The Society
An Introduction from our President
 I have been a member of ABOS for 38
years predominantly in a singing/acting role and also a number of years on committee. I joined in 1964
when the
company (who were renowned for performing Gilbert and Sullivan
opera's) were rehearsing Princess Ida.
At that time the shows were staged in the Baptist school room Astwood
Bank, it was the village 'event of the year'. The hall held 200 people and was a sell out for
the six nights. Our production team was comprised of our producer Graham Trout, musical director Olive
Feasey along with our ex-president the late Ken Dyer and his wife Mary (treasurer) and were the backbone
of the
Society.
In 1973 we moved our venue to the Palace Theatre in Redditch where we enjoyed the facilities of a 'real'
theatre. Since then, up to the present day, we perform our shows at the Palace every March. The Society
are renowned
for their excellent singing and high quality performance, and although we continue our allegiance to Gilbert
and Sullivan we deviate occasionally, but successfully, to perform operettas and other musicals.
I am very proud of my long association with the society and the many happy memories, which I will always
treasure.
Jill Bray, President
Our Chairman
 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, 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 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.
Julian Wilson, Chairman
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. You will need to be a member of the Society to audition.
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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