Home Theatre – Community Hosts and Storyteller

Southampton Forward has an exciting project starting this autumn that connects local directors and actors with the stories of people in Southampton, culminating in theatre pieces performed in homes around the city.

We want to find people who are happy to host a performance about them in their home – that can be a big house, small house, houseboat or tent – we don’t mind, all we ask is that you are up for having a theatre maker get to know you and what is important to you as someone who lives in Southampton. They will make a 20-minute show that you can then invite your family and friends to watch in your house. This is all completely free. 

We are looking for a total of 11 community hosts to volunteer to share their story and host a performance.

Sign up to be a Community Host

What is Home Theatre Southampton?  

Home Theatre Southampton is an exciting, new festival of theatre where we will get an actor to create a unique show for you in your own home.  

Your show will be based on your personal stories, experiences, likes and dislikes! 

As the host, you will be in charge of inviting your family and friends to the performance.  

You will be one of 11 different homes chosen from across the city. 

When will Home Theatre (Southampton) happen? 

The performances will happen over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024  

  • 3 Performances at 3pm on Saturday 26th October  
  • 3 Performances at 7pm on Saturday 26th October  
  • 3 Performances at 4pm on Sunday 27th October  

Filming 

Your show will also be recorded by one person with a small camera.  

Alongside the filming of the performances, we will also be making a short documentary film to record some of the process of creating Home Theatre (Southampton)  

All this will be shared at a screening event at MAST Theatre Southampton early in 2025.  

If this concerns you in any way we can talk about how you are or are not caught on camera.  

FAQ’s for Community Hosts

What expectations are there of me as the host? 

All we ask is that you are open and receptive to the idea of having a show made for you.   

You should also be available to meet the actor at the beginning of the week of Monday 14th October (at a time convenient to you) so the actor can find out more about your stories and experiences which will help them develop their show for you. 

Will it cost me anything? 

No – it is completely free for you but we would like you to provide refreshments for your invited audience after the show. During this time, we’d like to start a discussion and hear your thoughts about the performance! 

How can I get involved? 

We are looking for 11 hosts, from all different backgrounds, who would like to volunteer to have a professional performance take place in their home over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024

What happens on the day of my performance? 

Will the actor need to rehearse in my home before Saturday 26th October 2024? 

The actor will need access to your home at some point before the show so they can practise the performance. There is also a chance that the actor may want to visit your home earlier on during the week, so they can get a feel of your home! They will arrange a time which is convenient for you. 

When will the camera person need access to my home? 

The camera person will need to come with the actor so that they practise their camera angles and on the performance day, Saturday 26th October 2024.  

Who else will be in my house during the performance? 

Along with the actor and camera person, there will also be one front of house person from Solent University there to help everyone. 

Do you need access to more than one room? 

Yes, there is a possibility that the actor will need access to more than one room, which they will use to get changed in. The actual performance will take place in one room. If there are certain rooms that you do not want to use, then this is absolutely fine! 

Does it matter what type of property my home is? 

No, not at all. We are looking for a variety of properties, as we want to reflect what ‘home’ means to different people across Southampton. It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is. 

Do I need to apply for permission from the council or any other local organisations for Home Theatre (Southampton) to take place in my home? 

No. Home Theatre (Southampton) will be a private event for you, your friends and family, so you don’t need permission from the council or any other organisations. All we ask is that you have permission from anyone else that lives in your home for the performance and filming to take place! 

Will you be using lights and other electronic equipment? 

No, none of the performances will use professional lighting or any other special electrical equipment. We may plug in a laptop or speaker to play music during the performance and if we have to use anything else, it will be very minimal and won’t take up large amounts of space. 

Will I be able to say what kind of show I want performed? 

When the actor meets you on the Monday or Tuesday, they will spend some time with you so they can find out more about your interests and personal stories. For example, your show could be about the happiest period of your life so far, something which you feel very passionate about or the first time you fell in love! This will then help the actor create the show. So, yes, you will have some input into the show! 

Will people have to pay to watch the performance? 

No, this will be a completely free performance for your friends and family! You will be in charge of inviting the audience. 

APPLYING 

How do I apply? 

Please fill in the form here by 28th August midnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any applications received after this date. 

If you don’t have access to the internet, or would rather apply in person or over the phone please call Annie on 07973 963688. 

SUMMARY OF DATES WE NEED YOU TO BE AVAILABLE FOR: 

  • Week beginning 14th October 2024 to meet your actor (day and time to suit you and your actor) 
  • The actor and film-maker will need to access your home the week before the performance to practise – again this will be at a time that suits you.  This is the week of 21st October 2024  
  • The weekend of the 26th and 27th October 2024 for the performance.  

Sign up to be a Community Host