In 1991, the small but vibrant rural N.S.W community of Boomi established an amateur theatre group named Boomi Amateur Thespian Society (B.A.T.S). The group was initially formed in order to raise some money for the local primary school and has since grown throughout the years, seeing our 17th show in full swing for 2014! The B.A.T.S production has become the main local fundraiser, seeing all funds
from the show returned back into the community to support education, local events, business, infrastructure and sporting groups, and many more. The last show in 2012 saw an amazing $45,000 fed back into the community! The show hosts visitors from interstate, coaches booked in advance to bus larger groups from across the state and people already trying to pre-book tickets, months in advance! B.A.T.S has helped support our community through highs and lows, droughts, floods and the everyday life that is, farming in rural Australia. Who are the faces of B.A.T.S?:
Local farmers, wives, grandparents, publicans, teachers and many others make up the cast of the show! Some cast members have been in every show since its inception and participants range from teenagers to grandparents! Some cast members are even second generation B.A.T.S participants! The Production:
The B.A.T.S scripts have seen interpretations of well known stories, as well as 100% original scripts, written by local community members. The shows are written and performed to be humorous, entertaining and musical – songs from across the decades to keep everyone singing along! A ticket to a B.A.T.S show includes a sit-down roast dinner (prepared and cooked by locals, with local produce), raffle tickets, bar facilities and a two hour fun-filled comedy musical show! We manage to seat approximately 180 guests in our little town hall, each show. B.A.T.S has gone from strength to strength and due to growing demand, 2014 will see six shows in total, across three weekends. Community contribution:
- Dinner for the show is prepared and cooked by locals, using local produce.
- Local ladies join together to bake and provide amazing desert and after‐dinner treats!
- Local community members contribute to the creation of sets, props, costuming and makeup.
- Sound and lighting is conducted by a local team of dedicated members.
- One night a week rehearsals see cast members travelling anywhere from down the road, up to an hour and a half away, after work! This increases to two nights a week (including the weekend) leading up to the shows.
- Many other volunteers donate their time and resources in helping the show come to life. Who receives the funds? Just to name a few…
- Boomi Primary School and school excursions
- Local Fire Brigade
- Cricket club
- Town Pool
- Church groups
- Local facilities and grounds
- Campdraft and Pony Club
- Royal Flying Doctors
- Local aged care facilities in surrounding towns
- Local families affected by accidents or trauma
