FAQs

Here is a list of our freqeuntly asked questions.

Where does Wordsley Amateur Dramatic Society meet and rehearse?

We meet at the Church Hall, Kingswinford Methodist Church, Stream Road, Kingswinford, DY6 9NP.

On which evenings does the Society meet and rehearse?

We meet and rehearse every Thursday evening from 7.45pm until 10.00pm. Additional rehearsals are often held for those involved in a production; these are generally agreed between the Director of the play and the cast involved.

How much does it cost to join the Society?

The current yearly membership subscription is £25. There is a 50% reduction for 15-18 year olds and for those in full-time education up to the age of 21. However, as a prospective new member you won't pay anything until you are sure you want to join us! So come along. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

How many members are there?

There are currently over 40 members. Most are performing members but some choose just to help out backstage and front of house.

How old do I have to be to join?

Anyone from the age of 15 upwards can join us. Our oldest member is the same age as our Society... 86 years old. If you are under the age of 16 you must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times in keeping with current legislation.

Do I need previous experience?

Absolutely not. Some people come along having some experience of acting or backstage work but many come along looking for a new interest and a way of making new friends.

How many productions per year does the Society put on?

We put on three main productions per year: one at the end of January/early February, one at the end of April/early May and one in October. We rehearse the whole year round. In addition to our main productions we enter Drama Festivals and put on occasional evenings of drama for the benefit of our Patrons.

What sort of plays does the Society perform?

We try to produce a balanced programme of plays including different genres. We perform comedies, farces and thrillers as well as serious dramas.

Who decides on the production that the Society performs?

This is decided by the Casting Committee, the members of which read scripts and meet regularly to discuss them. By looking into the availability of members and the suitability, popularity and cost of a play they decide upon the best choice for the Society and its members.

How do I join WADS?

We are always looking for new members and you will be made very welcome. Either contact our Secretary, Sue Hunt, for an informal chat (01384 822537) or just turn up from 7.45pm onwards on any Thursday evening at the Kingswinford Methodist Church Hall. You can watch a rehearsal and chat with other members over a cup of tea.

How do I get a ticket to see a production?

Simply ring our Ticket Secretary, Jean Cotton, who will be able to reserve you a ticket for the production you want to see. You can then pay for the ticket on collection at the door. Full-price tickets currently cost £7. Concessionary tickets at £6 are applicable to those aged over 60 and those aged under 16 (or up to the age of 21 in full-time education). Jean's telephone number is 01384 273026. Alternatively, ring our Patrons' Secretary, Lisa Gregg, on 01384 821943.

What is the advantage of being a Patron?

The annual cost of being a Patron is currently £28. This entitles each Patron to two tickets for each of the three plays. This amounts to a saving of £14 on full-price tickets over the year. In addition you will receive invitations to Patrons' evenings organised periodically and which are free of charge, and certain other functions organised on an ad hoc basis. Finally, as a Patron you need never miss one of our productions, because Lisa will either write to you or e-mail you a month beforehand to remind you what and when our next production is.

Are there any social events organised for the members of the Society?

We have a Social Committee who organise events from time to time. In the last two years these have included taking part in the Severn Valley Railway's 1940s Weekend, a Christmas meal, a Treasure Hunt and a Dinner Dance to celebrate our 85th Anniversary. In recent years some of our members have travelled to Scotland, Wales and Ireland for the weekend to attend the British Final Festival of One Act Plays. Oh yes... and some of us retire to the local hostelry after rehearsals on Thursday for a relaxing drink.

Still interested?

New members are always welcome and in any capacity, whether it be acting, backstage or front of house. There's a lot more to putting on a production than acting! Are you interested in any of the following: set design, set construction, sound, lighting, prompting, programme design, props, costume, stage managing, front of house managing or making and selling refreshments? If so please get in touch or come along any Thursday... we look forward to meeting you. You won't regret it!