Gang Show

A Gang Show is a theatrical performance with a cast of youth members of Scouts and Guides. Adult leaders and parents help out behind the scenes. The aim of the shows is to give young people in Scouting and Guiding the opportunity to develop performance skills and perform in a close to professional theatrical environment. Opportunities are also afforded to young people to work backstage, in front of house roles and as musicians in musical items and in the pit band.

The production teams and cast, all volunteers, participate in many hours of planning, writing, composing, choreographing, building stage scenery/props, making costumes and rehearsing for several months before the actual performances. In order to reach the required performance standard for a Gang Show, a high level of commitment is needed from all involved in the production as well as support from their families. A typical Gang Show would require participants to attend between 15 and 30 rehearsals in preparation for the performances.

In addition some Gang Shows are organised in the manner of a typical scouting/guiding activity with the participants perhaps grouped into patrols, or attending special Gang Show camps, awaydays and activities in order to develop and enhance team cohesion.

Performances take place in theatres, schools, community centres – anywhere with an appropriate level of services for the show to function. Performance runs range from one day up to two weeks, and tickets are available to the general public. In the best examples, Gang Shows are an excellent shop window for the Scout movement.

While a Gang Show is always a performance by 'amateurs', the show attracts costs similar to a professional production, despite the huge amount of volunteer hours put in. Many shows are lucky enough to have the support of local businesses through advertising and sponsorship. Others have to do all the fundraising themselves.