History of WATS - 1910 to 2018
Amateur theatre has a long and proud history in Wellington. Programmes of concerts dating back to 1910 are in our archives. For many years theatre in Wellington Drama Group and Wellington Musical society.
Entertainment has had a rocky road over the century with sometimes extremely successful productions and other times a struggle to keep ‘the show’ alive. So it is not surprising that each group has stood alone and at other times they have operated as one.
Entertainment has had a rocky road over the century with sometimes extremely successful productions and other times a struggle to keep ‘the show’ alive. So it is not surprising that each group has stood alone and at other times they have operated as one.
Throughout the thirties the two groups operated as one organisation with a musical production of High Jinks in 1930 and a drama production in 1934 called It Pays to Advertise. Both productions played at the Alexander Theatre in Swift Street.
In the fifties the Art’s Council was the big mover with the Drama Group and many one, two and three act plays were presented to the audience of Wellington. Drama festivals were held in the Central West, each town competing for the honour of winning. In 1957 Wellington received an award for the Best Actress and an outstanding achievement in set design was awarded in 1979.
Productions were held it eh Monarch Hall until it was destroyed by fire. The Groups then used the High School hall. In 1969 Boeing Boeing was presented by the Drama Group in the new Civic Centre.
The two groups continued for many years as individual entities. The 1960’s saw the introduction of Lunch Hour Theatre by the Drama Group; a very popular attraction. The 1960’s also saw Arts Council tutors conduct workshops.
In the 1970’s the two groups began to combine and present large shows: White Horse Inn, Oklahoma, Show Boat and Pirates of Penzance.
On 31 May 1994 both groups officially joined forces and WATS became a reality. In 1994 WATS gave a ‘world premier’ with Mandy’s Coming Out and have taken their productions to other towns such as Yeoval with Dimboola in 1990, Dubbo with White Horse Inn in 1971 and Rudolph’s Christmas in 1995.
The 1980’s and 1990’s saw the ‘hey days’ of WATS presenting huge shows to large audiences. Some of these shows included Oliver, Music Halls, Hello Dolly, the King and I, Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd. Pantomimes were also popular.
WATS was responsible for the organisation of the Boot Ball from 1988 to 1994, a black tie affair with the serving of supper and drinks.
In 1989 WATS held their first production in the Rugby Club and the old Royal Hotel where dinner and entertainment was presented to a discreet and appreciative audience,
Junior WATS was formed in the 1990’s and ran for several years. Lack of numbers and audiences in the 2000’s has led to the smaller productions being held in the Soldiers Club.
On the business side, WATS became incorporated on 22 January 1992 and purchased their own building – WATS Place in 1993.
Costume hire is conducted on the premises along with rehearsals and storage. Currently members are raising funds for the erection of a shed at the back of WATS Place to store sets, lighting and sound equipment, clothes and props.
To move forward with foresight and positivity, WATS needs the support of the Wellington community. To continue providing culture and entertainment we need to nurture our local talent. To do this we need directors, sound and lighting technicians, stage crew, costume designers and most of all performers.
Performing is a lot of fun. Everyone has some talent. If acting or singing isn’t your forte, join WATS and help by learning some production skills. We are a happy, friendly group so come along and enjoy as we launch into another 100 years of entertainment.
All welcome, the young and not so young!
In the fifties the Art’s Council was the big mover with the Drama Group and many one, two and three act plays were presented to the audience of Wellington. Drama festivals were held in the Central West, each town competing for the honour of winning. In 1957 Wellington received an award for the Best Actress and an outstanding achievement in set design was awarded in 1979.
Productions were held it eh Monarch Hall until it was destroyed by fire. The Groups then used the High School hall. In 1969 Boeing Boeing was presented by the Drama Group in the new Civic Centre.
The two groups continued for many years as individual entities. The 1960’s saw the introduction of Lunch Hour Theatre by the Drama Group; a very popular attraction. The 1960’s also saw Arts Council tutors conduct workshops.
In the 1970’s the two groups began to combine and present large shows: White Horse Inn, Oklahoma, Show Boat and Pirates of Penzance.
On 31 May 1994 both groups officially joined forces and WATS became a reality. In 1994 WATS gave a ‘world premier’ with Mandy’s Coming Out and have taken their productions to other towns such as Yeoval with Dimboola in 1990, Dubbo with White Horse Inn in 1971 and Rudolph’s Christmas in 1995.
The 1980’s and 1990’s saw the ‘hey days’ of WATS presenting huge shows to large audiences. Some of these shows included Oliver, Music Halls, Hello Dolly, the King and I, Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd. Pantomimes were also popular.
WATS was responsible for the organisation of the Boot Ball from 1988 to 1994, a black tie affair with the serving of supper and drinks.
In 1989 WATS held their first production in the Rugby Club and the old Royal Hotel where dinner and entertainment was presented to a discreet and appreciative audience,
Junior WATS was formed in the 1990’s and ran for several years. Lack of numbers and audiences in the 2000’s has led to the smaller productions being held in the Soldiers Club.
On the business side, WATS became incorporated on 22 January 1992 and purchased their own building – WATS Place in 1993.
Costume hire is conducted on the premises along with rehearsals and storage. Currently members are raising funds for the erection of a shed at the back of WATS Place to store sets, lighting and sound equipment, clothes and props.
To move forward with foresight and positivity, WATS needs the support of the Wellington community. To continue providing culture and entertainment we need to nurture our local talent. To do this we need directors, sound and lighting technicians, stage crew, costume designers and most of all performers.
Performing is a lot of fun. Everyone has some talent. If acting or singing isn’t your forte, join WATS and help by learning some production skills. We are a happy, friendly group so come along and enjoy as we launch into another 100 years of entertainment.
All welcome, the young and not so young!