Join Us

Being part of a society is so rewarding and really helps  unleash your creativity. Whether you love acting,  dancing,  singing or assisting backstage in other aspects of the production, there is something for you in COS.

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“I must admit to not knowing anything about COS before joining.  I hadn’t performed since I was at school some 15 years earlier and just knew I wanted to start up again and COS just happened to be auditioning for Jekyll and Hyde at that time. I went to the first audition not knowing a single person but, some 4 years later, I have some of the best friends anyone could hope for! Add in the fact that Colchester Operatic put on absolutely stunning shows year after year is really the icing on the cake. It has some of the most welcoming and inclusive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and I’m so glad I took the plunge when I did”  

Steve Woodward, who joined COS in 2016

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If you’ve heard of us or seen one of our shows and would like to join us then drop us an email at cos1theatre@hotmail.com or fill in our Contact form 

COS welcome members aged 16 and over

We have a junior members group, aged 11 – 23, known collectively as ‘CO2′ (Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition), which is incredibly popular. CO2 produce an annual show in the Autumn for a two week run at The Mercury Theatre . If you are between 11-23 and want to be part of our CO2 youth then drop us an email at cos2theatre@hotmail.co.uk or fill in our Contact form 

Membership Costs just £10 per year!

A Show Fee is approximately £60 and a Concert Fee is approximately £30

We are a local, not-for-profit group and we pride ourselves on putting on the best level show year on year. Our membership and show fees cover lots of expenses including:

• Theatre Booking
• Rehearsal Space Costs
• Musical Director Costs
• Set Costs
• Costume Costs
• Licensing Costs
• Equipment Hire
• Band Costs
• Transport Costs

Why Join?

• Regular newsletters.
• The Opportunity to audition and perform in prestigious venues with high production value.
• Theatre experience – a platform for learning & perfecting your performance and/or technical skills
• Regular social events.
• An incredibly nurturing environment that drives creativity.
• A fun and fulfilling experience – and some amazing memories!
• Be part of and support the local theatre community

Come and audition!

You can audition for more than one role, as well as audition for chorus, usually in groups of four. There will be a small audition panel of around 5 people, including the musical director and the director. We follow an open audition format so you’re welcome to stick around and see everyone else audition. Don’t worry, we provide all the audition pieces, and videos for choreography, before the day so you have plenty of time to practice.  

Auditioning is quite simple, although as with any auditions, they can be a little scary or daunting but you are not alone in feeling like this; we all feel the same, even the seasoned COS members! 

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“Before joining COS I was apprehensive? because I had heard that operatic societies can be very ‘clicky’ and unwelcoming to newcomers.  Although there are friendship groups that have been formed from many years of doing shows together, I never felt unwelcome and in time formed my own friendship group.  I love being a part of COS and look forward to what’s next.”

Becki Lee, who also joined COS in 2019

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Get in touch to find out about our next auditions and then come and meet us at our friendly pre audition rehearsals. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with the audition pieces and we will run through the process so that you know what to expect.

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“COS is a company with a long history and a reputation for shows of a high calibre, so it’s understandable that I was nervous going into the pre-audition workshop. But once there, I found the existing members were very welcoming. As we went into the rehearsal stage, I felt a real sense of support and encouragement from my fellow cast members, which allowed me to give as much as possible to my performance.”

Kate Cavill, who joined COS in 2019

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To view and/or download our Audition processes click here

To view our members Welcome book click here

[accessible versions can be found here]

View answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COS here