About Juniper
Juniper Productions was founded in 1998 by Jonathan Peacock as a means for building confidence with sufferers of Enduring Mental Health Difficulties, via a number of activities. The group operates from the Jubilee Theatre, which is within St Nicholas' Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle.
Our Aims
To provide a relaxed friendly service to all our members to take part in all aspects of the Theatre.
We aim to work together as a team, so that we can build confidence, and be creative. If taking on an acting role this as most people find builds up your confidence very quickly, because you are becoming that character in the play, after a time or after someone's first performance if they were playing a small role for example they might try a bigger role for the next show.
When working together as a team, and the many different areas you can get involved in within the Theatre, you will find communication within the group very important, and you will be learning new skills all the time.
Opening Times
- Monday: Closed*
- Tuesday: 11.00 - 4.00
- Wednesday: 11.00 - 4.00
- Thursday: 11.00 - 4.00
- Friday: Closed*
- Weekends: Closed*
- * - Open nearer performance times.
Activities
We offer the following activities
Acting
You can take a part in any forthcoming production, from comedy plays, serious plays, to our Christmas Pantomime.
If you decide to take on a acting role, (you may wish for a small part first) their will be plenty opportunity to learn lines during the build up towards a performance. If people are finding it difficult to remember their lines, we have several techniques you can use to help you.
During a show you will feel more confident if you have learnt your script, however if you feel you do not know some passages from the script, do not worry as there is a prompt on stage through out the performance.
Woodwork
Helping to build scenery for the forthcoming productions, this includes large stage sets and stage props.
You do not need to have woodwork skills to take part in this activity, you will be shown designs of stage sets and props that the production requires, and any designs and ideas that you have, can also be used for the show.
All safety gear must be worn when using woodwork tools.
Painting
This involves painting scenery for the show, all scenery made by the woodwork team has to be painted, this involves undercoating everything, and then the design or colour to finish off. We have several back drops aprox 8m x 4m, and depending what type of show it is these large canvases will be used and you can become involved in designing the scenes and drawing and painting on to the canvas.
Backstage work
Taking part backstage will involve helping change scenery during a show, you will be following either a script of the show or a cue sheet for all the different scene changes, and then being on the correct side of the stage SL or SR (Stage left / Right) and making sure you have the right prop or furniture for the next scene.
Stage management is a more difficult job to do as you are responsible for everything that goes on on stage. Stage managers will usually be wearing a set of cans (Headphones) so they can communicate with all key people in the Theatre i.e. Front of house, Lighting & Sound areas ect, this all helps with the smooth running of a performance. Also ensuring all cast are called on stage at the correct time and that backstage crew are ready to change scenery at the correct time and safely, as a lot of the time during a scene change their is a blackout.
Costumes & Makeup
Get involved in making costumes, we have a wide range of materials to choose from, and on show nights and dress rehearsals cast will need help putting makeup on in the dressing rooms, this is more rewarding when we are putting on a pantomime, due to some of the outrageous characters.
Lighting & Sound
You can become involved in this normally nearer a performance, and you can be trained under supervision, and be shown all the different types of lights in the Theatre and what they are used for.
Workshops
Throughout the rehearsals for a show, our group takes part in workshops in the Theatre, this consists of Games, Quizzes, Challenges & Team building exercises, this all brings people together within the theatre to help work as a team and build confidence.
Front Of House
This is showing the public into the Theatre and showing them to their seats, and perhaps selling tickets at the door. Other duties will include selling Teas & Coffees in the interval, and making sure the public have a clear access out in case of an emergency. We also have a First Aider in the Theatre.
Events
Our group also has been involved in conferences in the past, putting on small sketches in hotels and various other venues. Over the years we have become involved in sponsored events, such as a sponsored walk, 12 hours at Wet & Wild Water Park, Absailing off the Tyne Bridge Newcastle and two 14 hour Ten Pin Bowling marathons. Also we have day trips and make use of the on site mini bus.