REALISING the area was blessed with young theatrical talent, Charfield man Gerald Bishop and friend Peter Manley decided to form a drama group. Eight years on, the society has staged plays, musicals and will soon be performing in the USA. Gazette feature writer KIRSTY RAMSDEN spoke to the group's co-founder to find out more.

IN the eight years since ACTS - the Amateur Christian Theatrical Society - was launched it has staged 14 major productions.

Many of the plays have been written by the group's co-founder Gerald Bishop.

The Charfield man, a writer by profession, and ACTS' co-founder Peter Manley, the group's musical director, have also written more than 40 songs for the society.

As well as the major productions, ACTS has given music and dance presentations in churches and has taken part in workshops on subjects such as stagecraft.

And later this month some of the society's members are travelling to Alabama, USA, to take part in a theatrical collaboration.

These achievements are something a professional theatrical company would be proud of but ACTS is an amateur group made up of nine to 18-year-olds.

The South Gloucestershire group was launched to give youngsters in rural communities the opportunity to explore music, drama, dance and backstage crafts.

Mr Bishop insisted that despite the group's title, its young members did not have to be Christian.

"It is open to anyone who is interested," he explained.

"The idea is to allow them to display their talents and gifts in drama, music and dance.

"In rural areas there is not a lot for young people to do."

Memberships has fluctuated since the organisation's launch, but at the moment stands at about 16.

The youngsters come from areas including Charfield, Wotton-under-Edge, Stroud and Thornbury.

Rehearsals take place on Sunday evenings at Cromhall Village Hall.

The hall does not have a stage but is the same size as the stage at Katharine Lady Berkeley's School, where productions take place.

Mr Bishop said: "The philosophy of ACTS is that the youngsters should manage the entire production."

A director is appointed from the membership, someone takes responsibility for props, someone for costume and so on.

He said: "We don't force anyone to do anything - we want them to have fun.

"They are committed and do a great job."

Mr Bishop, who writes many of the plays performed by ACTS, endeavours to make them light-hearted.

ACTS has performed "The Ark", a comedy by Mr Bishop based on Noah's Ark.

Other productions have included "Pink Mouse and the Secret of Christmas" for very young children, music and dance show "The Road to Pentecost", and a nonsense play "Inspector Foot and the Case of Exploding Chickens".

Productions are varied but mostly Christian based.

Unlike many amateur dramatic groups, the society also has a social programme for non-production time.

Members have gone bowling and played laser games, and last year spent a week at an adventure camp.

Mr Bishop said: "They say what they want to do and we try to arrange it."

The youngsters have also raised funds for the group - they raised £700 by doing a sponsored pentathlon.

Mr Bishop praised the group for its friendliness.

He said: "They welcome in very well - nobody feels out of it. They help each other."

Eight ACTS members are travelling to Alabama this month to take perform in a joint production.

A friend of Mr Bishop has written the play and parts are being shared between ACTS members and the Alabama actors.

Stage directions, music and words have been emailed to the UK team so they can be rehearsed by the time they arrive in Alabama.

The joint initiative has grown from a link pioneered by the united benefice of Cromhall, Tortworth and Tytherington with Falfield and Rockhampton, and the Alabama church.

Mr Bishop explained strong individual friendships had been forged through the link.

Of the eight going to the states, four have been members of ACTS from its launch.

Mr Bishop said there was the possibility of a further exotic tour for the members of ACTS in the next few years.

A friend of Mr Bishop is a missionary on St Kits and has discussed the possibility of an arts festival on the island. The opportunity for Mr Bishop to take a group from ACTS to perform at the festival is being muted.

Mr Bishop said: "ACTS is an adventurous group which wants to do adventurous things.

"It is good to give them the chance to do these things.

"We have the next generation here and what we are doing here is nothing mind blowing but probably giving them some sort of lead and encouragement in their interest."

ACTS would like to hear from more youngsters who would like to join the group, especially those who enjoy song and dance.

For details call 01453 843172.