THOMASVILLE- Thomasville On Stage and Company (TOSAC) has some high expectations for next season, as they have just completed their most successful year in the theatre’s history.

Board of Directors member, William “Bill” Bass explained over the past year, the theatre had more interaction and participation in their seven productions than any year prior.

“This calendar year, we had seven productions, which is the most we’ve ever done,” he said. “Our engagement has also been through the roof.”

Bass has specifically seen an increase in the number of young actors taking part in TOSAC.

“Our young actors started off with about 15 kids and it has blossomed up to about 45-50 people,” he said. “We have folks that are in high school, college or just out of college.”

The Young Actors Troupe started off as the brainchild of Cameron Parker, who represents the young actors on the TOSAC Board, but with the growing interest, Parker will now rotate his position with other young actors who have an interest in directing and selecting productions, along with the Board.

“Cameron has been instrumental in getting that off the ground and we are very proud of that,” Bass said. “It’s brought a huge number of people, who otherwise wouldn’t have been engaged in the program.”

Many of the young actors could be seen in the recent production of Into the Woods, which was a huge feat for TOSAC as well.

Into the Woods ran for three consecutive weekends, which had not been done in Bass’ decade-long experience with TOSAC.

“We averaged around 60 people per showing and we only hold 71 at capacity,” Bass said excitedly. “We really packed folks in.”

Bass said on the final night of the production, people were lined up at the door waiting to get in, but were eventually turned away due to capacity.

Bass explained that the large attendance could be due to the popularity of the particular production chosen, but he also believes that the young actors and kids performing played a large role.

“Kids being in shows brings people into the door, and the kids enjoy it,” Bass said.

The kids and young actors also bring a different enthusiasm to the stage that may not be found in some adult performances.

“They are at a stage in their life where they have the time and ability to be really enthusiastic about it,” Bass said. “Whereas, some of our adult shows rely upon people like me, who have a full-time job and then have to go and do this added activity.”

Bass said he is often approached by friends and community members who express their dismay at not having time to perform with TOSAC, but Bass said he assures them that there is enough time, it’s just a matter of setting it aside to really dedicate themselves to the craft.

“I get that it’s a huge commitment, though, I really do,” Bass said.

The actors’ commitment is only surpassed by that of the Board, who have helped select performances that draw in crowds and shown support to ideas that will move the theatre forward.

“We work very well together and I feel like the Board is driving in the same direction for the first time in a long time,” Bass said. “The last 2-3 years, we’ve really been going in a forward direction and have been able to do things we couldn’t do in years prior due to not being cohesive.”

Between the cohesiveness of the Board and the ever-increasing number of participants, Bass believes the sky is the limit for this upcoming season, which will be unveiled at TOSAC’s July gala.

“Right now, we have six plays on the calendar, and that doesn’t include anything the young actors have planned,” Bass said. “We’ve also talked about doing BINGO and an open mic night once a month.”

Bass highly encourages all of the patrons to attend the TOSAC gala in July to hear about all of the upcoming events scheduled for this calendar year. An official date for the gala has not been announced yet, but is forthcoming.

Bass said he could not share any of the productions prior to the gala’s unveiling except for the annual “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

He did confirm there will be another musical that will be held at the same time as this year’s Into the Woods was, and if licensed, it may also run for three consecutive weekends.

“It’s a big musical and I think it’s one a lot of people will want to come and see,” Bass teased. “The shows we have selected are ones everyone will recognize; there’s nothing obscure out there.”

Bass additionally shared this year’s lineup will include a wide range with something for everyone.

For more information on this year’s gala and lineup unveiling, please visit tosac.com