THE THEATRE CLUB

THE THEATRE CLUB

Department of English, Shillong College

The Theatre Club, Shillong College was established in 2026 by the Department of English, Shillong College, to provide students with a dedicated space for theatre, performance, and creative collaboration. The Club brings together students interested in acting, directing, writing, stagecraft, movement, music, and the many elements that contribute to theatrical production.

Theatre offers students an opportunity to explore stories, characters, emotions, ideas, and human experiences through collective performance. The Club seeks to nurture this spirit of collaboration within the college by providing students with opportunities to learn, experiment, rehearse, perform, and grow together.

Through productions, workshops, theatre exercises, readings, and other activities, the Club aims to develop confidence, discipline, creativity, communication, and a deeper appreciation of the performing arts. It also hopes to build a sustained culture of theatre within the college and create opportunities for students to participate in larger cultural and theatrical initiatives.

Aims and Objectives

The Theatre Club aims to:

1. Promote an interest in theatre and the performing arts among students of Shillong College.

2. Provide students with opportunities to develop skills in acting, directing, scriptwriting, stagecraft, movement, music, and other areas of theatre.

3. Encourage creativity, imagination, confidence, discipline, and teamwork through theatrical practice.

4. Organise theatre productions, workshops, rehearsals, readings, and other related activities.

5. Introduce students to different forms, traditions, and practices of theatre.

6. Provide a platform for students to experiment with storytelling and develop their own creative work.

7. Encourage collaboration and participation in college, inter-college, and other cultural events.

8. Cultivate an active and lasting theatre culture within Shillong College.

Constitution / Bye-Laws

A. Membership

1. Membership of the Theatre Club shall be open to students of Shillong College who have a genuine interest in theatre and the performing arts.

2. Admission to the Club shall be through an audition process conducted under the supervision of the Faculty President/Advisors.

3. The audition may assess the student's interest, creativity, performance ability, communication, and willingness to participate in the activities of the Club.

4. Selection through audition shall not restrict students to acting alone. Students with interests in writing, directing, stage management, costume, makeup, music, lighting, sound, set design, and other areas of theatre may also be considered.

5. Membership shall remain subject to the rules and regulations of Shillong College and the Theatre Club.

B. Membership Contribution

1. Every member shall contribute ?20 (Rupees Twenty only) per month towards the funds of the Theatre Club.

2. The contribution shall be used for legitimate Club activities and requirements.

3. A proper record of all contributions and expenditure shall be maintained by the Treasurer.

C. Attendance

1. Members shall maintain a minimum of 85% attendance in Club activities.

2. Club activities shall include rehearsals, meetings, workshops, performances, theatre exercises, and other activities officially scheduled by the Club.

3. Members are expected to attend activities punctually and participate actively.

4. Absence due to genuine or unavoidable circumstances may be considered at the discretion of the Faculty President/Advisors.

D. Conduct of Members

1. Members shall maintain discipline and respectful conduct during all Club activities.

2. Members shall respect fellow members, faculty, staff, performers, and audiences.

3. Members shall take responsibility for tasks assigned to them during productions and other activities.

4. Repeated absence, failure to fulfil responsibilities, misconduct, or persistent disregard of Club rules may lead to a review of membership.

E. Meetings and Activities

1. The Club shall conduct regular meetings and activities as required.

2. Rehearsals, workshops, productions, and other activities shall be scheduled by the Club in consultation with the Faculty President/Advisors.

3. Members shall be informed of Club activities in advance wherever possible.

4. The Club may collaborate with other departments, clubs, institutions, theatre practitioners, and cultural organisations with the necessary approval of the College.

F. Funds

1. The funds of the Club shall consist of monthly member contributions and any financial assistance, sponsorship, donations, or other funds approved by the College.

2. Club funds shall be used only for activities and requirements related to the functioning and development of the Theatre Club.

3. All financial transactions shall be properly recorded.

4. Expenditure shall be made with the approval of the appropriate authority.

G. Productions and Performances

1. Participation in a particular production shall depend on the requirements of the production and may involve auditions, casting, or selection.

2. Members may be assigned different responsibilities according to their interests and the needs of a production.

3. All public performances and external engagements shall be undertaken with the approval of the appropriate College authority.

H. Amendment of Bye-Laws

These bye-laws may be revised or amended when necessary with the approval of the Faculty

President/Advisors and the appropriate authority of Shillong College.