By becoming a member of the association, you automatically become a member of all of our constituent groups, allowing you to attend any of our groups and join in with their activities. Membership also allows you to advance book WAA productions. We do require anyone who wishes to perform in any of our productions to become a member of the Association.

As a member, you will be able to enjoy membership of The Critics Club, the WAA’s members’ bar - a friendly meeting place where members can enjoy a drink and a chat.

On top of the productions and events organised by the constituent groups, the Arts Association also organises, hosts or supports a variety of events as part of its year round Arts programme.

The Operatic Society was founded in 1962 and it's first show was "O Ye Gods". Since then it has entertained audiences at The Wellesley with popular, classic musicals, such as "Oklahoma", "My Fair Lady", "Anything Goes", "Show Boat", "Oliver", "South Pacific" and "Singing in the Rain" as well as tackling lesser known shows, such as "Phil the Fluter", "Sugar" and "Summer Holiday" and newer shows such as "Happy Days" and "Our House", which is planned for May 2022.

Direction, Choreography, Lighting, Sound and Stage Management are now all undertaken In-House, giving opportunities for everyone to participate, whether on-stage or off.

In the Autumn the Society produces an all-singing, all-dancing show at The Arts Centre. This is always devised and directed by members and is occasionally presented in cabaret style. Shows have included "Bless 'Em All", "Movie Magic", "Back to the Sixties", "Once Upon a Musical", "A Slice of Lennon" and "West End to Broadway". This show gives all members a chance to shine on the smaller stage.

The Society also has a Touring Group which provides entertainment in the Community to other organisations and at other local events as part of its year round touring programme.

New members are always made welcome and encouraged to take part in all the activities the Society offers.

The Genesis Youth Theatre Group was founded in Wellington in March 1996 with the purpose of introducing young people to all aspects of the performing arts.

In the past they have performed hit plays, musicals and cabarets including Kes, Sparkleshark, Bugsy Malone and Genesis Showcases; performed as part of the Brewhouse Theatre's 'Fully Charged' Festival and Somerset Fellowship of Drama's Youth Festival; as well as writing and performing 'Think Twice' - a highly-acclaimed and specially commissioned drugs awareness play which toured various schools and youth organisations in the South West. The group also took part in a National Film Project in association with First Light Films, UK Film Council and Somerset Film and Video.

The group re-launched in 2006, with a new and exciting programme based around staging 2 or 3 performances each year. Members have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of staging a production including performing, marketing, lighting, sound, make-up, costume and stage management through a variety of workshops.

The group has previously entered Wellington and Taunton Carnival, sometimes to promote the shows they are about to stage and other times just to promote the group winning several Class awards.

In 2015, the group received their first Nominations and Awards from The Somerset Fellowship of Drama, winning The Challenge Trophy, recognizing the work of the group towards their 2014 Summer Production.

To join you must be between 11 and 16 (i.e. secondary school age). The group meet between 7pm and 9pm on every Wednesday evening during the school term time. Due to popular demand and the casting requirements of performances, attendance is limited to 20. Please download and fill in the form which is available below.

For all contacts: genesis@w-a-a.co.uk

The Wellington Theatre Company (previously Th Civic Players) has been in existence for over 60 years as the dramatic wing of the WAA.

In 2013 the successful production of Calendar Girls provided a platform to re-invigorate the group and to brand it as the Wellington Theatre Company.

We are always looking for new performers and assistance with productions, whether as a director, set designer, costume or prop co-ordinator. So please get in touch with us - civics@w-a-a.co.uk.

Spectrum Arts and Crafts runs as two subgroups.

There are those producing works of art - drawings, paintings etc. and those whose work usually revolves around needles and scissors producing knitting, patchwork, embroidery, crochet, soft toys and household items like cushions. The group members bring whatever work is current to them and share ideas, tips, knowledge and experience. All of this industry is aided by a tea break half way through.

Meetings are held weekly on Monday afternoons from 2.00pm to 4.00pm except during school holidays.

An extra bonus of the meetings is friendship. Many people in the community feel that they have nothing to offer to society but they may have skills in craft areas which they could easily share with others in a friendly, informal setting.

If you would like to sample what Spectrum Arts and Crafts has to offer, then come along to the newly refurbished Arts Centre in Eight Acre Lane, off South Street, near Wellington School on a Monday afternoon.

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