About us

If you're putting on a show and would like some support backstage, the Penguin Club can help in a variety of ways:

• Set design, building and painting
• Stage management and technical direction
• Running your get-in and get-out
• Show crewing, including flying
• Props making, hire and management
• Lighting and sound design and operation
• Pyrotechnics and other special effects

The Club currently charges a flat fee of £18 for being involved in a show. This is a one-off charge per production, not per performance (or per Penguin!) and goes to offset the Club’s running costs. Production costs such as equipment hire or purchase of materials for building are the responsibility of the individual company, but we can often help with sourcing materials. When our members incur such costs themselves, they will invoice you directly as an individual.

Under some circumstances we may ask for a contribution towards a snack meal (typically £20-£25), particularly when the schedule for a show involves an all day get-in followed by a technical rehearsal. This allows our members to have a break for food and carry on working safely and effectively into the evening. Your stage manager (or another member of your production team) will discuss this with you in advance and invoice you directly for remuneration.

To find out how we can help with your show please get in touch by using our contact page, or e-mail clubcontact [at] penguinclub [dot] org [dot] uk.

New members are welcome! Anyone with an interest in theatre and backstage work is welcome to join, from absolute beginners to people with years of experience. The only requirement is that you must be over 16. There is currently no upper age limit for membership, but members over 80 should be aware that they are no longer covered by our insurance for personal accident. 

There's a myriad of things you can do backstage, whether your interest lies in set building and painting, making and sourcing props, stage management and crewing, or lighting and sound. We regularly organise training and 'exchange of experience' days where you can find out more about the different backstage roles, and there are also opportunities to shadow experienced members during shows. Whatever your level of experience, your contribution will be warmly welcomed.

The Penguin Club is affiliated to NODA, which provides our members with third party and public liability insurance. The annual subscription is £5.00.

The Club also has a lively social calendar, meeting every first Wednesday of the month and often organising trips and events. We even have a Book Club!

To join, please get in touch by using our contact page, or e-mail clubcontact [at] penguinclub [dot] org [dot] uk.