What Societies Say

CASSIO OPERATIC SOCIETY

Having lost the show we had applied to perform last October. Scott suggested we stage 'Hot Mikado'. He said we would enjoy it, and we certainly did! From the outset rehearsals were fun, the production was innovative and he has the ability to extract the very best from performers: encouraging people to try something they had always felt they could not do.

Our production of 'Hot Mikado' was as good a show as we felt we could achieve in all respects; from performances, lighting, set, sound and overall design; all of which Scott was actively involved in. Scott comes to rehearsals with a clear idea of what he wants to achieve which gives confidence to performers, knowing that if they learn something it is not going to completely change at the next rehearsal!

SOUTHAMPTON MUSICAL SOCIETY

Scott has worked with SMS on various shows: 42nd Street, Annie, Sound of Music, Pal Joey. He is always very enthusiastic and entertaining at rehearsals and works the cast hard. We all have a lot of respect for Scott in our society as he has always fitted in well and rolled his sleeves up to help with the get in of a show physically! This has included moving scenery, props etc.

His directing and choreography have met with much acclaim. Local press cuttings have quoted:

Pal Joey' September 1999 – "Ably directed and choreographed, the show comes to life in the musical and excellent dance numbers" - Southern Evening Echo.

‘Annie' April 1997 - "My wife and I along with thousands of others were fortunate enough to attend a performance of Annie at the Mayflower Theatre. In a word, the production was 'Brilliant'!"
- The Mayor of Southampton's letter to the Southern Evening Echo.

'42nd Street' March 1996 - "Superb, dazzling, exciting and professional production. The show bursts with energy from start to finish" - Southern Evening Echo.

WEYMOUTH OPERATIC WORKSHOP

We were very pleased when Scott agreed to direct and choreograph WOW's production of GOOD NEWS in 1999. We were delighted with the end result. From the moment that rehearsals started, the young company with ages from 10 to 18, worked so well under his direction. He gave them routines which stretched them and made them realise their full potential. They all found it very rewarding. Scott has a way of making rehearsals fun without losing the essential discipline required when working with a young company. I did not see him 'lose his rag' at any time.

The company stage manager, and all the backstage crew found his expertise refreshing and he was very precise in his technical requirements, which all adds to the success of the production.

Scott gave us a highly original production of a fairly unknown show which received great critical acclaim from everyone who saw it!

ST AUSTELL AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

From the start, Scott's confident and assured manner inspired the principals. Rehearsals were meticulously prepared, from the organised call sheet to the setting of the big chorus/dance numbers, quite a challenge with the very mixed age (verging more on the middle!) of the members. He included all the members of the group in the production and treated everyone with courtesy, quiet authority and humour. Rehearsals, although hard work were always enjoyable and fun.

His attention to detail was exceptional, not only the singing and dancing had to be correct, but so to the costumes etc. (the hair must be the right style) and his technical knowledge was certainly of great help to the backstage crew.

Scott gave us a successful production that was of a very professional standard which was well received by both audience and the press. Our society would have no hesitation in recommending Scott to any society willing to work very hard to achieve the high professional standards that he demands in his productions.

TAUNTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

Scott is new to us this year but, during his first rehearsal, had struck an immediate rapport with the company and created a buzz of enthusiasm! Which his exciting choreography and strong direction, which he ably demonstrates, he combines the confidence to allow and individual’s natural interpretation to evolve where possible. The company are very willing to work hard for him and vice versa, a good combination.

RHYL AND DISTRICT OPERATIC SOCIETY

Scott has directed and choreographed “Hello Dolly” and “Anything Goes” for our society and he is engaged to start rehearsals in the Autumn for our November 2000 show “Crazy for You”.

What a pleasure it gave us to have Scott as Director/ Choreographer for these shows. The society likes his easygoing approach, which is tempered with just the right amount of strictness to command discipline.

Scott is popular with our members bringing with him an air of professionalism, and an understanding of the amateur performer. He expects the company to work hard and encourages total commitment to achieve a high standard.

He comes to us fully prepared in all aspects, consequently, the cast responds to his direction and the rehearsals are very enjoyable.

Scott had the ability of bringing out the best from principal and chorus, always considerate of their strengths and weaknesses, and directs accordingly. His imagination, flair and attention to detail result in a slick imaginative performance.

From a management point of view; he is easy to work with. He demonstrates an expertise in all aspects of production including costumes, make-up, props etc. Our shows are performed in an 1100 seat professional theatre and their backstage crew hold him in high esteem.

PORTSMOUTH PLAYERS

Scott has definite ideas about the production in hand but equally takes the wishes of the society into account. His rehearsals are great fun and he seeks to maximise the involvement of the company in the production. His choreography stretches not only the dancers but also the chorus, ensuring there is something challenging to rehearse which will be achieved and give the production a professional look. He takes the rehearsals with wit and energy and is respected by the company who enjoy the hard work required to deliver the finished product. The company learns a great deal from Scott about all aspects of performance and Scott gives and looks for a professional attitude which means that the audiences see the best possible show.

Audiences and critics alike enjoy the production and feedback has always been very positive. Engaging a professional director means that the standard is raised within the society and, over the past few years, I have seen a marked improvement in the quality we are now able to present.