Frequently Asked Questions
What is Showtime?
Camberwell Showtime is an annual show put on by the Scouts and Guides of Boroondara since 1965. There are lots of Scout-Guide shows around Australia. Camberwell Showtime is different - we write our own show each year, all the music and the script. It's also one of the funniest and rockingest shows in Australia.
More than 70 people have worked on the script and songs - it's very funny with lots of great music.
What do you do at Showtime?
Most people are in the Cast. Some are in the Tech Team (usually you have to be at least 15 to be on the Tech Team). There are heaps of other positions too, depending on what you're interested in and how much time you have. Year 12 students can be part of the VCE Team and join in some activities when study permits.
What's involved in being in Cast?
To be a member of the Cast of Showtime you just have to apply. All applicants are accepted, providing they're aged 11-26 on Opening night and active Scouts or Guides in Boroondara (a few sneak in from outside Boroondara District).
Don't worry if you don't think that singing, dancing or acting is your thing. Just come along and have a good time.
Being in Cast is about 100 hours of fun over four months. There are 8 rehearsals then two exciting weeks at the theatre including 4 rehearsals and 9 performances. The show is shorter and faster than most Scout-Guide shows. We also start earlier so you don't have too many late nights.
What happens at rehearsals?
Most rehearsals are Sundays from 1:30pm to 8:00pm. We also rehearse two Saturdays. See the Calendar.
First we have an opening parade. You'll be part of a Patrol, just like at Scouts or Guides. Then we often enjoy some singing or movement for 20 minutes or so, before breaking into smaller groups to practise our items. During the rehearsals we usually play some games, have an afternoon tea break, have a Patrol Leaders meeting then separate Patrol meetings, go outside for the Patrol sports competition, and have a dinner break around 5.30 pm. (You'll be well fed at Showtime thanks to Elaine Shepherd and her team of helpers.)
Finally, from rehearsal 2, we run the show each night so you can see how it's starting to come together.
Visitors like former Showtimers often drop in to see what we're doing. It's a busy afternoon but it's a great way to spend a winter afternoon with new and old friends.
What do the Tech Team do?
The Tech Team is made up of different teams like Audio, Lighting, Costumes, Props, Makeup, Video and Staging - but really it's just one big happy team. While the Cast are rehearsing on Sunday afternoons, most Tech members are working down at our scenery store, building, painting and more. They then join the Cast for dinner and watch the run through of the show so far.
What happens at the theatre?
We arrive at the theatre no later than 90 minutes before each performance or dress rehearsal. Cast check their costumes and get makeup on. Tech and others have their jobs to prepare. One hour before the curtain there's a big meeting for everyone in the show. By now everyone is getting excited as the audience starts to arrive. Suddenly the first act is underway and there's 50 minutes of non-stop action till interval. Backstage we have fruit and water and cordial to keep our fluids up, and the Personnel team are keeping everyone calm and quiet. There's a first aid team, too, if anyone feels sick. The second act is also very quick and we finish with the Megamix of all the songs in the show, and our famous theme song "Scarves of Blue". Then we have a debriefing, meet a few of the special guests in the audience, and awards are given to some Cast and Tech Team who have done an especially good job. Four and a half hours after arriving at the theatre, we're heading home to a well-earned rest. But we can't wait to get back to the theatre and do it all again.
Where does Showtime rehearse?
Our usual rehearsal location is Canterbury Girls Secondary College in Mangarra Road, Canterbury.
For the Tech Team, our scenery store is in Boroondara Park, Canterbury. Access is via Beaumont Street, off Canterbury Road.
Where does Showtime perform?
We've performed at the Camberwell Centre on Camberwell Road for the past 3 years. Our first two shows there were in the round. In 2009 we converted the ballroom into a traditional theatre and performed on the stage in front of all the audience.
How much does it cost to be in Showtime?
Every Showtime member pays a $100 fee ($60 for second and subsequent family members). This covers food, script, CD, T-shirt, and tonnes of other things that you'll get. It's cheaper and easier to charge a $100 fee than keep collecting money for each item. The only other costs are for tickets to see the show and the Trivia Night.
Over 18 and Tech Team members of the show also pay the reduced fee to acknowledge the personal costs they bear (like phone, petrol, and much more).
Why join Showtime?
For fun - heaps. For friends - you'll meet lots of great people. Who knows, they could become your friends for life. To learn stuff - whether it's the confidence to get up in front of 600 people, or how to operate the lighting desk, or marketing, there's heaps of opportunities to try new things in Showtime. For many former Showtimers, this has led to their career. Some have even gone on to be famous in radio and TV like Andy Lee and John Safran.
