Stewarton Drama Group
Bringing Productions and Theatre Arts to the Local Community
Gill Sherry
It’s immediately obvious when I meet Dee MacColl, albeit virtually, that she’s a colourful character. I did wonder if her bright green hair and eyebrows were indicative of the stage character she was currently portraying but no, they’re simply a reflection of her infectious personality.
So, who better for President of the Stewarton Drama Group than Dee?
“I joined as a house member just to help out with panto,” Dee tells me. “I’ve been involved maybe eight or nine years. I joined the committee and I’m just going into my third year as President.”
SDG was established in 1973 when a group of friends began to meet up in each other’s homes to plan local stage productions. Since then, it has performed everything from one-act plays to traditional pantomimes and has been a member of the Scottish Community Drama Association for over 50 years, taking part in SCDA festivals and performing all over the country.
Since 1987, SDG has based itself in premises in Stewarton’s Corsehillbank Street. This is where the Group meets on a Wednesday evening during theatre season.
“At the moment we’ve got between 15 and 20 active members,” Dee confirms. “Some members are involved in acting… some are involved with reading plays and finding productions. Then there’s the committee roles and technical aspects.”
Dee is currently taking on a directing role which just goes to prove, you never know where something might take you.
“Most people want to come along and be on stage at some point, and everybody’s got an equal chance. We follow guidelines and rules so it keeps everything fair. But even if you’re not on stage, you’re still involved somehow… running the raffle or front of house. One of the unsung roles is the prompt.”
Plus, there’s always the opportunity to learn from others.
“For me, it’s about time with like-minded, creative people. I’ve learned an awful lot about all aspects of being on the stage… what goes on backstage, the organisation of things. As well as the acting skills there’s the interpersonal skills. But it’s also the fun and enjoyment. It really is a step away from normal day-to-day experiences.”
The Group has been fortunate to work with some fabulous directors including Nancy McPherson, David Robertson and Walter Findlay (who sadly passed away last year).
“Good directors are able to draw something out of you, something you didn’t know you had in yourself. Performances can be nerve-racking, but it’s such a rewarding experience from start to finish. There’s always that adrenalin rush but also, it’s a kind of negotiated experience. You’re trying to fulfil the director’s vision.”
The Group’s two most recent productions were Steamie and Bouncers, which were both exceptionally well received. The next, in February, is An Incident At The Border, a topical production which will hopefully go down equally well.
“Our wee premises holds 40-50 people, and there’s something about having it in your own locality. Our following are really loyal… people who come back again and again and see the value of community theatre. They love what we put on and put their hands in their pockets to buy tickets and raffle tickets. They support us in everything we do.”
SDG has a strong in-house publicity team, co-ordinated by Laura McPherson, plus a network of patrons whose support is invaluable in terms of funds coming into the club.
“The community is what it’s all about. We’re quite blessed in East Ayrshire because we’ve got CentreStage and The Palace Theatre, and we’re close to Glasgow in terms of professional theatre. But there’s something really important about keeping community theatre alive.”
Which is why Dee is keen to see new members join the Group.
“Come along! Have a glass of wine, read a play, have a bit of fun. You don’t have to be a polished, seasoned performer, there’s a lot of skills that you can pick up and we’re a friendly bunch. Just come along for some of that camaraderie. It’s a team game, so if you’ve ever had an incline at all, come along.”
As she’s already mentioned, it’s not just about being on stage, there are so many other ways to become involved. SDG has won over 150 trophies for its productions and has received plaudits for stage settings, lighting and direction, as well as acting. It also won the British Final of the One-Act Festival in 2008 with its production One Good Beating.
“I think it’s important to give people opportunities to do these things,” Dee continues. “Giving people who never thought they’d be on stage a chance to do it. We’ve got the costumes, we’ve got the sets, we just need the people. Whatever they fancy, there’s a place to express themselves.”
Nancy McPherson, the longest standing member of Stewarton Drama Group, says: “I’ve had many happy, fun-filled, rewarding experiences in SDG over the years, taking on all sorts of roles both onstage and offstage, but the most important thing for me is the many friends I’ve made, not just in SDG but right across Scotland, in the wonderful world of community drama.”
It costs £40 for seasonal membership of SDG. If you’re interested, you can get in touch via the Group’s Facebook page, which is also where you’ll find tickets for An Incident At The Border which takes place on 12th, 13th and 15th February. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets from www.ticketebo.co.uk.
“We’re a small group – small but mighty – and I think it’s really important that we keep that. Once it goes, these things are really hard to re-establish.”
Before today’s final curtain, the last act is all about Dee’s green hair.
“It’s been green for a while now, but it can be all sorts of different colours. Normally, everybody has to wear a wig for the panto, whereas I’m the opposite. If I’m in a normal play, I have to wear a wig!”
Well, we all know life is better with a bit of colour!
