Latest news from CADS
January 2025 newsletter
(January 15, 2025)Nominations for our annual awards
It's time once again for our two annual drama awards. The Fred Sillence Award, named in honour of a former member and editor of the Royston Crow, is given "for outstanding contribution to the performing arts". It's open to anyone aged eighteen or over and living in Royston or the surrounding villages who has made a significant contribution to theatre or drama in the previous twelve months.
The Lizzie Houghton Award, also named in honour of a former member of the society, is given "for outstanding contribution to youth drama". It is open to anyone up to the age of eighteen living in Royston or the surrounding villages who has made a significant contribution to theatre or drama in the previous twelve months - this could be in a school, a club, a theatre or dance group, on stage, backstage, or for music or scriptwriting.
Nominations can be made for either award by anyone from the local area, and the committee will then vote on who should receive each award. Award nominees do NOT have to be a member of CADS, or have been involved with CADS performances. These awards are open to all comers.
Please let us have your nominations by the end of the month. You should send us your name, the name of the person being nominated (with a note of their age if they're being put forward for the youth award), and a few sentences about why you think they deserve the award - easiest way to do so is by e-mail to cads[email protected]
Panto and Post-Panto!
Panto is now upon us - Oh yes it is! Following rigging this weekend the stage is set for rehearsals and performances for the rest of this month. We have sold over 1100 tickets across the six performances, two of which are now completely sold out. We are looking for volunteers to help us Front of House - it is not too late to get involved - please contact us if interested. So what will we do with our time in February when all this is done I hear you ask? Please join us on Thurs 20th Feb, 8pm, in The Old Bull for a Post-Panto Get Together, and perhaps to discuss ideas for CADS for the coming year....
Welwyn Drama Festival 2025
Nominations for the Welwyn Drama Festival need to be submitted by 25th Jan - CADS did not enter last year but we did put on Don't Blame It On The Boots in 2023 which earned a very respectable third place. If you fancy directing a play please let us know and we can help with cast, crew, rehearsal space and our wealth of experience.
Your ideas for CADS this year
It doesn't have to be for the drama festival though - we'd love to do a play reading, or more radio plays, or another production or two this year - any ideas ? fancy directing or teaming up with an experienced director to try your hand ? The committee would love to hear from you and we'll be at the Bull on 20th Feb.
Relive the past with our old CADS videos...
We have news about videos of some past CADS productions. More will be revealed in our next newsletter...
Dates for your Diary
The next committee meeting will be on 27th Feb. Also, looking ahead, our Annual General Meeting this year will be on Mon 7th Apr, 7.30pm, at Icknield Walk First School.