COME AND JOIN US
About Us
Sparks Dramatic Society (SDS) was founded in 2023 by a group of passionate theatre professionals and creative partners with years of experience producing dance shows, pantomimes, and musicals across the region. Having worked for many other organisations, our team came together with one shared vision: to create quality, fun, modern, and inclusive theatre for the Tameside community.
Before forming SDS, our partners were heavily involved in Hyde Festival Theatre’s family and adult pantomimes in 2022, including Cinderella and Jack and His Big Stalk (Adult Pantomime), both produced as fundraisers for the theatre. These productions helped shape our commitment to accessible, high-quality community theatre.
In 2023, SDS launched its first independent productions - Beauty and the Beast (Family Pantomime) and ALaddIn’Er (Adult Pantomime). Both shows sold out completely before opening night, marking an exciting and successful beginning for the society.
Our momentum continued into 2024 with Rumpelstiltskin (Family Pantomime) and The Blow Queen (Adult Pantomime). Both productions sold out, and The Blow Queen proudly won Best Pantomime in Manchester at the NODA District 1 Awards, a milestone achievement for our growing organisation.
In 2025, we brought even more magic to the stage with Snow White (Family Pantomime) and our sold-out adult production, Rumpel4Skin (The Adult Pantomime) - continuing our tradition of bold, creative, and high-quality theatre that audiences love.
Our Home - Stage2
In April 2024, SDS moved into our very own rehearsal and creative space, Stage2, based in Ashton-under-Lyne.
After three months of hard work transforming the building, we officially opened our doors in July 2024.
Stage2 is more than a rehearsal space - it’s a creative hub. Our facilities include:
- A welcoming reception area and lounge
- A professional recording studio
- The Stage – our main rehearsal and class space
- A backstage area for set design and construction
- A fully stocked wardrobe and costume department
This space allows us to nurture creativity, train performers, build productions, and grow our community under one roof.
Classes & Membership
We are proudly open to new members aged 6 to 106, welcoming beginners, experienced performers, and everyone in between.
Our classes include:
- Junior Dance (Ages 6–13)
- Junior Musical Theatre (Ages 6–11)
- Senior Musical Theatre (Ages 11–16)
- Senior Dance Classes (Multiple classes & levels)
- Adult Musical Theatre (Ages 16+)
- Adult Tap (Ages 16+)
Brand New for 2026:
- Singing Lessons – Group or Solo
(Ages 6+, by appointment/schedule)
For more information - Click Here
Our Mission
At SDS, we believe theatre should be inclusive, empowering, exciting, and accessible.
Whether you’re here for confidence, creativity, fitness, friendships, performance opportunities, or simply the joy of being part of something special - there is a place for you here.
We don’t just create shows - we build confidence, community, and lifelong memories.
We are more than theatre.
WE ARE SDS
8,225
tickets sold to our 2023, 2024 & 2025 productions
154
years of combined experience our partners have in the amateur theatre industry
4,054
tickets released for general sale for 2026 productions
Come and Get Involved
Casting Opportunities
We do not offer a membership scheme at SDS. This means that anyone can audition for our society.
Check out our upcoming auditions page to sign up and find out more information. All of our cast, whether it be acting principals, dancers or ensemble parts are offered on a voluntary-only basis. Remember to keep your audition date/time free as we may not be in a position to audition you again.
Crewing Opportunities
Whether you've got decades of experience behind you or are brand new and want to try out a new hobby - we have crewing opportunities available to suit any ability, skill or commitment.
From running shows backstage, building sets, chaperoning our younger cast, decorating the theatre, costumes, technical or customer facing - there's a role for you. All of our crew must be 16+ or accompanied by their own parent/guardian.
Management Opportunities
Our partners appoint a production team for every single production. We encourage all of our crew to become leaders when feeling comfortable to take the next step.
Our production team plan, coordinate and run the production. From head of wardrobe, set build management, stage management, technical management, safeguarding lead and more - it comes with a lot of responsibility and requires a lot of commitment but it's definitely worth seeing your work when it comes to life.