Drama
Straight plays from the classic repertoire and modern writing, usually two a season in the main house.
Romsey Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society
THE SOCIETY
Who we are
RAODS has staged shows in Romsey every year since 1931. We’re a registered charity of around 200 members, and we own and run the Plaza Theatre ourselves — nobody here is paid.
Members come from every part of the town and every level of experience. Some have performed for decades; others joined last season having never set foot on a stage. Both are equally welcome.
OUR WORK
What we stage
Up to twelve productions a year, across four strands.
Musicals
Our largest shows, with a live band, full chorus and the biggest technical demands of the year.
Pantomime
The Christmas fixture, and the show that brings the most of Romsey through the doors each year.
GET INVOLVED
There is more to a show than the cast
Every one of these roles is filled by a volunteer member. No experience needed for any of them.
On stage
Acting, singing and dancing across all four strands. Auditions are open to every member and advertised well in advance.
Open AuditionsSet and construction
Building, painting and dressing the set in our own workshop. Practical skills welcome, but we'll teach you.
Lighting and sound
Operating and designing on our own rig, from rehearsal plots through to running the show from the box.
Wardrobe and make-up
Making, altering and maintaining costume from our own store, and running make-up on performance nights.
Front of house
Box office, bar, programmes and welcoming the audience in. The easiest way to start, and one shift at a time.
Committee and admin
Running the society and the building — finance, marketing, bookings, maintenance and grant applications.
I came along to help paint a set for one weekend. Four years later I've been in six shows, run the sound desk twice and met most of my closest friends here.
OUR HISTORY
The Plaza, from picture house to playhouse
The society is older than its home by twenty-seven years.
- 1931
- The Plaza opens as a cinema; RAODS is founded the same year and stages its first production in the town hall.
- 1958
- The society acquires the building, giving RAODS a permanent home and Romsey a year-round theatre.
- 1994
- The auditorium is rebuilt and reopened by the Mayor of Romsey, taking the house to 250 raked seats.
- 2026
- Still owned, run and staffed entirely by volunteer members — for the town, by the town.
Become a member
Membership includes audition priority, workshops, our newsletter and a vote at the AGM. Join at any point in the season.
Not sure yet?
Come to an open rehearsal or a front of house shift and see how it runs before committing to anything.