Buttershaw St Paul's AODS

The Juniors were formed in 1973 and gave an all youth production of Cinderella at the schoolrooms of St Paul's, Wibsey.  Performing 3 night runs, annually, until 1977 the Juniors provided an opportunity for young people aged 7to 18 to take part in Theatre.

 

Along with the adult society, the Juniors re-commenced at the Library Theatre in 1980.  For 11 years, the Juniors performed annual pantomimes, gaining valuable life skills and practical experience whilst exploring the exciting world of live Theatre.

 

They then continued in many different venues including The Bradford Playhouse, Brighouse Theatre and even Buttershaw Upper School (as was) until 2005 when Humpty Dumpty was the last pantomime. The Society felt it was time to move forward and give musical shows so that the young people were better equipped to join the main shows when old enough.

 

Our Junior section is directed by members of the adult society and this in turn has encouraged the young people to move up into the adult society once they turned 16 years of age.

 

Bugsy Malone was the first musical and was performed at Cleckheaton Town Hall.  The Juniors made this their home until 2012.

 

We have an annual enrolment night for the Juniors, helpful audition workshops and then the actual auditions.  Keeping the audition process as authentic to that of an adult society also helps with the transition once our members come of age.

 

There are usually 12 weeks of rehearsal and then three public performances.

 

The stage crew and technical helpers all work closely with our chaperones, who are DBS checked, to maintain the safest environment for our young people.

 

The Juniors have an award, which was donated by the family of Beatrice McMahon, for Dedication, Enthusiasm and Commitment.  The winner gets to keep the Shield for one year and also receives their personal miniature shield and lapel badge.  This recipient is voted for by the cast and has been won by the following over the years:

 

2008 Sam Higgins

2009 Anna Parker

2010 Richard Bartlett

2011 Mason Gurney

2012 Luke D'Apolito

2013 Lucy Philburn/Jack Bailey

2014 Ebony Lunn

2015 Niamh Rafferty

2016 Aidan McAndrew/Ruby Brumfitt

2017 Katie-Mae Ramsey

2018 Connie Attwood