GET INVOLVED
We are always looking for new members to join our exciting society be it on the stage or behind the scenes.....
Cost of Membership:
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All members pay an annual subscription of £20 which runs from the 1st June in a calendar year until 31st May the following year.
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In addition, performing in any production will be subject to a variable show fee, depending on the nature and budget of a show.
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Friends of Banbury Operatic Society: If you are interested in becoming a Friend please click here
Becoming a Member:
Banbury Operatic Society has been established for 63 years during which time it has performed a wide range of stage shows and concerts. These have included Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas, Light Operetta and Musicals, ranging from Showboat and Oklahoma to more recent Broadway productions such as Sister Act, Spamalot and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
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Following our successful production of Ghost in April 2023, we began our 2023 - 2024 season with Kinky Boots, a highly acclaimed production for which BOS won the NODA Award for Best Musical in London District 12 (Oxfordshire). More recently, our revival of the society’s 1987 production of Calamity Jane in February was well received. Our next next production will be a revue show titled Kings & Queens which will take place on 25th and 26th October 2024 to be followed by a trip to Hennef, Banbury’s twin town in Germany, where the show will be performed on 2nd November. We are delighted to announce that our spring production for 2025 will be Made in Dagenham, due to be performed from 9th to 12th April.
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New members who join us vary in their level and experiences of singing. Some move into the area having performed with other societies, some younger ones have performed in shows at school or with a youth society while for others it is a new experience although they have a love of singing. In the latter case, some with a lack of confidence often surprise themselves by their hidden talent and capabilities.
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Some previous experience of singing is helpful, for example a choir in your school days, as well as a basic ability to read music. (Able to follow musical notation which is played on a piano when learning harmony lines.) What is most important is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn both music for singing and choreographed movement routines. Taking part in a typical musical stage show involves around four months of rehearsals. For those cast as principals in a show this usually means rehearsing twice a week while the remaining cast normally rehearse once a week. In the final weeks before the show all the cast are generally required for rehearsal twice a week plus some Sunday afternoons. It goes without saying that all those taking part in a show are willing and able to make this commitment, subject to holidays, important family occasions or work commitments.
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But if you’re not so keen on being in the spotlight, don’t worry – there are plenty of opportunities to join us behind the scenes too ! Perhaps you’re handy with a hammer and could help us build our sets. Maybe you’re speedy with a sewing machine and could help us with our costumes. Or a techie who would like to know more about lighting and sound. Whatever your skill, you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome !
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All new members who wish to perform on stage in BOS productions are required to take part in an audition in front of a small group of members. This involves singing a song of your own choice, reading a short extract of script from a show (usually a dialogue with another member) and performing a short sequence of basic movement steps. (you will be guided through this and given several opportunities to practise first.) If successful you will be given a voice category according to your range of singing and given further information about the society. If this sounds daunting, be reassured that we make the auditions friendly occasions and as relaxing as we can for you.
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Membership of the society for all members is currently £20.00 for twelve months and runs from the 1st June in a calendar year until 31st May the following year. In addition, performing in any production will be subject to a variable show fee, depending on the nature and budget of a show.
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Our members range from late teens to the 70s and some of our youth section, YOBOS, take part in shows. If this all sounds daunting we can tell you that almost all those who audition are successful and go on to enjoy being part of a friendly society which, nevertheless, is committed to achieving high standards in the performance of it's shows. As a member, you are free to decide which shows you would like to commit to but we do encourage those who are not involved in a particular show to help out in some category during show week.
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For more information about becoming a member of BOS please contact our Membership Secretary, David Hornsby:
tel: 01295 258290
mob: 07807 535228
OR fill in the below contact form below