About OUDS
From OUDS
OUDS (Oxford University Dramatic Society) is the umbrella organisation that co-ordinates drama across the university, holds drama social events, has its own Wardrobe and Bop Shop, acts as a principal funding body and is there to guide newcomers into the scene and advise even the most experienced dramatist on his next move. Freshers are lucky enough to have a drama festival in 7th week MT09 reserved exclusively for them called Cuppers 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 those budding playwrights among you, OUDS will run the New Writing Festival in HT10 where the best new writing is chosen from the submitted pieces of work (deadline 4th week MT09 so get writing!) and is performed and directed by some of Oxford’s most well known talent. OUDS also runs a Summer Tour to Edinburgh, last year saw ‘Dr Faustus’ don the Oxford University ambassadorial robes, and the summer of next year could see you or any other fresher take over the responsibility.
Oxford University is justifiably proud that its approach to drama is both broad and inclusive. The university is not tied down to a single venue, OUDS has no 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 Jobcentre 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.
