Join the Cast
Why?
Cumberland Gang Show is a fun and rewarding training ground for theatre and performing arts in the Scout and Guide movements. Cast members gain confidence, pride, teamwork, and performance skills over the four months of rehearsals and through performing to over 4,000 people in the 8 July school holiday performances.
Some of the major benefits of being a Gang Show cast member include
- learning how to sing, act and/or dance
- develop teamwork and leadership skills
- make friends with other Scouts and Guides from all across Western Sydney
- improve self-confidence and self-discipline
- develop character
- form lifetime friendships
- learn how to strive for success and to help others while having fun
Who?
The Cast is comprised of over 150 active members of Scouts or Girl Guides who are 8 years or older as at 1st January.
Our younger cast members (Juniors) are split into two casts named “Gilbert” and “Sullivan”. They each perform half the total number of shows.
What about my other Scouting / Guiding activities?
Cumberland Gang Show understands that there are many active and keen youth members who do not want to miss out on their regular section activities. Our welfare team make allowances for our cast members to participate in those. We also fully encourage our cast members to participate in their section award scheme and 'reach for the stars'.
While we encourage cast members to attend every rehearsal, we do allow them to participate in their regular Scouting and Guiding activities, without any penalty to their attendance record or Gang Show patrol points.
How do I join?
To join the cast, you first need to attend an audition! The Production Team usually audition cast members on the first Saturday of December every year, for the following year's cast. Auditions are held at Baden-Powell Scout Activity Centre, Pomona Street, Pennant Hills between 9am and 5pm.
To apply, follow the ‘Audition now’ link on the home page to complete the online form (available July to Nov). Online applications close mid-November but late applications may be accepted, contact Wendy at personnel@gangshow.asn.au
The Audition Process
Auditioning, or ‘trying out’ for Gang Show is heaps of fun. Auditions help the Production Team to select the applicants who will join the cast. They also help to work out what parts you will play in the show. So, no need to worry, you don’t have to be a star to audition for Gang Show – but you will be by the time you’re finished! There’s only one thing you must have above everything else – and that’s enthusiasm! The most important thing you can do is to be enthusiastic in everything you’re asked to do in Gang Show, and never is that more so than at the Auditions!
Auditions consist of acting, singing, dancing and movement bases and take approx 1.5 hours.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred time.
Afterwards, stay positive! Whether you think you did great, or not so great – don't worry, as long as you tried your best, you’ll be fine. Around 2 weeks after audition day, you will receive an email letting you know whether you made it into the cast or not. Your email will tell you what to do after that.
Rehearsals & Performances
Rehearsals are a lot of fun - cast members play games, sing songs, learn production routines and spend time getting to know the other cast members.
The Cast attend every rehearsal, and when it comes to performances, the "Sullivan" Junior cast will do a total of four shows and the "Gilberts" will do the other four shows, of the 8 performances at the Riverside Theatre.
All cast members are part of a patrol, led by their patrol leader (a senior member of the Gang). In their patrols, they work together as a team and discuss things related to being in the Gang. Patrol competitions and activities encourage every patrol member to participate fully in the Gang, to make friends, have fun, sell tickets, to do their best on stage and earn lots of Oscars!
At every rehearsal, there are plenty of laughs and good times as we learn the songs and production routines which make up the Show. Also, a Production Team member will give out a special 'Smile Award' to a cast member who has put in 110% effort and has smiled non-stop all during the rehearsal!
Cast members attend...
- Saturday night rehearsals (March to July)
- 2 weekend rehearsal camps (April & May) at Baden Powell Scout Activity Centre, Pennant Hills
- Costume try-on rehearsals at warehouse (June)
- CD recording (June)
- Dress rehearsals (June/July)
- Performances (8 for Seniors, 4 for Juniors) at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta (July school holidays)