
We are also looking for backstage and technical crew – wardrobe, for example, is a really big job.
How to set up an amateur theatre company
Sara Bowles
Amateur theatre companies can function as an Association 1901 even if they charge for seats, as long as profits go back into the company.
It is possible to find scripts online by searching for 'pantomime scripts UK'. The rights usually cost around €350 to €500.
Charity shops can be great places to find costumes, and sometimes people donate bridesmaids' dresses.
A website and a Facebook page can help recruit new members and advertise shows.
Leaflets and posters need to look as professional as possible.
Sending press releases to local newspapers and magazines is a good way to get articles written about forthcoming productions.
Local businesses and banks are often happy to donate money, as they can write it off against tax.
Supportive local mairies can supply storage space for scenery, props, costumes and other equipment, as well as rehearsal space.
