MT26 | Week 1
Welcome back!
Whether you’re a returning student or a fresher, welcome to the new OUDS newsletter! We hope you’ve had an amazing summer and haven’t yet been struck down by freshers’ flu… The OUDS committee has been hard at work over the vac, bringing forward initiatives to improve the OUDS experience for all our members. Read on to see what we’ve been working on!
Read a little further to find out about our 10-day series of various theatrical introductory events throughout this week that are open to all OUDS members, freshers and returning students alike.
As ever, if you have any questions about getting involved in student theatre in Oxford, please do reach out to members of the committee, to the University Drama Officer, or to your college drama reps. They will be more than happy to help you out!
News
Website Refurbishments
We’ve spent the summer updating and redesigning our website, to provide members with more reliable, readable, and accessible information about how to get involved in OUDS. Make sure to check it out!
Most importantly, we’ve developed new features—with lots more to come—such as:
Cast and Crew calls - It is now possible to both view and list cast and crew calls on the website. Aiming to make these opportunities more accessible, it is now mandatory for production companies to list shows on the website before doing so on the Facebook portal.
The OUDS Calendar - We now have a live calendar where you can both view and list OUDS shows and events. AND if you click on a listed event, it will take you directly to the show’s ticket page. No more having to frantically navigate through instagram bios!
OUDS Membership Form - We’re updating our members database! Even if you believe you are already a member, please make sure you’ve signed up for your free membership via the new form on the website.
OUDS Termcard
Speaking of the OUDS calendar, if you want your show to be included on the OUDS Instagram termcard, please add it to the calendar within the next week. Any issues contact Grace, our Web Officer!
The OUDS Audit
Help shape the OUDS experience AND have the chance to win a FREE headshot and showreel session by completing the OUDS audit form. We are keen to hear your thoughts, opinions and experiences on all things OUDS so we can identify where to dedicate our time and energy to makes changes that matter to you!
This Newsletter!
After a few years’ hiatus, we’re bringing back the OUDS Newsletter, run by the secretary, Rosie (hi!). I’ll be doing my best to keep you updated on society news, events, shows, cast calls, and opportunities.
It will be sent out every Sunday. If you have anything you wish to be included in the newsletter, please email all the relevant information to [email protected] no later than 5pm on Fridays. I will not be able to accept any late submissions.
Centre Stage
After a hugely successful festival in TT26, the Centre Stage festival is returning! Centre Stage is a celebration of BAME representation in OUDS, which this year will take the form of one production each term that centres the experiences and stories of a particular BAME community. The team are currently looking for people to join the crew for the first production in the series: August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. They strongly encourage POC creatives to get involved! No prior experience necessary.
Get in touch with Tristan, our BAME officer, with any queries!
Deadline: 12th October
Events
No sign-ups required, unless marked with a *
Sun 11th - 6-7pm: Introduction to OUDS workshop
@ Brasenose College, lecture room vii
Run by our freshers’ reps Xander and Yael with president, Sanaa
Mon 12th - 4-6pm: Oxford Student Theatre Fair
@ the Oxford Playhouse
Come and find out about the various societies that make up student theatre in Oxford!
Tue 13th - 5-6pm: Movement Workshop
@ Keble College
Run by committee members Magdalena and Rebecca
6-7pm: Musical Theatre Workshop
@ Keble College
Run by committee members Nicole and Rosie
Wed 14th - 2-5pm: Drop-in with OUDS president, Sanaa
@ Society Café
Drop in to ask our lovely pres, Sanaa, any questions you may have about OUDS — or just to say hi!
Thu 15th - 6-7pm: Directing Workshop
@ Clore Music Studios
Run by committee member Kate and student director Ezana
Fri 16th - 2-4pm: Oxford Playhouse Freshers’ Induction
@ Oxford Playhouse
Get to know and meet the team behind the biggest student theatre venue in Oxford!
5.30-7.45pm: Shakespeare Workshop
@ Jesus College
Run by Peter Sutton and the Jesus College Shakespeare Project
Wed 21st - 7.30pm*: The Seagull Fresher’s Social
@ Oxford Playhouse
Meet other freshers interested in theatre and see the next Oxford
Playhouse student production for only £10!
*Sign up via this form by Tuesday 13th 23:59
Cast Calls
Please note that I will only include in this newsletter cast calls that have been uploaded to the Website! For further information on any of these cast calls, please go to their listings on the cast calls webpage.
HMS Pinafore - Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Self-tape deadline: 11th October
Operetta/Musical Theatre
City of Angels - Crazy Child Productions
Self-tape deadline: 12th October
Musical Theatre
The Recognition of Shakuntala - Oxford Sanskrit Society
Self-tape deadline: 12th October
Play
Le Nozze di Figaro / The Marriage of Figaro - Picnic Productions
Self-tape deadline: 13th October
Opera
SNARE. - Crazy Child Productions
Self-tape deadline: 21 October 2026
Play