Jo Beveridge - GAOS
Jo Beveridge is the current Chairman of GAOS, Geneva’s English-speaking musical theatre group which has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. With a diverse membership of more than 300 people from various backgrounds and nationalities, GAOS thrives on inclusivity and community spirit.
A dedicated member of GAOS since 1998, Jo, whilst never appearing on stage, has played many roles behind the scenes, applying her strong organisational and people-management skills to key positions, including Stage Manager.
Beyond the theatre world, Jo is a passionate advocate for netball. She co-founded Swiss Netball and established GGNA, a thriving youth netball club in Geneva. Whether in the arts or on the court, Jo has a talent for bringing out the best in people, encouraging them to “give it a go” and, most importantly, have fun whilst doing it.
Before coming to Geneva, Jo was a Job Centre manager in the UK Civil Service, working with The British Army, and their “Options for Change” initiative, advising and helping Officers look at their future options in the civilian world.
Photos from GAOS shows: Twenty, High School Musical, and Aladdin
by Jo Beveridge, GAOS
Chairing the largest English-speaking musical theatre group in the Romandie, I am sometimes asked why do people get involved in musical theatre groups?
The most obvious reasons of course, is love of music or dance or acting and the sheer fun it!
On stage
But, for some, it is the first step on careers in the performing arts. This could be on the creative or performing side or the technical and production side. Where better to get pre-professional experience than in a good amateur theatre group? We have had young people start in our youth shows go on to study the technical side of theatre and work in production. For example, Owen Donkin spent many a Summer on stage with us then went onto to study Theatre Practice, Technical and Production Management at Central School of Speech and Drama then worked at Covent Garden Opera House, The Vaults and The National Theatre.
Others have stayed on the performing side and appeared on stage or made dance or music their profession. Sha Dessi appeared in many of our shows, starting with panto, then went to theatre school and went on to star in the West End as Eponine in Les Misérables in 2022. Gareth Donkin was 9 years old when he first took part in a GAOS Youth show and went on to appear in many shows and then gaining a degree in music production from the Leeds Conservatoire. His debut album was released last year.
Off stage
Other have become events managers (a skill very closely linked to stage management), opened dance schools, become drama teachers, or become choreographers.
