Folkestone & Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society
Encyclopedia
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
that holds performances and events at its theatre in Shorncliffe, the Tower Theatre
The Tower Theatre (Folkestone, Kent)
The Tower Theatre is a theatre in Folkestone, Kent that has been converted from the garrison church of Shorncliffe Camp barracks. The venue is owned by Folkestone & Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society, . FHODS is a charitable organisation that has been running in Folkestone and Hythe since 1902. It...
. A theatre which has been beautifully developed by FHODS from what used to be a church, it is a perfect setting for all types of performances.
The society also includes a very active Youth Section who perform 3 shows a year and meet every Sunday between 7pm and 9:30pm at the Tower Theatre
The Tower Theatre (Folkestone, Kent)
The Tower Theatre is a theatre in Folkestone, Kent that has been converted from the garrison church of Shorncliffe Camp barracks. The venue is owned by Folkestone & Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society, . FHODS is a charitable organisation that has been running in Folkestone and Hythe since 1902. It...
.
History
The society closed for the duration of World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
(1914–1918), then continued to present plays up until World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
(1939–1945) when it closed once more. In 1947 Hythe
Hythe, Kent
Hythe , is a small coastal market town on the edge of Romney Marsh, in the District of Shepway on the south coast of Kent. The word Hythe or Hithe is an Old English word meaning Haven or Landing Place....
was added to the name and the society held productions at the Leas Pavilion Theatre, Folkestone
Folkestone
Folkestone is the principal town in the Shepway District of Kent, England. Its original site was in a valley in the sea cliffs and it developed through fishing and its closeness to the Continent as a landing place and trading port. The coming of the railways, the building of a ferry port, and its...
Town Hall, and Chichester Hall in Sandgate
Sandgate
Sandgate can be:*Sandgate, Kent*Sandgate Castle*Sandgate, Queensland*Sandgate, New South Wales, a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales*Sandgate, Vermont*Electoral district of Sandgate, Queensland, Australia...
.
Youth Section
FHODS Youth Section caters for young people aged between 14 and 21 who are interested any aspects of theatre. They put on 3 shows a year:- The Brigadier Thomas Competition - held in spring, "the Brig" consists of a collection of one act plays (usually four) written, directed and performed by Youth Section members based around a common theme. On the second and final night they are judged by three adult section adjudicators for prizes for "Best Play", "Best Stagecraft", "Best Actor", "Best Actress", "Most Promising Newcomer Actor" and "Most Promising Newcomer Actress".
- The Summer Show - held in late summer or early autumn, the Summer Show is the principle Youth Section production where they put on a full length play acted and directed by Youth Section members. Past titles include "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "The Insect Play", "Carpe Jugulum", "Little Women" and "James and the Giant Peach".
- The Christmas Revue - a relaxed format including songs, sketches and monologues. The emphasis is on showcasting the talent of the Youth Section.
They meet every Sunday at the Tower Theatre between 7pm and 9:30pm. Their meetings include drama-based games, creating improvisations and sketches, script work (ranging from Greek Tragedy to Shakespeare to Monty Python) and workshops both from within FHODS and from external sources. They always welcome new members.
They also organise trips to see other productions from as close to home as FHODS' own to West End shows such as Avenue Q and the Lion King. These trips are often subsidised to encourage greater participation in theatre.