Theatre group signs up stars of the future (From Worcester News)

Theatre group WODYS signs up stars of the future

7:00pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

A WORCESTER youth theatre group has recruited 17 new members thanks to the high standard of applicants.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section chairman and director David Humphries was delighted to welcome the newcomers.

He said: “The high standard this year was apparent at the pre-audition workshops we held and at the actual auditions. We felt that although we need to keep a limit on our numbers, there were youngsters we just could not turn away.

“I am very pleased with the interest which continues to be shown in WODYS. The youth of Worcester is very talented and I am full of admiration for them.

“About 45 youngsters auditioned for membership of WODYS.

“The standard was higher than usual and we would have loved to have taken them all, but unfortunately we can’t.

"We will now have 70 members, and unsuccessful candidates will be offered a place in the WODYS academy, which I hope they will take up.”

On Saturday the new recruits joined existing members at the group’s regular weekly meeting and will later be auditioning for roles in the musical Copacabana, to be staged at Worcester’s Swan theatre from Tuesday, July 30, to Saturday, August 3, next year.

WODYS Academy (WOD-AC) was set up six years ago to provide those youngsters who have not been successful in the annual WODYS auditions, and any new youngsters, with training in all aspects of musical theatre – singing, dancing and acting, including practical performance experience and confidence building.

The 2012-2013 programme is adopting a new format from previous years, offering a series of workshop-style sessions between November 2012 and July 2013, spread through the period.

Some workshops may also provide an opportunity for a short performance at the end for parents to watch.

The workshops will be held on Saturday afternoons between 1pm and 3.30pm, and the cost of attendance is £1.50 payable each workshop.

The first WODAC workshop will be on Saturday, November 10, and to book a place, e-mail Chris Holloway on chris_11_holloway@yah oo.co.uk