As Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company stages its big annual show at South Mill Arts this week, BSMTC chair Charlotte Pritchard makes a heartfelt plea for business to get behind the company…
Over the last two years I have led a committee of dedicated individuals in the challenge of building BSMTC back up from the Covid pandemic – a desperate time when all theatres were forced to close and members of the company were not even allowed to meet up, let alone sing.
In the current climate, I acknowledge that some people might feel there are many more important things than putting on shows for the local community, but the role that societies like BSMTC play is a vital one.
Non-profit theatre companies like ours provide local people with the chance to join a group where they can build their confidence, make friends and, most importantly, have fun. I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve joined and told me it’s the best thing they ever did.
It’s not only good for our members’ mental and physical wellbeing, it also helps our audiences too. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a night at the theatre, being entertained and uplifted by a performance? And don’t we all need something to bring us joy, even for a short time, with all the doom and gloom around?
In addition, we provide opportunities for young people to experience theatre on and off stage. Many of them have learnt valuable life skills and some have even gone on to have successful careers in the arts; for example, one alumnus of BSMTC is songwriter Ed Drewett, best known for his collaborations with One Direction, Olly Murs, Little Mix and The Wanted.
Times have been tough for non-profit theatre companies this year, with a cost-of-living crisis and audiences understandably hesitant about returning to indoor activities. Companies like BSMTC face hikes in costs for rehearsal space, theatre hire and box office charges.
The company is not a charity and cannot obtain grants for putting on shows – as such it is entirely self-funding and reliant on the income from shows, partnered with subscriptions from members and patrons.
None of our members are paid for performing, although we do sometimes pay for choreographers, directors and musical directors as we want to attract the best talent and put on a high standard of show. This has undoubtedly been a reason why we often win NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards.
However, we face a rather dismal future if we cannot afford to put on our shows locally any more due to rising costs and a drop in audience numbers.
I believe we are a vital part of the local community – we perform at South Mill Arts every year and local businesses advertise in our show programmes. What we really need to keep moving forward are sponsors – to help us to keep doing what we do so well.
I am more than happy to talk to local business about BSMTC and the role of non-profit theatre in the community. Our current show, Kipps – The New Half A Sixpence Musical, running at South Mill Arts from Tuesday to Saturday this week (Nov 15-19), lacks a sponsor, although we have been very well supported by loyal programme advertisers such as Tees Law and Enable. We are seeking a main sponsor for our show next year, Made in Dagenham.
For large-scale shows like this, our financial situation would look so much healthier if we had a sponsor or two. I hope local businesses get in touch with me to discuss options. Kipps is an ideal opportunity to see what a wonderful company we are. Join me in the bar for an after-show drink and I can tell you more! Email me at pritchard.charlotte972@gmail.com.
* BSMTC was established in 1913 as Bishop’s Stortford Amateur Operatic Society but was disbanded until after the First World War. The company re-formed in 1963, when its first performance was Merrie England. Since then it has staged one or two shows every year except for 2020, when the pandemic called a halt to theatre performances.
The company has over 90 members and puts on two shows a year: a spring show, which is usually an original script/concept or a cabaret-style show, and a main show at South Mill Arts in November. Productions in recent years include Oklahoma!, Sister Act, Jekyll and Hyde, Fiddler on the Roof and Jesus Christ Superstar.
