If you’ve never directed a play before, or you’re new to Oxford, it can be difficult to plunge straight into the theatre directing world. Even if you have lots of experience outside (and most people have none), Oxford drama still takes some getting used to.
The OUDS Assistant Directing Scheme is a very simple process. Get in touch with us and we’ll have a chat with you about what kind of thing you might be interested in doing, now and in the future if things went well. Then we’ll put you in touch with someone who is already directing a play this term, or next if you prefer, and arrange for you to assist them.
Assistant Directors (‘ADs’) do all sorts of different jobs, mostly depending on the director, the show, and how much responsibility you take on. The great thing about the job is that it’s very versatile and you can get involved in almost every aspect of a production if you want to. Things you can get involved in if you’re interested in them include:
Auditions and casting
Organising rehearsals
Organising actors!
Learning about technical theatre (set design, lighting, sound)
Working with a team (production managers, stage managers, costume designers, etc)
Dealing with venues, theatre managers, applications, etc
Directing rehearsals
Working on voice, movement, character
Advising/helping the director
And much, much more!
Each job is completely individual, but you can be sure that you will learn masses from it and, more importantly, it’ll be a lot of fun and you’ll meet a lot of new friends. So, whether you’re determined to be directing at the Playhouse or you’re just putting a toe in the water to find out what it’s like, assistant directing is a great way to get started.
The scheme is run by Tom Littler and Lotte Wakeham. Tom is a 3rd year at LMH and has directed many plays in all the major Oxford venues. He is the current OUDS Secretary. Lotte, who will soon be ETC President, is a 2nd year at Keble, and is currently directing Travesties at the O’Reilly. Together they are directing Sondheim’s Into the Woods at the Playhouse next term.
Email . One of Tom or Lotte will quickly be in touch to arrange a time to have a coffee and a chat.
