For people of all ages that long to ‘tread the boards’, amateur musical theatre companies, like CLOC based in Sutton Coldfield, mean so much. They have raised just short of £1,100 with easyfundraising to date, helping to fund rehearsal sessions, props and more. We spoke with Stacey from CLOC to learn a bit more about the organisation and how they have raised so well.
Tell us all about CLOC
We are an Amateur Theatre Company based in Sutton Coldfield just outside Birmingham. The company has been running for over 85 years. CLOC stands for the Circle Light Opera Company, but since 2011 we’ve been known as CLOC Musical Theatre Company as musical theatre is a better representation of what we do rather than Opera. We rehearse at St Marks Church in Kingstanding and perform two shows per year including a Pantomime and our members consist of local people from aged 14 and upwards, and of all abilities. Everyone is welcome to give it a try!
We describe this as local theatre by the local community, for the local community. While each show provides entertainment, it gives people across the town and surrounding area a place to come and express themselves, develop or find a talent and make lasting friendships. For some it can provide a springboard for a career in theatre or film.
Many of the performances we put on also raise funds for many other causes. We have previously helped raise funds for John Taylor Hospice and BHF.
What does CLOC need funding for?
We are a non-profit organisation and all our shows are put on with money primarily from fundraising – that includes all the necessary equipment, costumes, promotion. Obviously ticket sales help, but they only pay for part of the next show. Our shows can cost between £18,000 and £35,000 to put on!
Why did CLOC choose easyfundraising?
We chose easyfundraising as it enabled our members and their families to raise funds without it coming out of their own pockets – just doing their normal online shopping. Many of our cast members friends and family can support us too and we currently have just under 60 active supporters shopping and raising for us.
What have you used the funding for so far?
The money raised so far has contributed towards costumes, scenery, rehearsal venue hire, sound, lighting – everything that goes towards us being able to put our two productions on per year, along with our weekly practical sessions held.
What are you currently fundraising towards?
We are building up for our Pantomime in February 2025 – Sleeping Beauty at the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. It requires a lot of set work etc. to put a performance on in such a venue.
How do you promote easyfundraising to get more supporters?
We promote through our programs that are on sale at our shows and through our website. Members are asked to sign up when they join the company as well and encouraged to tell friends and family. Easyfundraising provide us with promotional resources we can use to promote, which is really handy.
What would be your top tip to help other causes raise as well as you have?
Continue to promote it as much as possible, particularly at key times of the year when people shop more – like Black Friday and Christmas, the back to school rush etc. It’s also really important to weave the messages into your every day communication with members and have it on display at all of your events – we make sure that all patrons that attend our shows know that if they enjoy the show, only by supporting us can we make even more.
How you can support CLOC
CLOC MTC are presenting huge opportunities to local youngsters and older residents across their local community. To support them every time you shop online, sign up to support them here.
Connected to a good cause not currently registered with easyfundraising? Register a good cause here.
If you feel inspired and would like to see a show or join the CLOC company, visit their website here.