Societies

How Does Student Theatre at The University of Oxford Work?

Student theatre, performance and comedy happens within a very decentralised system across the university. No one society or group programmes each term’s shows - join in with what is already happening, or set up your own project!

Most theatre productions are facilitated and supported by Oxford University Dramatic Society (OUDS) and Oxford University Technical Theatre Society (OUTTS). Many colleges have their own drama societies, usually open to everyone across the University. For comedy, there are a few different societies and groups who perform sketch, stand-up and improv comedy. You’ll also find many student societies beyond this - there really is something for everyone!

Use the links below to find out more.

University Wide Societies

  • Oxford University Dramatic Society

    Facilitates and supports student theatre productions, from plays to musical theatre.

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  • Oxford University Technical Theatre Society

    Offers guidance and support to productions on all aspects of technical theatre.

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  • The Oxford Revue

    Sketch and stand-up comedy troupe.

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  • Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society

    Performers of operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan.

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  • The Oxford Imps

    Improv comedy troupe.

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  • Oxford University Light Entertainment Society

    Light entertainment and pantomime performed each term.

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  • House of Improv

    Performers of long-form improv comedy.

College Societies

  • The Eglesfield Musical Society

    A music society at The Queen’s College - stages an annual musical every Trinity.

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  • The Jesus College Shakespeare Project

    A project to stage all of Shakespeare's plays - open to students across the University.

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  • The Magdalen Players

    A drama society and funding body based at Magdalen College.

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  • The Martin Esslin Society

    The management committee for the O’Reilly Theatre at Keble College.

  • The Merton Floats

    A drama society and funding body based at Merton College.

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  • The Michael Pilch Studio

    The management committee for the Michael Pilch Studio at Balliol.

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  • New College Drama Society

    A drama society and funding body based at New College

  • St Hilda's College Drama Society

    Drama society at St Hilda’s College

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  • Wadham College Drama Society

    A drama society at Wadham College

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Production Companies

Most students put on theatre productions in the University through a production company. A production company comprises a director and a producer who set up a bank account to run the finances of a production. It is the easiest way to bid for a venue and apply for funding.

Each production company needs to register with OUDS and OUTTS. This keeps track of who are putting on shows and where funds are kept across student theatre. Only registered production companies will appear in this list - to add your production company to this list please use the form linked below.