About OUDS
From OUDS
OUDS was founded in 1885 by Alec MacKinnon, and since then has nurtured and produced some very exciting alumni who have become established in the theatre profession, as well as, within the university, a lot of fun and some fantastic memories for those who chose to get involved whilst here.
So, what is OUDS? OUDS is the umbrella society that links together all the different theatrical projects going on in Oxford, and is run by a committee who are elected each year. Unlike at most other universities, Oxford’s drama society doesn’t put on all of the shows; instead, individuals form production companies who put together proposals for the different theatres in Oxford and “bid” for a week’s occupancy. This means there can be 6 or 7 different student shows on every week, all organised by different people, which can be incredibly exciting! OUDS links all these together- we provide funding, run workshops, provide a website to find out and advertise about auditions, give advice, and run the central dramatic events of the year.
In conjunction with TAFF, the Theatre Technicians' Society, OUDS runs Drama Cuppers, a week-long drama festival in Michaelmas term in which anyone from the first year can put together a half-hour show and perform at the BT studio in front of an audience and judges to compete for prizes and recognition. Last year there were over fifty entries and most often those who are successful in Cuppers go on to become the leading figures in the drama sphere. For budding playwrights, OUDS runs the New Writing Festival in Hilary term, where the best new writing is chosen from the submitted pieces of work and is performed and directed by some of Oxford’s most well known talent. OUDS also runs a Summer Tour to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2009 saw The Master and Margarita fly the flag for Oxford in a sell-out production at the Battersea Arts Centre London, Oxford, and Edinburgh, and last year’s production of The Little Prince transferred to the Arcola after a successful Edinburgh trip. In association with Thelma Holt, OUDS also has an International Tour which has traditionally travelled to Japan.
We also link everyone together socially, holding events to meet other people interested in drama and running a “parenting” scheme, that links a fresher up with someone older and wiser, to help them get involved. OUDS has its own wardrobe and bop shop, This year we also hope to run a festival in the summer, providing an opportunity for students to meet with alumni already established in the industry and with agents.
Oxford University is justifiably proud that its approach to drama is both broad and inclusive. The university is not tied to a single venue, no one group has the power to dictate what is performed and there are no corrupt committees to befriend if you want to produce a show. So, as long as you can build a strong production team, write a convincing bid and secure funding (which is easy) then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t get a slot. As a result of this decentralised system, Oxford boasts the most diverse drama scene in the UK and one of the easiest to get involved with. There is no elitist drama clique and you will be accepted whether you are hanging with the Experimental Theatre Company, improvising with the Imps or rhyming in the original Greek for the Classics play.
OUDS itself acts mainly as a facilitator and clearing house. The highly-active job noticeboard facilitates matchmaking at all levels: letting producers meet directors, putting actors in touch with shows, and helping productions assemble their full production teams. The What's on service provides an at-a-glance view of every major production in Oxford drama, from the smallest garden show to the largest Playhouse opus. The list also includes the Workshops, socials, and major events that OUDS organises every year.
If you have any queries regarding the society or wish to get back in touch, do not hesitate to contact Sarah Perry, the current president, at president~at~ouds.org.
