VAMBDRAMB stands for Very AMateur DRAMatics in Bicester and is exactly what it says.  A very amateur, amateur dramatics group that has been formed in Bicester that is inclusive for anyone, regardless of age, race, identifying gender, experience, skill level, confidence, ability or disability. We are a group for ANYONE that is interested in being apart of a local amateur dramatics group, whether that is performing or helping behind the curtain with tech, costumes, props, stage hands or even other roles such as front of house, or social media management.  

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We know there are some fantastically talented groups withing the local area such a Launton Players, Bicester Choral and Operatic Society and Stages, that put on fantastic shows and events throughout the year, with some amazingly talented people on both sides of the curtain.  Bicester as a town is truly blessed with these companies and their performances. However, if you are like us and feel that maybe that performing at that level is daunting, scary, not for you or any other feeling or you are nervous about joining a new group, then maybe we are the group for you, and hopefully we will be able to build your skills and confidence to go forward and perform at this level. 

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If you have seen The Play That Goes Wrong, have an affiliation to the underdog, feel like you don't fit in to an group then VAMDRAMB is the group for you.   The founding members of the group were like you once, watching performances thinking I'd love to do that, but the 'fear' of actually joining a new group of strangers, to perform (or help out back stage, we would love and welcome any non performing interest in theatre too) in front of people, with the fear of 'messing up' in front of everyone, then worry no more.   VAMDRAMB is the opposite of that.   We will welcome all new participants with open arms. Not sure it is for you?  Come a long to a rehearsal and see what goes on and feel free to join in as much or as little as you want to, there really is no pressure. 

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Want to be a part of us still but still have reservations.   Please don't worry.  We really are inclusive and will go all out to help you get onto the stage (or behind the scenes) and get full enjoyment out of your experience. 

Worried that you haven't got time to remember your lines or struggle to remember lines? Don't worry.  We can adapt props and parts so you can have the script to hand. (Several of our founding members have done performances with a script hidden in a book or newspaper). 

Worried about speaking in front of people?  We can start you off in ensemble or small part roles, with a minimum amount of speaking.  You will still be an important part of the performance, just fewer lines.  

Can't sing or can't dance?  Then you are what we want.  One of our founders can't sing or dance but has appeared in am dram performances where they have had to sing and/or dance. It went down a storm, even though he thought he was rubbish. We don't care if you can hit all the right notes or are just a shower singer. Can you dance like a 'Strictly' pro or do you just pull out all the dad dance moves. Either is fine. We welcome all ages above secondary school age and all abilities.  

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VAMDRAMB is zero or low budget.  This means that all props, scenery and sets are either made, borrowed or bought as cheaply as possible.  All costumes are sourced by the actors, and we encourage you to only use what you already have at home or can purchase cheaply from a charity shop.  Everything else we use is normally our own or borrowed.   Rehearsals and shows do incur a cost to hire the venue, for which we ask everyone involved to donate where they can towards each rehearsal and show, similar to subs for football, scouts etc but at a fraction of the price.  Please don't worry if you feel you cannot contribute, we aren't going to stop you from coming along and participating.  We want the chance to be a part of our group to be inclusive of everyone. As this is amateur dramatics, participation is voluntary and no fee will be paid to anybody involved. 

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Shows at VAMDRAMB will aim to be a regular occurrence, and once we are up and running we will aim to put on at least 3 shows a year.  A venue for these shows have not been decided yet.  All tickets for these shows will be available online and all shows will be free to attend, with a voluntary donation asked for either when booking on line, or on the door.  All proceeds from these shows will go to local charities.  To supplement the proceeds from the ticket 'sales' we will hold raffles, meet and greets with the cast and other wonderful ideas we haven't come up with yet.  

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