Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society

YAOS Hi Notes > March 2009

A great big well done to everyone for their efforts in making “High Society” yet another production triumph for YAOS.  As I said in the programme, it is exciting to work with you all and I hope we can go on to bigger and better things in the future.

Did you know that for the show we had 38 cast members on stage with 9 orchestra members backed up by some 93 programme editors and compilers, ticket and programme sellers, back stage crew, photographers, make up specialists, dressers, call boys, the wonderful tea ladies, props, house stewards, and front of house managers. This is in addition to the sound, lighting, and scenery providers. What a wonderful, huge group of people all working together to produce the show just how good is that???

Don’t forget that we are always wanting to welcome those of you who decide not to audition for a show to join the support group and learn just how we do it (in the dark mostly) please see Geoff Thresh if this is for you.

I really hope our new members will want to stay with us as you have refreshed us all with your performances in “High Society” and we would love you all to work with us again.

So, some news about workshops from our Chairman ...
Bruce and Jeremy are working on some workshop ideas for forthcoming productions and we will soon be announcing some dates during the year when we shall invite you all to participate in some weekend sessions developing some numbers and dance routines from “Mame”, next Spring’s show and perhaps “Jekyll” too. There will be more news about what we plan soon. The idea would be to work through Friday evening and Saturday to put on a mini show on the Sunday. Absolutely everyone would be welcome to try it out. Not certain about costs yet but a small contribution may be required but more news soon. Most of the news about stuff will be broadcast on the YAOS website so please keep in touch with www.YAOS.org.uk to learn what we are planning. Thank you everyone again for “High Society”. Roger

Ticket Selling ...
We sold approximately 33% of tickets before the Octagon Box office opened on 9 February. There were still many members who did not buy tickets – do remember that we save a lot of money (12½% commission is charged after the tickets go to the Octagon box office) so really try your hardest to sell tickets. Our thanks to Pauline Withers and the booking teams who worked so hard. We made approximately 130 telephone calls to people requesting tickets on the Hotline and took nearly £5,000 on this alone!! In all, we took nearly £25,000 before the tickets finally went to the Octagon.

To our Patrons ...
We were pleased to welcome our Patrons during the run of "High Society" and we hope everyone enjoyed the pre-show reception. Please mention the Patron Scheme to your friends as we would really like to welcome more Patrons into the Society. Please contact Pauline Withers on 01935 420020 if you require any help or information.

The Gondoliers ...
For Autumn 2009 we welcome back Alan Spencer as director and we are delighted that Lynne Merrifield has agreed to be our musical director. Sheila Driver will be assistant. As you will see from the rehearsal schedule the opening Informal Evening is on Wednesday 15 April – all welcome to come and hear more about the show – it sounds very “interesting” indeed!!

Mame – Spring 2010 ...
As “South Pacific” is not available to perform through 2009 and 2010 the Committee has decided on “Mame” as the Spring 2010 show. This is a Jerry Herman show – supposedly better than “Hello Dolly”!! Show dates are: Tuesday 16 to Saturday 27 March – approximately 2 weeks later than usual to try and give more time between Christmas and the show start. Jeremy Tustin will be directing again and hopefully the rehearsal schedule will be arranged differently than for “High Society” to give time to learn the music between auditions and the start of the blocking periods.

NODA Long Service Awards ...
If anyone is due for a long service award this year please let Paula know by the middle of April.

David Beach Awards ...
The Dinner and Award Ceremony takes place on Friday 20 March at Rookery Manor. You will probably remember that we received 14 nominations for the various awards and we have a good contingent representing the Society going to the Dinner so let’s hope we come back with some trophies!!

Our love and best wishes go to ...
Rosemary Silvey – who is not very well again
Carol White – who is fighting her illness with bravery and determination.

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