more about us
BODS' future is looking great, thanks to the wonderful people in the group and the supportive community surrounding us. We have taken on some extremely big productions with fantastic results. We are able to do many more performances, community events, and get involved with outside filming, shows, and themed events.
BODS are often asked to perform at events such as Care homes, schools, churches, Garden centres, and other venues. We offer a wide range of BODS talents to help others and build confidence and skills within the group and outside. BODS work hard and fundraise when they can. We look to businesses and grants for help with income and generate ongoing funds from our shows.
BODS is run voluntarily and has a very happy, enthusiastic committee who are supportive of each other and of the members. Every member of BODS brings their own special talent and magic to the group, which is why we are such a great team.
Additionally, BODS has a logo, polo shirts, T-shirts, and Hoodies which we wear for fun, events, and some shows. These can be purchased through BODS only.
BODS and Wychwood Saplings continue to GROW!
history of bods
BODS was initially set up in 2017 to be a link between primary school age and adults' Drama groups for teenagers who felt they were too old to continue with Saplings and not quite ready to join the adults. After COVID, Mandyrae realized that the original Bods were now eager to be part of a bigger team. So, she reinvented BODS in 2021 to be for all ages from 13 years old (Year 9) to the most seasoned actors and members.
This has not only worked extremely well but also brought a huge benefit to everyone involved. Working with all ages increases wellbeing, fun, understanding, and life skills.
What we Can Offer You
New skills or confidence to get back to what you love doing!
ACTING - SINGING/ GROUP SINGING - DANCING - FLASHMOBS - STAGE PRESENCE and MOVEMENT - POETRY and CREATIVE WRITING - MAKE UP and COSTUMES - SET BUILDING and DESIGN - INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES - PUBLIC SPEAKING and PRESENTATIONS - PUPPETRY - DIRECTING / PRODUCING
And so much more!
Wychwood Saplings
Wychwood Saplings was initially founded by Mandyrae Jessey about 40 years ago but only became the group of today in 2010.
The idea was to teach all aspects of stage / theatre / acting work to primary children in the local community.
Having the help to set it up and still running it today with Elizabeth-Rae as part of the founders meant we could start to build the Saplings drama group, and we keep re-creating it for all those children who might never get other chances.
Over the past 14 years we have had so many wonderfully talented children come and learn with us and develop their skills. Being fully inclusive it’s been a joy to help everyone who wanted to be part of all aspects of theatre work.
Saplings take performances into the community and onto professional stages, put on shows and also join the cast of pantos, musicals and other large cast shows. They get opportunities to learn many different aspects including having competitions for creating posters, costumes and props.
Many of the Saplings have grown up and gone off into the professional world and achieved amazing careers in all different fields, some have moved over to Bods but still continue to support Saplings.
