The Thalian Theatre Group is a Basildon based amateur drama society whose productions are usually held at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. We aim to stage 3 plays a year and pride ourselves on performing a wide variety. We like to challenge ourselves professionally and will often choose unknown plays for our audiences to enjoy. A group of about 9 or 10 people formed the Thalians in 1972. Since then, the group has performed over 140 plays in a variety of venues including of course, the old and new Towngate theatres, various school halls, a college, community centres and pubs. Also the Alexander Yacht Club in Southend. We have also travelled outside of Essex, we performed “Teechers” & “Womberang” in ‘The Playhouse’ theatre Cumbria in 1993 revisiting again in 1995, where we performed “Shakers-Re-Stirred”. Last year “A Penny for a Song” was staged in a barn at the Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea. We are considering some outdoor productions for both 2015 and 2016. Our repertoire has been pretty broad and diverse – everything from literary classics by Shakespeare, Dickens, Shaw, Dylan Thomas, Oscar Wilde and Terence Rattigan. Modern classics by Brecht, Samuel Beckett, Tom Stoppard, Alan Ayckbourne, as well as more challenging fare such as “The Ruling Class” by Peter Barnes, “Blue Remembered Hills” by Dennis Potter, “The Hostage” by Brendan Behan to name but a few. We have also built up a reputation for staging a variety of books by the late Sir Terry Pratchett since 1996. We have built up a following of people who travel far and wide to see so many of the Terry Pratchett books adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs. On occasion, we have also performed self-penned plays. As well as actors we welcome people who are interested in set design, make up, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, ushering, front of house, publicity, fundraising. We also enjoy regular social events, including quiz nights, after show parties, theatre trips, picnics, and comedy evenings. Age Range: 16 + Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Academy was first established in 2002 with the focus on 'fun' through practical learning. The company currently has 3 branches across Essex and Hertfordshire. If your child has the talent we will nurture, train and give them the skills to continue their training towards a professional career. Alternatively your child may just want to sing and dance for fun or to gain confidence – that is just as important! If you would like to find out more about our classes or about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via one of the methods below: Contact via our website or social media
The Actorcrats
Shoeburyness
Bringing the arts to the mouth of the Thames. We are an amateur society who provides theatrical entertainment to the citizens of Shoeburyness and beyond! Box Office: Ticketsource
We are an amateur company who set professional standards for all our work, involving professionals in our productions, courses, and other teaching and workshop opportunities. We are based in Chelmsford, our members being drawn from Essex and the surrounding areas. We are NOT a dance school, but a not for profit organisation whose dedicated team members are all volunteers. We aim to:- Promote and stimulate interest in ballet and other forms of dance Give public and private performances Provide experience and training in ballet and other dance disciplines in addition to that already being received in regular dance classes WHAT WE DO …. We stage a major production annually at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford. In addition to the main theatre run we hold an annual ‘Lets Make a Ballet’ day in which younger dancers can experience choreography, costume and performance to an invited audience. Monthly Company classes are now being offered both as a way to enable the Company to meet regularly throughout the year in the studio, and as an opportunity to take a non-syllabus class with a variety of distinguished and experienced teachers. Non-members are welcome to attend, with members being offered a discounted rate. These are a good opportunity to meet other Company members should you be considering auditioning for dancing membership or just wish to experience non-syllabus work. The classes are intended to complement and not replace existing dance classes attended. The best way to contact us is by emailing admin@thechelmsfordballetcompany.co.uk or via our website or social media
The Company Performing Arts Award Winning Performing Arts training for young people in Colchester and Clacton on Sea. The Company Performing Arts was founded in 2011. We are proud to have created a unique fun environment which combines individual achievement, creativity and talent with inspired teaching, outstanding facilities and endless opportunities. The Company is an exciting place to be. Our timetable offers over 70 classes a week for girls and boys of all ages from 2 1/2. In addition to our classes we offer the opportunity to participate in local, national and international performances, examinations, competitions and events. Children and young people from all over Essex benefit from our award winning training in Dance, Voice, Drama and Theatre. Friendships are made, experiences shared and memories created. We encourage you to come and visit us and experience the buzz of The Company. We look forward to welcoming you... reception@thecompanypa.com
The Dedham Players is one of the leading local amateur theatre groups drawing on the Colchester, North Essex and South Suffolk regions. Since being founded in 1970 the Dedham Players have mounted over 60 productions. These include our regular shows at the Assembly Rooms in Dedham, normally in Spring and Autumn, and, roughly every 3 years, an open air production mounted in the marvellous setting of Castle House in Dedham. We are always happy to welcome new members. Current members come from quite a wide catchment area including Colchester, Wivenhoe, Brightlingsea, Lawford, Langham, Manningtree, West Bergholt, Higham, Stratford St Mary and, of course, Dedham itself. So whether you have been involved in amateur theatre before, or just want to have at go at something different - why not get in touch? There are many ways of helping out on a production - from acting, costumes, lighting, sound, directing, finding props, painting sets...and as a member you can also enjoy occasional socials, from quizzes to mystery walks, as well as the company of one of the friendliest amateur dramatics groups in North Essex. Of course, if you would just like to come along to see one of our productions, we would love to see you there. please contact us via enquiry@dedhamplayers.org
The Dunmow Pantomime Group is very much a community based group and have been entertaining the fabulous people of Great Dunmow and surrounding towns and villages since the end of the second world war, as a true community group our cast and crew are ranging in age from just 6 years to very much older and cover the full spectrum of community life in and around Great Dunmow. If you are interested in helping out on or off stage you can We are always looking for new talent, young and old, and not only on stage. If you would be interested in joining our merry band of hard working, fun loving misfits please get in touch, contact us: via our website or social media
The Essex Group nudge towards its 25th year producing shows which amount o well over 12 different musical productions. By rehearsing for short periods of 8 to 10 weeks we have been able to stage a consistent three shows a year and sometimes, with both senior and junior casts up to six a year. Predominantly working with under 25 year olds we love to tackle the unusuial as well as the tried and tested. We have staged world premieres to classics. Old Tyme Musical Hall to sung through musicals from the modern era. Casting by OPEN audition, we start each production from scratch. Our creative team have a free hand in casting either by audition or; in the event of there beig no candidate, by invite. We rehearse all day on Sundays for 8 to 10 weeks and in that time aim for the highest standards and polish. We have won 58 International and National Awards in competitive festivals including Buxton G&S, Waterford, and countless local Drama Festivals.
We have classes in: Camberley - Surrey, Brentford - London, Brockley - London, Leigh-on-Sea - Essex
We provide professional, affordable classes for young people aged between 5-25
Contact via our website or social media
The Hutton Players
Hutton
An amateur drama society for the Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton and Billericay area. We are a fairly small group so there are always plenty of opportunities to be involved either performing, directing, working with scenery, costumes etc, assisting with lighting and sound, or working back stage. We produce 2 plays a year at the Brentwood Theatre - one in March and one in November. During the production week we have a technical session on Monday, and dress rehearsals Tuesday and Wednesday. Performances are on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. In the run up to a production we rehearse twice a week on Monday and Thursday in Shenfield near the station from 19:45 to around 22:00. We typically have 20 rehearsals including the performance week for a production. If you are interested in finding out more about us please send an email with any questions Contact via our website or social media Please also let us have some idea of your experience, particular interests, playing age etc..although experience is not a pre-requisite.
The West Hall, Great Wakering Community Centre, The Old School, 94 / 100 High Street, Great Wakering, Essex, SS£ 0EJ
We are a small friendly group with a common interest in drama, some members want to watch, do odd jobs, make a cup of tea. come out for a chat and meet other people, or to try your hand at acting. the age rang is from around fourteen to senior ages. We have produced many plays over the years , and have a loyal audience from all around the local district. Our performances usually take the form of a cheese and wine evening and a play of between 30 to 60 minutes. We have had some plays, (we all decide) that allows actors to read from scripts, whilst with others we have tried to produce a west end performance. Our director has had many years experiance of Amateur Dramatics and also arranges other activities such as visits to London shows, etc. Our group is always looking for members and is very welcoming, so why not give it a try. Contact via our website or social media We Meet Thursdays At 8PM in The Great Wakering Community Centre, High Street , Great Wakering, right opposite the White Hart, Public House.
We always strive to be extremely professional in all we do. With a varied mix of thought provoking plays, hilarious comedies and highly acclaimed musicals we endeavour to perform exciting drama for our membership. Why Not Join Us? We are always keen to welcome enthusiastic new members to our group. Young or old (age 16 upwards), there are numerous ways in which you can participate and contribute to our lively little theatre. If acting is your thing why not come along and try out for one of our plays or musicals? Or join the active members who make our productions possible. Help is often required with Stage Management, Set Building, Decorating, Props, Wardrobe and Costumes, Prompting etc. We are always in need of people who can sew and make costumes as well anyone with skills in Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrics etc., who could undertake odd jobs to help maintain the theatre. The Manifest Theatre Group is committed to producing plays to as professional a standard as possible and we also have a lot of fun! Contact: info@manifesttheatre.co.uk
We are a friendly drama group who welcome new members of all ages for acting or back-stage roles. We participate in all types of productions, including full-length comedies and dramas, one-act festivals, pantomimes, murder mysteries and occasional social events. We are based in the London Borough of Havering near the Essex border, and often perform at Brentwood Theatre. Since our formation in 1979, we have achieved numerous awards. Box Office: 01245 468956 Contact via our website or social media
The Phoenix Theatre Company formerly the Moulsham Lodge Amateur Dramatic Society (MLADS) is based in Chelmsford, Essex and was founded in 1958. We have been producing 3 plays a year on the stage which was in the Moulsham Lodge Community Centre (MLCA), Waltham Glen, off Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford. However since that closed we have been producing our plays in the church hall within Christ Church URC, New London Road, Chelmsford. We usually now meet every Thursday evening in a hall by Catholic Church in Melbourne Avenue at 8.00 pm. We are affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association Membership is open to anyone interested in drama whether in acting or in the various back stage and front of house activities associated with a production. If you are interested in joining or would like further information about where we are meeting please contact the Secretary or Chairman Secretary secretary@phoenixtheatrechelmsford.co.uk Box Office 01245 468956 boxoffice@phoenixtheatrechelmsford.co.uk
Do you wish to sing act and dance in musicals, or variety shows, or perhaps you want to act in plays, or maybe you want to pick up some technical experience lighting, doing sound or working backstage. If any of this sounds like you then there is a place for you at the Players Theatre Company. We are actively seeking new members front of house, backstage and onstage to join our closeknit company. We have a professional yet fun attitude to our shows and we strive to make rehearsals enjoyable and productive. The company meet at st saviours church hall in Westcliff every Sunday between 5.30pm-and 8.30pm. We have no expensive annual membership fees, all we ask is for a £3 rehearsal fee and £20 towards the show we are working on at the time. We welcome performers of most ages and all abilitys, if you have a willingness to learn new skills then this may be the company for you! For more information on being a part of our next shows at the Palace Theatre then please speak to us via theplayers@btconnect.com
Shane Collins is proud to have brought together some of the best Entertainers in the South East of England . Their aim is to present new and exciting productions of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Many of the performers are international award winners, having unveiled their talents all over the world. Shane is well know for his innovative productions having directed all the Gilbert and Sullivan works. If you are interested in shining backstage or under the spotlight he would be delighted to hear from you. Contact: Info@savoyplayers.com
The Pride Players is a branch of Colchester Pride, established in January 2020, with the joint aims of: 1) helping raising funds and awareness of Colchester Pride 2) helping to enrich both the local LGBT+ community and Colchester generally
Youth Theatre group in Clacton started in 1988. In an effort to encourage children to become more involved in theatre we introduced a programme of Wednesday evening (during term time) theatre workshops whereby they could develop their talents in a range of Performing Arts. Students are provided with many opportunities to perform throughout the year, in full scale musicals, Pantomimes, plays, variety shows, community performances and fundraising concerts. Students are placed into groups using their academic school year.
Contact via our website
The Priory Players
Colchester
Originally formed to raise funds for the then proposed new Mercury Theatre, The Priory Players has since centred itself on performing plays in the open air and primarily the plays of Shakespeare.
Contact via social media
The Seaview Players
Brightlingsea
The Seaview Players are an amateur dramatics group based in Brightlingsea, Essex. We have been producing high quality theatre for over thirty years, and have won many awards for our work. Contact via social media
UK Ashingdon, Leigh & Thorpe Bay SS4 3JJ; SS9 1SJ; SS1 4HQ Southend-on-Sea, Essex
The Show Choir was founded in 2012 as a community based choir with a strong focus on Musical Theatre. As well as traditional musicals such as The Greatest Showman, Les Miserables, Wicked, Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Jersey Boys, we also cover the more modern ‘juke box’ musicals so you could find yourself singing anything from Cole Porter to Take That or Queen to Abba. Based in Essex the choir is open to anyone aged 16 and above. No audition is necessary to join the choir and you do not have to read music. We want you to enjoy your singing experience as well as make a beautiful sound.
Established in 2010, we are a part-time and weekend theatre school for young people aged 5 to 19. We offer classes in dance, drama, singing & musical theatre at our theatre school.
A newly established group of fifteen members meeting at the North Stifford Village Hall, North Stifford, Thurrock, Essex every Thursday evening from 7.30- 9.00pm. All are welcome regardless of experience. Contact thads1@yahoo.co.uk
Upminster The Wesley Methodist Hall, Upminster, Essex, RM14 1AE
We are The Wesley Players, an amateur drama group established in 1949 and based at The Methodist Church, Hall Lane, Upminster, Essex. RM14 1AE We are always looking for new members - on stage and behind the scenes. If you fancy getting involved, drop us a line so we can arrange for you to come to the hall and get a taste of what we're about. Don't be shy! ;-)
Theatre At Baddow was formed in 1982 and during this time has received many NODA awards. The group always strives to give a great production at a minimal cost to our audience. theatreatbaddow@tiscali.co.uk
We believe that the joint engagement of practice and theory produces a deep understanding of how drama works. As a result, our teaching combines practical workshops with critical seminars and lectures, and is delivered by an experienced team of playwrights, directors, and actors, as well as leading academic theatre specialists. Our undergraduate courses allow you to explore a whole range of dramatic traditions, from Ancient Greek tragedy to Shakespeare and the latest contemporary theatre. We strongly encourage you to create your own work in response to your study and also offer the opportunity to take drama as a joint degree with literature and with modern languages. At postgraduate level, our MA Playwriting is designed to develop your unique dramatic voice by focusing on different aspects of the playwright’s craft. We also welcome applications for PhD study either as thesis or as a creative practice doctorate based on the submission of a play with critical commentary.
Performing arts school, summer workshops, preschool classes, birthday parties. Colchester & Nayland. Life's a drama and we love it! Sing, Dance, Act, Perform!
Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex
“Theydon Bois Drama Society was founded in 1925, and although there was a short suspension during the war years, such continuity in a small community is remarkable. Over the years the Society has presented a wide range of comedies and tragedies, thrillers, music halls, variety shows and revues, pantomimes and musicals and many people, in their time, have played many parts on stage and back-stage. Our venue has progressed from one of the old Retreats, to the old Army Hut in Loughton Lane, to the Village Hall in Coppice Row and now to the magnificent Village Hall of which the village is so proud. In the early days membership consisted entirely of local people and more particularly of family groups, but now our membership is drawn from a wider area and we are always keen to welcome new members from Theydon Bois and beyond. At all times and in all circumstances the Society has set itself the highest standards of acting and presentation, and is justifiably proud of the good reputation that it has long enjoyed and strives constantly to preserve. During the last few years the Society has received recognition from the National Operatic & Dramatic Association for a number of productions. Theydon Bois Drama Society is keen to welcome new members in both an acting and non-acting capacity, be it lighting and sound, costumes, props or scene painting. In articles like this they always say, 'Come and join our friendly Society', but in this case it's true”. Theydon Bois Drama Society can be contacted by enquiries@theydondrama.org
Thistles Musical Theatre Company is an amateur musical and dramatic society who produce large scale musicals at Ilford's Kenneth More Theatre and in other local venues. Members come from North and East London and Essex and normally rehearse in South Woodford.Thistles perform two shows per year at the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, and at Lopping Hall, Loughton We rehearse at Derby Road Church, South Woodford, on Monday and Friday evenings, 8-10pm. We also have additional rehearsals on Sunday afternoons in the run up to the show. We charge £60 per year membership fees, plus a show fee which varies for each show (this is usually £40) We always welcome new members, who are asked to do a simple singing and movement audition before joining the group. If you are interested in joining the society or would like more information, please Contact us via our website or social media
We are Thurrock Courts Players based in Grays Essex. The group was established in 1954 and consists of around 30 members of equal male to female mix. Age range 19 - 70. We perform shows of all types and also dabble in the occasional musical. We also have a facebook account should you wish to befriend us. Box Office 0845 300 5264 thurrockcourtsplayers@live.co.uk
Thurrock Youth Theatre
Grays
Contact via our website or social media
TOADS
Thundersley
T.O.A.D.S are based in Essex, working on either our yearly show, Concert or play. We perform at the Furtherwick Park School Canvey Island, King John's School Benfleet and also several obscure places in the name of charity. Our aim is to provide entertainment for Canvey Island, Thundersley and surrounding areas.
TAP is an amateur dramatics group based in Tollesbury near Colchester, Essex, in England. Founded in 2004 TAP produces 3 or 4 performances per year and specialises in light entertainment, pantomimes and self written productions. Successful plays include the Inspector Pratt 'Murdered' series, pantomimes by Jim Sperinck such as Panto at the OK Corral and the Pompeii Panto, themed Cabarets with dinner and several heritage productions reminiscing local history. Contact: Email: tap@tollesburyplayers.com
Tomboogie
1 Haslers Lane, Great Dunmow
Tomboogie is a brand new dance/fitness class that is full of a hour of fun where all men & women can dance away to our favourite musical theatre songs we all know and love.
Tomorrow’s Talent is a place of great creativity and fun. Our students bring passion, enthusiasm and talent into the studio which is channeled by our highly skilled tutors who have all worked at top levels in the entertainment industry. Positivity and good humour is key to our training as the best results are achieved when young people are inspired and working in a fun environment.
Tomorrow’s Talent was created back in 2004 as we felt that there was a need for high-end performing arts training for young people working with creative actors from the West End. Our aim is to develop young people to be ready to work in all areas of the entertainment industry and over the years our students have played roles in the West End, Television and Film and have been offered places to train at some of the world’s leading dance and drama schools.
At Tomorrow’s Talent we offer performance opportunities in both plays and musicals which have been critically acclaimed within the Essex arts community. As our students attend regular skills classes whilst rehearsing for our productions the level achieved in performance is high – reinforcing our ‘triple threat’ concept. As the entertainment industry is currently saturated with the latest obsession with ‘reality’ there has never been a more important time for young performers to learn and perfect a craft – skills that can be used in all areas of their lives.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tomorrow’s Talent!
Gavin Wilkinson, Creative Director
Contact via our website or social media
TOPS On Stage
Thurrock
TOPS ON STAGE is the last remaining musical theatre company in Thurrock actively staging musicals at the Thameside Theatre. Working with local people who come together to produce both modern and classical musicals from Broadway and the West End. We are finacially supported by Thurrock Council via Thurrock Arts as well as enjoying occassional local sponsorship from local business. We are managed by an elected committee who also act as Trustees of TOPS ON STAGE Charity who manage a number of annual fund raising initiatives to help promote the activities of the Group.
Officially 'Trinity Methodist Music and Drama Fellowship', the group is generally known as Trinity Music and Drama. Although originally a Church group Music and Drama is now open to all who subscribe to its' aim to 'produce musical and drama performances in keeping with the values of The Methodist Church'. Trinity Music and Drama has a membership of about 50 members and has been part of Trinity Church Chelmsford for over 40 years. It was originally formed by members of Trinity Methodist Church as a Christian fellowship group performing in the church hall. Due to the success of their productions they were invited to perform at the Civic Theatre Chelmsford. We have continued to perform there every year and have performed the majority of the Gilbert and Sullivan light operas and other shows such as Merry Widow, Showboat, My Fair Lady, Carousel, Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar to name a few. Music and Drama meets in the Church hall on Monday evenings from 7.45pm. If you are interested in music and/or drama either on stage or in scenery/costumes etc. please come along you will be very welcome. For further information - please contact by trinitymusicanddrama@hotmail.co.uk
