An introduction to BLOC the
BRUSSELS LIGHT OPERA COMPANY
HISTORY
BLOC began life as the Brussels Gilbert and Sullivan Society under the
chairmanship of Peter Barker-Jones. During the next seventeen years
all of the Savoy operas were performed on at least one occasion, either
in concert or as a full production.
The mounting costs of full scale operatic productions and the continuing
dependence on ticket revenue as the primary source of revenue meant
that the Society had to broaden its’ range of music theatre in
order to attract larger audiences. For this reason the Society was re-launched
in 1992 as the Brussels Light Opera Company, or BLOC as it is commonly
known. The Company now performs Gilbert and Sullivan, other traditional
light operas and modern musicals in roughly equal proportions.
A more detailed history of the rescent period can be found in our new letter archive, see BLOC Notes Archive.
MEMBERSHIP
BLOC is an amateur group of people of many nationalities, composed of
adults and children of all ages. Although singing is the company’s
main concern, the social side is not neglected and several events are
organised throughout the year, the main ones being the Christmas party
which usually follows the AGM and the summer party. Other events, such
as performance from scratch which give all members a chance to sing
solo parts, and trips to see performances by other groups are organised
from time to time. All members receive a regular update on activities
through the BLOC notes newsletter.
Not more than two major shows are performed during one calendar year
and you do not have to take part in every show. Non-singing members
are also very welcome as willing hands are always needed backstage or
to help with administration. Please feel free to sit in on a few rehearsals
before committing yourself. All newcomers wishing to perform on stage
are required to take an informal voice test, but you are not expected
to have any musical training in order to join.
Click here to become a BLOC Member
FUNDING
Productions are financed primarily from ticket sales with approximately
10% of the revenue coming from programme advertisements and sales. Our
overall financial aim is to avoid making a loss on any production, rather
than to make a surplus. Typical budgets are now in excess of €
30,000, the major items being theatre hire, music director, orchestra,
scenery, costume and royalties. Some sponsorship has been obtained in
the past, but this is now extremely difficult to obtain.
RECENT
PRODUCTIONS
The main productions in recent years have been:
1992 - Carousel and The Gypsy Baron
1993 - The Mikado
1994 - Anything Goes
1995 - Die Fledermaus
1996 - The Pirates of Penzance
1997 - La Vie Parisienne
1998 - Oklahoma
1999 - HMS Pinafore
2000 - Rock Whittington (Pantomime) & The Gypsy Princess
2001 - Trial by Jury/ Mr Choufleuri & Kismet
2002 - The Zoo/L’Isle de Tulipatan
2003 - Gondoliers
2004 - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat
2005 - The Merry
Widow
2006 - Anything Goes
2007 - The Mikado.. Goes to the Seaside
2008 - Coming November 2008: Fiddler on the Roof
In addition
to these shows BLOC has also put on a concert each year, some of which
have been open to the public and others which have been held as a private
party for members and friends.
A
TYPICAL PRODUCTION
At least one year before the planned date of the next production, the
committee
- decide on the show to be performed
- agree a slot in the calendar with other amateur groups in Brussels
- book a theatre
- appoint a music director
- appoint a stage director
- appoint a production manager
Chorus rehearsals start about six months before the production date
and are held every Tuesday evening from 8:00 to 10:00. Auditions for
the principal roles are held about one month after the start of chorus
rehearsals and are open to non-BLOC members; however anyone accepting
a role must become a member of the company.
Blocking starts shortly after the auditions with separate rehearsals
for principals on either the Monday or the Wednesday of each week. Nearer
the production date, chorus and principal rehearsals are integrated
to provide continuity. Depending on progress, additional weekend rehearsals
may also be scheduled. Cast members are often asked to build scenery,
make costumes or help with other aspects of the production. The last
two weeks of any production require considerable commitment from all
the cast, a typical diary being as follows:
- Sunday
- additional rehearsals for moves or dances
- Tuesday
- complete run through with the entire cast
- Thursday
- complete run through with the entire cast
- Sunday
am - orchestra rehearsal with soloists
-
get-in begins with stage crew and chorus members
- Sunday
pm - Italienne with the entire cast
- get-in
completed by stage crew
- Monday
- technical rehearsal with accompanist
- Tuesday
- dress rehearsal with orchestra
- Wednesday
- performance
- Thursday
- performance
- Friday
- performance
- Saturday
- performance
- Sunday
pm - performance
- Sunday
evening - after show party
One week
off, a video evening of the recent production and then the cycle starts
again with preparation for the next show!
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