Let’s be honest—when most of us think of community theatre, the word “constitution” doesn’t exactly spark excitement. We think of costumes, choreography, and cast lists—not clauses, rules, or formal documents.
But after spending time both on stage and behind the scenes with The Regals Musical Society, I’ve come to really appreciate this unsung hero of our organisation. Because as much as musicals are about creativity and connection, it’s also about structure—and that is where the constitution comes in.
What Is a Constitution, Anyway?
At its simplest, a constitution is a formal document that sets out the rules by which a community organisation (like The Regals) is governed. It outlines:
- How the organisation is structured
- What the roles and responsibilities of committee members are
- How meetings are run
- How decisions are made
- How memberships work
- And how changes to the organisation are handled over time
Think of it as the rulebook, the compass, and the safety net—all rolled into one. It ensures that the society is run fairly, transparently, and with integrity. And yes, it can be a bit wordy—but it’s also incredibly important.
Why It Matters (More Than You’d Think)
You might wonder: Do we really need a formal document just to put on shows?
Short answer: Absolutely. Here’s why.
🧭 It Provides Direction
The constitution keeps us focused on our purpose. For The Regals, that means promoting and producing musical theatre for the benefit of the community. It’s easy to get sidetracked or overextend, but the constitution helps us stay true to why we exist in the first place.
✅ Its a Legal Requirement
The Regals isn’t just a group of talented people putting on shows – it is a legal entity – an incorporated association (not sure what that means? We’ve got you covered). And part of being an incorporated association means having a Constitution which governs the what, the who, the when, and the how. This is true for any incorporated association – many of which you might be a part of, and not even realise it!
⚖️ It Ensures Fairness
By clearly defining how things like elections, meetings, and memberships work, the constitution protects the rights of all members. It ensures that decisions aren’t made behind closed doors or based on personal preference—it’s about transparency, equality, and due process.
📈 It Supports Growth
As our theatre community grows and changes, the constitution gives us a strong foundation to build on. It outlines how to make updates to the way we run things—so we can evolve while still staying grounded in what makes us who we are. Case in point – we updated our Constitution in 2024 to make membership easier to understand and maintain, and facilitate meetings and votes virtually.
🛠️ It Helps in Tough Times
Whether it’s a disagreement, a financial challenge, or a global pandemic (yes, we’ve been there), the constitution helps guide us through uncertainty. It gives the committee a framework for responding to complex situations thoughtfully and consistently. Since, each year, we vote on new committee members, having a consistent set of rules and guidelines is critical to maintaining our society.
Behind Every Show Is a Strong Structure
Before I joined The Regals, I didn’t think much about how a theatre company works behind the scenes. I saw the shows and the smiles but didn’t realise the enormous responsibility it takes to keep everything running legally and ethically.
Now I see the constitution as part of the invisible scaffolding holding everything up. Without it, we’d be relying on memory, guesswork, or tradition—and that just isn’t enough when you’re trying to run a reliable, inclusive, community-driven organisation.
Who Writes It? Who Follows It?
The constitution is agreed upon by the members of the society—it’s not handed down from above. It can only be changed with the approval of the membership, usually through a vote at a general meeting. That means you, as a member, have a voice in how we operate and evolve.
That said, we have tried to make things easier by basing our updated Constitution off of a “model Constitution”, a template provided by NSW Fair Trading. By keeping it as standard as possible, it makes it easier to interpret.
And it’s not just for the committee to worry about. Every member—whether you’re a performer, volunteer, or supporter—benefits from a clear, fair, and functioning constitution.
A Living Document
What I love most is that a constitution isn’t set in stone. It’s a living document. It can be reviewed, updated, and amended as the needs of the theatre change. As we welcome new members, stage new works, and face new challenges, the constitution grows with us.
It’s not about bureaucracy—it’s about building something that lasts, and protects the society and its members for years to come.
Final Thought
I know reading about constitutions might not be as fun as rehearsing a tap number or belting out a big finale. But as someone who’s had the honour of serving on committee, I’m incredibly grateful that there’s a clear framework guiding the work we do. It keeps things fair. It keeps things running. And it helps ensure that The Regals Musical Society can continue creating magic for years to come.
So here’s to the constitution—the quiet star of the show that makes the spotlight possible.
-KC Fonzi
The Regals Musical Society member since 2023
Committee Member 2024-2025
Want to read The Regals Musical Society’s constitution or learn more about how it shapes our work? You may read it here – please reach out to the committee if you have any questions! We believe in transparency—and we’d love to share the framework that keeps our theatre thriving.