Joining BATS

Becoming a member

The Society represents a broad spectrum of Basingstoke life. Our current members age from 16 - 70 and a wide range of professions is represented. You must be at least 16 years of age to join the main Society. If you are younger than this, you may be able to join BATS Next Gen instead.

For those wishing to perform, joining BATS is after a successful audition. An audition for new members is usually held at the start of rehearsals for a new show. However, if we are in the midst of rehearsing for a show we are always looking for people to help out backstage. You don't need any special skills and it's a great way of getting to know us prior to auditioning to become a member.

The Costs Involved

• Membership fee: Payable annually and must be paid before you are allowed to audition for a show. Currently £35. (New members can pay £5 to audition then pay the balance if they are successful).
• Show fee: If you successfully audition for a part in a show a show fee is payable, which helps to cover some of the costs of putting on a show. Ranges from £20 - £25 depending upon the show.
• Costumes, make-up and accessories: The Society will provide the main items of costume for the actual performances but you may, on occasions, be asked to supply items of costume/props and accessories (especially make-up and wigs). All members are expected to provide their own appropriate rehearsal gear.

Rehearsal dates and venue

All rehearsals are held at Bishop Challoner School in Basingstoke. Rehearsals can be very intensive, spanning a 4-5 month time period and you are asked to attend all relevant sessions. The usual rehearsal days (for revision calls) are Monday and Wednesday nights from 7:30 - 10:00 pm. The director's settings are done across a number of blocks and require a commitment of between 3-5 evenings per week (7:00 - 10:00pm) and sometimes all day on a Sunday (10:00 - 6:00 pm).

Further information

For further information, download the BATS New Members fact sheet (Adobe pdf format) or email Colin Webb at new-members@bats.net. The constitution of the society can be viewed here.