We do not turn away anyone with a genuine interest in getting involved. Everyone is welcome to build confidence and skill within the company.

New Members may also be asked to do a scale check and informal audition within their first few weeks of attendance. But don't worry! This isn't to pass judgement or turn you away, but rather understand your style, range and voice.

Your first rehearsal with us is free, and then membership is only £40 per year, plus £2 each week. 

The annual fee is payable from February each year, with members joining us part-way through a year only paying a pro-rata rate. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer at rehearsals.

The weekly £2 fee can be paid in cash each week, with additional options for bulk-payment bank transfers or contactless payment (at £2.05).

As a non-profit community organisation led by volunteers, these fees help us to cover the cost of room and theatre hire, music and production licensing , acquiring sets and costumes and supporting musicians and directors.

To ensure that people can participate regardless of financial position, highly reduced membership fees are offered to those who need it. Please speak to our Chair about this.

If you have any further questions, please direct them to our Chair or Treasurer.

We are usually at Civic Hall, but we may also rehearse elsewhere on the weekend on the run up to a major production (e.g. at Derringham Bank Methodist Church, HU5). Closer to a big production, we may also go elsewhere in the city for Band Call (usually the Sunday before show week), and then at the theatre for the Tech Run (Monday eve during show week) and the Dress Run (Tuesday eve during show week).

You can expect a good time first and foremost! 

The Musical Director of each production tends to lead rehearsals. We typically run though music and lyrics (and no, you don't need to read sheet music) before building in some movement and simple choreography.

Members will be expected to use their initiative and put themselves forward for parts - in other words, don't be shy!

We may also have a volunteer photographer to help document activities and support promotional activities - please let them know if you don't want to be in any photos.

There are countless benefits to participating in HMTC!

• You get to strut your stuff on the big stage a few times a year

• You get opportunities to work alongside professional musicians and technicians, and have your talents enhanced with professional standard costumes, lighting and scenery.

• Our members consistently report feelings of increased self-esteem, self-confidence and improved self-worth as a result of taking part in our regular concerts and annual 'big shows'. 

• We focus on your existing strengths and skills, whilst gently challenging you to try new things and stretch your performance skills... whether that's in singing, acting or dancing (or behind-the-scenes stuff!)

• Members also report how easy it is to make friends in HMTC, and find peer support, encouragement an a strong sense of community. 

• It's just FUN. 

HMTC has a high percentage of disabled and neurodiverse participants, with many more experiencing other challenges (e.g. mental health, financial, work stress, caring responsibilities, addiction) who cite HMTC as helping them to manage and improve their health and wellbeing. 

However, we must clarify that we are are community group led by volunteers,  not a health service with the resources, means or expertise to support people like a formal service or business could. 

HMTC welcomes people of all ages! 

For those between the ages of 7 of 18, we have our fabulous Juniors Section. And adults between the ages of 17 and 117 are invited to join our equally fabulous Adults Company!

We acknowledge that, historically, there has been a discriminatory bias across the theatre industry that favours performers who look a certain way (even when the script doesn't call for it) and this can put people off from even attempting to audition for the stage. 

Amateur theatre has always been inherently more inclusive, but we are continuing to follow best practice from progressive professional theatre companies who are now casting in a more disability, race and size-inclusive way. 

Our members come in all shapes, sizes and able-bodiedness - skill and enthusiasm are more important to us. so don't be afraid to show us what you got!

Fantastic! We always eagerly welcome new and experienced stagehands, technicians, crafters, designers or anyone else interested in helping out behind the scenes. We literally couldn't put on productions without volunteer crew and production teams  - join as a member and let someone on the committee know that you want to do backstage work!

We challenge members to be brave and push themselves, but we also recognise that looks different to everybody.

HMTC generally operates on a self-selecting basis, meaning that people either audition (for big productions) or put themselves up for parts (singing solo parts in concerts). 

If there is movement or action that you don't feel comfortable with for whatever reason, then please communicate this to the show Director or Musical Director.

As a voluntary community group with limited resources, we try to support one another as best as we can.

The majority of our rehearsals are upstairs and unfortunately there is no lift available at the moment. However, we are exploring moving into another upstairs room where there is a lift - if this would make a difference to you as a new or existing member, please let us know so we know there is a need there.

There is plenty of seating available throughout rehearsals.

We only ask that you do what you feel physically able to do. You will not be asked to do anything especially challenging (unless that's your thing!), but it is up to you to assert yourself if something is beyond what you feel capable of.

Carers or personal assistant are welcome to accompany the members who need them as we do not have any specialist support staff or equipment.