Shenfield Operatic Society

We are an Amateur Dramatics Society based in Essex, specialising in Musical Theatre.

History of Shenfield Operatic Society

In 1961 a small group of teachers formed the St Martin’s Operatic and Dramatic Society, based at St Martin’s Boys School Hutton.

With an initial fund of two shillings and sixpence (around 12½p) they set out to perform South Pacific in a school hall on the 1th March 1962.

Many pupils from St Martin’s Girls’ and Boys’ school became involved and this continued after the name of the society was changed to Shenfield Operatic Society when it moved performances to the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. Subsequent shows have been performed at The Civic Theatre Chelmsford, The Essex Institute Brentwood, The New Towngate Theatre and currently The Queen’s Theatre Hornchuch. We also regularly perform at the Brentwood Theatre.

We are always looking for new members; young, old, male and female to join us on stage.

We also need financial and practical help as well. Putting on a show costs thousands of pounds and many hours of preparation. By contributing a modest annual subscription and perhaps giving a little of your time, you can help us to maintain this high standard.

We hope you will consider joining us; the friendly atmosphere of rehearsals is fun, but is a commitment that can become absorbing. Our shows and concerts are as professional as we can make them. This hard work has its rewards when you see and hear the appreciation and applause of the audiences - this makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Shenfield Operatic Society aim to put on two shows per year. To do this we need support both on and off stage.

Off stage support includes:-
• Directing shows and concerts
• Designing and making costumes
• Designing, building and making sets
• Setting and “striking” sets
• Designing posters and all advertising materials
• Helping to prepare food for concerts
• Preparing material for concerts
• Backstage crew for show week.
If you are interested in helping with any of the above please contact us to find out more.

We also have space in our programme for local businesses to support the society. If you would like to do this please contact publicity@shenfieldoperaticsociety.co.uk

Tags: Performance Art Theatre,Music Production Studio,Non-Profit Organization