Musical Theatre Charity
Based in Selly Oak, Birmingham

WELCOME TO THE ARCS


About Us


The Arcadians is a theatre charity based in Selly Oak, Birmingham. We deliver participatory arts opportunities and events to people living and connected to South Birmingham and the surrounding areas. 


Our 'Am Dram' society rehearses on Tuesday evenings at St Mary's Church Hall. We put on two shows a year, usually a full scale musical and a cabaret/showcase. We have regular social evenings and after rehearsals many members socialise together. 


The Arcadians welcomes everyone to become a member of the charity, subject to a small membership fee.


We are open to new partnerships, performance opportunities and fresh talent - especially backstage crew and front of house staff.



Join Us


Do you love to Sing, Dance and Act? Or is backstage or production more your thing?


Our society welcomes members aged 16+ and from all backgrounds. Come along to a couple of rehearsals and see if it's your thing. At The Arcs we're friendly and we love theatre; we offer a warm welcome to like-minded people who don't mind hard work mixed with good fun and a willingness to 'give it a go!' A small membership fee applies.


At the beginning of each show process current and prospective members who would like to perform are required to pass an informal company workshop (singing and dancing as part of a group). We welcome all levels of experience; the company workshop will require you to demonstrate team working and ability to encourage an atmosphere of collaboration and kindness. We only hold auditions for named characters or solos and small group numbers in our shows - auditioning is always optional.


A show fee also applies (for performing members only) for each show you participate in, this fee varies depending on the scale of the show, usually between £20-£60. Reduced rates may apply for unwaged members/students - please ask for details if this applies to you. 


We're sorry to let you know The Arcadians company is currently full. If you would like to be notified when spaces become available in the company or for further information, please complete this form.


WE LOVE WHAT WE DO


OUR NEXT PRODUCTION


Since its electric Broadway and West End debut and the release of the iconic 1978 film, GREASE has remained one of the world’s most popular and enduring musicals.


Funny, frank and featuring the hit songs “Greased Lightnin’,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “You’re The One That I Want,” and “Summer Nights,” GREASE follows the journey of Danny and Sandy, alongside the Greasers, Pink Ladies, and other students of Rydell High as they navigate their final year of high school to the unforgettable rock n’ roll soundtrack that defined generations.


Get your tickets for our next show here.



OUR LAST PRODUCTION


In May 2024 we staged 9 to 5 The Musical. 


With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and based on her hit film ‘9 to 5’, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, Violet, Judy and Doralee concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, hypocritical bigot of a boss. 


With uplifting tunes and toe-tapping dances we all poured ourselves a cup of ambition and got stuck into singing and dancing this story to life!


We loved performing this show with all its comedy and feminist girl power as the three leading ladies gave their boss the boot and took control of the company that had always kept them down.


We now have the best memories every time we hear 9 to 5 on the radio and we thank all our audiences for their generosity throughout our run.



Fundraising Events


Arcadians members take part in fundraising events and activities through-out the year.


Previously we have hosted

-Fayres

-Bingo Nights

-Concerts

-Karaoke

-Quizes

-And more


Members also volunteer in the local community this has included:

-Stewarding and handing out water at running events

-Singing in care homes

-Sponsored sports events

Contact us

Email Us

Find us

St Mary's C Of E Church, Bristol Road Selly Oak Birmingham B29 6ND United Kingdom

Get in touch

Contact Us

Charity

The Arcadians are a charity, we fundraise throughout the year to provide more people opportunities to take part in musical theatre and the performing arts.



Charity No. 700215

The Arcadians History


The Arcadians was formed in 1971 as a result of a merger between the Harborne Operatic and Dramatic Society and the Arcadians Operatic and Dramatic Society. The New Arcadians (now just The Arcadians) put on our first production Finian's Rainbow at The Great Hall, University of Aston in November 1971. Since then we have notched up over 85 productions at venues across the city, producing showcases, concerts and musicals.


Our past productions include

Past Productions also include



2011 Godspell

2010 Carousel

2009 Oliver

2008 The Boyfriend

2007 Anything Goes

2006 My Fair Lady

2005 Oklahoma!

2004 Sweet Charity

2003 Half a Sixpence

2002 Fiddler on the Roof

2001 Call Me Madam



2000 Kiss Me, Kate

1999 Orpheus in the Underworld

1998 Me & My Girl

1997 The Most Happy Fella

1996 Carousel

1995 The Music Man

1994 South Pacific

1993 La Belle Helene

1992 My Fair Lady

1991 Die Fledermaus



1990 Guys and Dolls

1989 The Pyjama Game

1988 White Horse Inn

1987 The Sorcerer

1986 Calamity Jane

1985 No, No Nanette

1984 Trial By Jury

1983 The Gondoliers

1982 Annie Get your Gun

1981 The Merry Widow



1980 Pirates of Penzance

1979 Oh! Suzanna

1978 Die Fledermaus

1977 Summer Song

1976 Waltzes from Vienna

1975 White Horse Inn

1974 The Gypsy Baron

1973 Oklahoma!

1972 Orpheus in the Underworld

1971 Finians Rainbow

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