Thursday, 16 October 2025

Stage groups join forces to provide pathway for talent

Stage groups join forces to provide pathway for talent

A THEATRE company and performing arts school will form a new working affiliation.

Henley Amateur Operatic and Drama Society (HAODS) and StageWorks, both based in Henley, will cement their
25-year relationship.

This will ensure that both groups can continue to develop local talent and provide opportunities for young performers.

When performers from StageWorks turn 16 years old, a reference for each affiliated member will be added to their personal development plan with HAODS.

Informal interviews will then be held to officially sign up each student to the programme.

There will be a youth performer programme available for performers under the age of 16, as and when required.

HAODS, which is based in its own studio in New Street, next to the Kenton Theatre, started in 1922 and has produced 188 annual productions, with the first being The Mikado. It will be celebrating 103 years in November.

Julie Huntington, chair of the organising committee, who lives in Fair Mile, began working at the society in 1995. Her first role was as Charity Barnum in the 1995 production of Barnum.

She says the new affiliation is a great way to keep young adults interested in performing, describing the transition as “like going to sixth form”.

Mrs Huntington said: “It struck us in the face and we thought ‘Why haven’t we thought about this before?’

“Children get the experience of working with an adult, so it’s a really good learning curve and a great place to keep the 16- to 18-year-olds interested and involved. The affiliation makes things much easier as the children already rehearse and have their classes here, so it’s not so daunting and they feel comfortable.”

StageWorks was founded by Emma-Jane Taylor in 2000 to provide children with the opportunity to enjoy performing as much as she did as a child.

The school, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, has seen an increase in children participating in its activities across the Thames Valley, with locations now also in Benson, Marlow, Spencer’s Wood and Caversham.

Mrs Taylor said the affiliation is a proud moment for her and the school.

She said: “We have had a really good working relationship with HAODS over the last 25 years and conversations expanded into what it is today because we realised how important it is to invest in children and their future, giving them opportunities for life. It’s a beyond proud moment during some of the most difficult times in business, especially after covid.

“We’re still standing because of the support in our community, as people don’t want to give up opportunities for their children’s future.”

Mrs Taylor has researched children’s development to ensure the StageWorks team fully aligns when it comes to expanding children’s confidence, self-belief and determination in the performing arts arena. She said: “Putting children into the spotlight comes with great responsibility.

“Our job is to make sure every age safely develops through their years, to not overstimulate and damage their growth, but to enhance their development when it comes to performing arts, giving children confidence and self-belief to enhance the development of their young minds.”

StageWorks will be back at the Kenton Theatre with its adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, from November 17 to 22. The next production of HAODS, We Will Rock You, will also be staged at the theatre from November 12 to 15. It will be directed by Mark Hampshire and choreographed by Mrs Taylor.

The first official affiliated production, Footloose, will be staged in the Kenton Theatre from May 20 to 23.

Ms Huntington added: “It’s a perfect show to move forward with because it’s all about students in high school. We need young children to take part, so it’s a great vehicle for our first affiliation.”

More News:

Smooth road

PART of Blounts Court Road in Sonning Common will ... [more]

 

POLL: Have your say