Oxford University probably has the most vibrant student drama scenes in England, with over forty productions a term.
The Oxford University Dramatic Society (OUDS) is an umbrella organisation for Oxford drama and its
many societies. OUDS looks forward to cultivating these relationships
and promoting a cohesive dramatic body for its members.
OUDS is also a funding body for
Oxford University drama. Each term we interview directors and producers of
pending student productions and try to financially assist as many of these as
possible on a pro-rata loan basis. In the past we have funded some very successful productions, financially speaking, and some that were less
so. However, the committee is dedicated to supporting as varied a range of
student drama as is possible and looks forward to backing plenty of original
productions. While financial viability must naturally be a consideration for a
student society, it certainly will not be the only one. Drama should be about
the odd risk.
The two major events, certainly of the academic year, where OUDS is concerned,
are Cuppers and the New Writing Festival:
Cuppers is essentially an opportunity
for freshers to get a feel for performance, direction and production in a
structured environment, with OUDS removing some of the stress of an independent
production. While this is the most important element of Cuppers, we do judge
performances, with adjudicators taken from the student body. It adds an exciting
edge to the event, and hopefully will provide participants with some useful
feedback. Please see the Cuppers page for more information.
The New Writing Festival is similarly an event overseen by OUDS. It aims, as
the name suggests, to promote new writing and to offer student playwrights an
opportunity to see some of their work on stage. Entries are narrowed down to
four finalists, including an overall winner, for all of which OUDS chooses
directors by application and interview. These productions will then be
performed in the various Oxford theatres for the week of the festival, leading up to the Saturday, when judges from national drama schools will visit to Oxford to
view all the plays and a number of prizes are offered for outstanding
performances and production elements.
OUDS also flagships an annual summer theatrical trip to Japan or the USA,
touring a production directed, performed, produced and technically co-ordinated by students.
Similarly, OUDS hosts an annual national summer tour, traditionally of a
Shakespearian or Wilde play.
OUDS also hosts a number of workshops and lectures each year, given by theatre
professionals, in an effort to give its members an opportunity to hear first
hand how the theatre works. Full details of what this term will be offering to
this end are available in our term card, which will be sent to all members. This information will also appear on the Noticeboard as and when it becomes available.
Beyond what OUDS provides for the student body here in Oxford, the society has
a comprehensive education and access scheme which aims to increase dramatic
awareness in the younger generation.
To find out more about OUDS membership click here.
