Join us for taster/ introductory sessions
New to Gilbert and Sullivan? To part singing? Maybe thinking of trying for a lead role but a bit unsure? Or an experienced soloist looking for a great role ? Why not come along to our introductory sessions for the RFOS Spring production of The Sorcerer? We would particularly love to welcome younger singers to give them the opportunity to take lead roles or to join us in the chorus to gain experience of singing and performing G and S.
Where and When?
Prenton Methodist Church, Glenavon Road, Prenton CH43 ORE
7.30 to 9.30pm – Thursdays
17th September is a general run through of chorus numbers with our pianist and MD Jess Rooney
24th September is another look a the chorus numbers plus a run though of some of the solos, duets and trios so members get an idea of the show as a whole. Our MD will also spend some time running though audition pieces to help singers to feel relaxed and confident about auditioning for lead roles on Thursday 8th October.
1st October – Read through of the libretto ( script) for anyone who would like to join us.
8th October – Auditions for individual singing roles – lead and supporting.
15th October – Rehearsals begin
Individual copies of the music scores and libretto (script) will be available for members at the rehearsals. We work from scores for lyrics but there is no need to be able to read music , it is helpful but many of our members don’t read music at all and sing beautifully!
A warm welcome…
RFOS has a long history – our first production was in 1882 making us one of the oldest amateur musical theatre groups in the UK.. Sadly, since Covid, our membership has been falling. Current members really don’t want to see the society fold on our watch, We have a core of dedicated older members, a brilliant young pianist /MD and would love to welcome new members to ensure the future of the society. We are a welcoming , informal and inclusive group who are keen to offer new members opportunities for lead roles and to gain experience performing. on stage and in concert work. As well as stage shows the group has regular concerts singing a wide range of music – great American songbook standards, musical theatre, folk, jazz and classical as well as light opera. if you love singing we would love to welcome you. Why not get in touch?
I’m interested in trying a theatre group out. I love to sing – I would be a super beginner because I’ve not performed done any acting or singing since school but I’m keen to try something new that I’d enjoy. I love musicals and love meeting new people.
Could you let me know how regularly the group meets and what the cost is ? I live just off waterpark road so you’re a 5 min walk.
Hello Charlotte- apologies for the delay in replying. We are a small friendly group – mostly older members but really pleased that a group of younger people have just joined us for The Sorcerer – so there would be other new people with you if you joined us. We meet once a week on Thursdays (September to July) from 7.30 – 9.30 with a break mid rehearsal for a hot drink and a bit of chat! The weekly charge is £4 and this covers the cost of us hiring the hall and the fee for our lovely pianist Jess. if you decided to join us as a member there is also an annual membership fee of £35 – which can be paid instalments if t is easier. It is a perfect time to join us as we are just beginning rehearsals for The Sorcerer – which is light opera really so there will be a lot of focus to begin with on the singing before we begin on the stage work and dialogue, It helps if you can read music but lots of our members don’t and Jess teaches with a ‘listen and sing it back’ method line by line so everyone is able to learn the harmonies. This show will be on at The Little Theatre Birkenhead in April. We usually do a concert in the year as well. We don’t just do light opera though in spite of our name – I joined years ago to sing in Oliver! and our concerts are always a good mix of music. If you want to come along and see if we suit you as a group we would love to have you = there is no commitment if you decide we are not for you. We have auditions for the main roles this Thursday (8th) if you wanted to pop in for a chat or come along on Thursday 15th which is when we begin rehearsals and everyone is starting from scratch really. I am the group secretary Cath – just get in touch again of you have any questions – email is best if that’s ok – rockferryoperatic@hotmail.co.uk – Thanks for getting touch – Cath