YAOS Officers & Committee Members

Edwards House

YAOS is extremely fortunate to have its own premises, Edwards House. This was made possible with a legacy given to us by our most generous benefactors and prominent past members, Olive & John Edwards.

Edwards House is where we rehearse, have regular meetings, and make props, costumes and scenery. The rehearsal area is over 2,100 sq ft, nearly the size of the stage at the Octagon Theatre.

Edwards House has been greatly improved over the years, with new windows, a raised roof, central heating, new electrics, an extension for the workshop area and the provision of accessible facilities.  A new sprung floor has also been installed & the latest energy-saving LED lighting has been added. Outside, the car park has been resurfaced and a new perimeter fence erected.

Edwards House is also available for hire to other local groups - please see Edwards House Bookings.

Charitable Status

Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society is a registered charity and 'YAOS' is its working name. YAOS® is also a registered Trade Mark of Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society. The Charity Registration Number is 272621.

YAOS is entirely self-funding and its financial support is obtained mainly from theatre ticket sales, as well as receiving generous contributions from its patrons and commercial sponsors.  The society also helps to raise funds for other charitable organisations, with many thousands of pounds donated to local worthy causes over the years.

YAOS Productions Ltd

YAOS Productions Ltd (YPL) is a limited company, wholly-owned by Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society (YAOS).

YPL is a trading subsidiary of YAOS and deals with the business aspects of producing its stage shows. YPL hires the theatre, costumes, sound and lighting, as well as the Director, Musical Director and orchestra. YPL receives its income principally from theatre ticket sales.

YPL has been formed because the Charity Commission recommends that any charity with a trading operation should be structured in this way, to help protect the parent charity against commercial risk. The charitable status and aims of YAOS are not affected by YPL. The directors of YPL are all members of YAOS and do not receive any remuneration or other compensation for their services to the company. YPL operates as a not-for-profit business and any surpluses are donated to YAOS.

YAOS Productions Ltd is incorporated as a private company limited by shares, registered in England & Wales, company number 9223178. The registered office address is Edwards House, Buckland Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5EA and this address may also be used for general correspondence with the company.

'YAOS Productions' is a business name of YAOS Productions Ltd.

The Olive Edwards Award

This annual Award was inspired by Olive and John Edwards, who were dedicated and loyal members of the Society for many years. Before she was married, Olive Duggan was a leading principal from 1930 to 1939 and was also a member of the Committee. In the 1947 production of 'Merrie England' (the first show after the War), Olive is listed in the programme as Olive Edwards and John Edwards is the Business Manager. They both continued their association with the Society throughout their lives and it was through their wonderful generosity that the Society was able to buy its own premises, Edwards House.

Olive was a great instigator of encouraging talent, particularly in young people. The Olive Edwards Award is therefore given each year to a younger member who has shown particular dedication and commitment, as well as making an outstanding contribution to the Society. The award consists of a monetary grant with a value of around £250 to help the recipient further their studies in whichever aspect of the arts they wish – singing, dancing, acting or stagecraft. It can take the form of lessons, workshops or any activity they feel will enhance their talents.

The recipient is chosen by the Committee and announced at the Annual General Meeting. The Award must be used within two years.

This image of Olive Duggan (later to become Mrs Olive Edwards) was taken when she played the part of Mina in the YAOS 1935 production of ‘Miss Hook of Holland’.


---

Previous page: YAOS News Archive
Next page: YAOS Rules & GDPR Privacy Notice