about us
We sprang from a small choral group which met as an evening class run by Ian Milligan in the late seventies. Ian was then and continued to be for many years, Head of Music at McLaren High School in Callander. With Ian's encouragement and leadership, the group decided to form a society, the aim of which was to encourage the study, performance and appreciation of musical plays and light operas as well as encouraging the public to appreciate music in these forms ..... and so CAOS was born.
So to 1980 when we presented our first production to an unsuspecting Callander public. The show was 'Land of Smiles', of which more in our 'Past Productions' page. There were approximately XX members at the outset and seven of these are still with us, as well of course, as Ian Milligan who continues to be our Musical Director.
Over the years CAOS has gone from strength to strength and nearly 70 members appeared on stage in our 2009 production of 'Fiddler on the Roof'. In the 30 years of our existence we have had 14 presidents who, with their Management Committees, have led the Society in their different but effective ways. In addition we have had nine producers who have ensured the continuing success of our productions. And of course throughout this period we have had the constant that has ensured the musical excellence we take pride in ...... our Musical Director, Ian Milligan. We were also fortunate that, in the one year Ian was unable to participate, in stepped Linda Cantley (then McCombe) to provide musical direction for 'Kiss Me Kate'.
The society is a member of NODA (The National Operatic and Dramatic Association) whose aim is to help amateur societies achieve the highest standards of practice and performance in musical theatre.
Callander has a wonderful pool of musical talent and CAOS has benefited from that over the years. However, all societies of this type need a constant supply of fresh blood, both on and off stage. So anyone wishing to join us should contact us using the form in the 'Contact Us' page. Rehearsals start in September, usually the second Monday, at 7.30 in McLaran High School.
