The Society
Welcome to ABOS
Welcome to the website of Astwood Bank Operatic Society.
We are an Amateur Operatic Society, specialising in G&S and Victorian/Edwardian Light Opera/Operetta.
The aim of our Society is to provide a social outlet for all ages, at the same time providing an opportunity for our members to participate or perform to the best of their abilities. This culminates in an annual production at the Redditch Palace Theatre, usually in March each year, with sometimes concerts at other times of the year.
Although we are an amateur society, we endeavour to put on a professional quality production, and from our members we expect commitment, team work and enthusiasm.
We are very involved with the local community, and we hope all our members will participate in our fund-raising events. This can be just within the Society, such as skittles nights, which are an important source of extra funds, or in the wider community, for example with Astwood Bank Carnival.
Socially, we have walks on some Mondays during the summer, but those that are not that energetic can just meet us in the pub afterwards! We have an annual dinner at Christmas, and wonderful after-show events!
If you would like more information about joining ABOS, please contact our Secretary who will be pleased to help you with your questions.
Newcomer Information
We rehearse on a Monday night, at the Methodist Hall in Astwood Bank, Redditch, from September to the
production, starting at 7.30pm and finishing no later than 10.00pm. If you have a principal role, you will
be expected to attend on Fridays as well, when required.
We have a break during the evening, when you will have the opportunity to buy a drink, biscuit and a raffle
ticket. This break gives you time to chat to everyone and get to know people. Notices are often read out
at this time, as well as being displayed on the notice board.
The first few rehearsals are normally dedicated to learning the music, before trying to stage it, so please
bring a pencil to make notes. Scores can be borrowed or bought from the Secretary.
Reading music is not essential, as you will be taught the notes during these rehearsals, however it can
be an advantage. Attendance at rehearsals is expected, unless there is a genuine reason for your absence
(eg. sickness, holidays). This ensures continuity and is less disruptive to the rest of the company when
teamwork is an essential part of a successful production, ie. dance routines and interaction in chorus
scenes.
Any newcomer will be expected to take a voice test so that they can be placed in the appropriate section
of the chorus. This will be done privately by the Musical Director and a committee member after a few rehearsals.
You do not have to learn anything to do this.
If you wish to audition for a principal role in the next show, the dates of these auditions are announced
at the first rehearsal, and the details and set pieces can be obtained from the Musical Director and/or
Producer.
There is an annual membership fee, payable before you audition or at the latest by December of each year,
and a weekly subscription which can be paid on each Monday, or in advance if you prefer. This is payable
even for rehearsals that you might miss. Please speak to the membership secretary for current rates. This
covers rehearsal room costs, as well as costumes and the general running of the Society.
When you decide to become a member, you will be given a copy of the Constitution to keep. Please read
this carefully as it contains all the other information you may require, regarding the rules of the Society.
We always welcome new members - so why not get in touch, or start things off by completing the Membership
Application Form (below) and sending it to our Secretary:
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