Janet Irving from Carmyllie Amateur Dramatic Society tells us how a 'Come on in' microgrant from Creative Lives helped the Angus-based group to run a family fun day that encouraged newcomers to join in their next theatre production.

"As a small rural drama group, we have been in existence for 24 years but not everyone has the time to commit to every production so we sometimes struggle to attract members on an ongoing basis. Therefore the opportunity to combine a local social event with recruitment was not to be missed.

The day of our Summer BBQ and Family Fun Day in August didn’t exactly dawn bright and sunny but we carried on undaunted! We had advertised for the event on Facebook as well as around the local area of Carmyllie and Redford to raise awareness and invite people along to find out what we are all about. An information leaflet had been prepared to hand out featuring photos of past productions, as well as details of the committee and how we can assist with helping people to get involved.

The weather out at the hall was mostly dry but very windy so the BBQ was set up under a gazebo in a sheltered spot and our chefs got cooking. Luckily we had the use of the hall and set up inside for the day. We had lots of lovely BBQ food, soft drinks and snacks available and a good turnout from members, friends and families as well as interested parties and people from the area made for a
fun, family event.

Competitive games had been organised and those present were divided into teams for the games and also a scavenger hunt. Plenty of silliness ensued. Needless to say some of the games required dramatic input and got quite rowdy! The games also included foot drawing, and blindfolded origami (of sorts)! One of the other groups that regularly use the hall, the Archery Club, also set up outside, giving the opportunity to trial the sport using their equipment.

The following week we were happily able to successfully cast our 2023 pantomime – ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Reindeer’ - an original production written by our very own secretary.

We are very grateful to the ‘Come on in’ grant received from Creative Lives in supporting this event and enabling it to be possible."