Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up and get involved?

There are two ways of getting involved. One is to choose the Tech Theatre Activity on Thursday at 2.00pm. This is a good introduction to tech skills and the theatre spaces.

In addition to the activity, you can attend Tech Theatre in your spare time. The crew usually work in the Speech Hall or VCT most days from 4.30 until prep, and then after prep from 8.45 until late. To receive each week’s schedule, you need to contact the Theatre Manager directly ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and discuss your interest. In order to work late you will need to have the permission of your Housemaster/mistress and your Tutor.

How do I get to work on a School play?

You need to attend Tech Theatre either in activities or your spare time, where you will be given an induction and taught some basic skills. The Theatre Manager decides who will work on each show – new crew will take minor roles to start with and then take more responsibility over time. Fourth Form will start work on the Junior Play and their House Play.

I don’t really like heights; will I have to climb ladders?

No, you will not be asked to do anything you are unhappy to do. There is lots of work that does not involve working at height.

I only want to work on costume and makeup; do I have to do the other stuff?

We encourage everyone to learn some basic skills in all areas of the theatre, but if you know the area in which you want to work, discuss this with the Theatre Manager. We have a costume designer, Jo Lawes, who will work with interested pupils on costuming productions.

I want to design set or lighting; how can I do this?

We want everyone to start by working as part of a team on a production, but then we encourage pupils to put themselves forward to design a technical element of a show. Your work may be able to count towards GCSE or A Level Drama/Theatre Studies coursework.

I’m already very busy with Sport/Music/D of E; can I still get involved?

Yes, you can - but we will need to agree how much time you are going to be able to commit. We appreciate that Cranleigh is a very busy school with lots on offer so you can commit as much or as little time as you are able, but for some people Technical Theatre is their principal activity.