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!

The majority of theatre productions are run by individual production companies, who receive guidance and support from Oxford University Dramatic Society (OUDS) and Oxford University Technical Theatre Society (OUTTS). You can find more information on this model further down the page.

In addition, many colleges have their own drama societies who stage a production annually - most of these shows will also be open to students 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

  • Black background with large white text reading 'OUDS' and smaller white text underneath that says 'Oxford University Dramatic Society.'

    Oxford University Dramatic Society

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

    Learn More
  • Logo for Oxford University Technical Theatre Society featuring the word 'outts' in orange with the full name written in a curved line above it on a black background.

    Oxford University Technical Theatre Society

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

    Learn More
  • Bright blue background with yellow, playful, handwritten-style text that reads 'The Oxford Review.'

    The Oxford Revue

    Sketch and stand-up comedy troupe.

    Learn More
  • A navy blue background with gold calligraphic text and decorative flourishes.

    Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society

    Performers of operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan.

    Learn More
  • A white cartoon devil face with horns, pointed ears, a mischievous smile showing sharp teeth, and a small tail, set against a pink background.

    The Oxford Imps

    Improv comedy troupe.

    Learn More
  • A cartoon creature with a jester-like appearance, wearing glasses and a four-pointed hat with bells, with colorful limbs and a humorous expression, above the word OuLES in white text on a dark blue background.

    Oxford University Light Entertainment Society

    Light entertainment and pantomime performed each term.

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  • Logo with a black arch and the text "House of Improv" written underneath.

    House of Improv

    Performers of long-form improv comedy.

College Societies

  • A black and white stylized owl logo with the word 'owlets' in the center, spotlights on either side, and 'Corpus Christi' written above the owl's head.

    The Corpus Christi Owlets

    Drama society and funding body at Corpus Christi College.

    Learn More
  • An exterior view of a historic building with large arched windows and intricate stone carvings, a garden with green plants in the foreground, and a clear blue and pink sky in the background. There is a logo of a butterfly in the upper left corner with the words 'The Musical Society' inside it and a coat of arms with three red eagles in the bottom right corner. A white text box in the center reads 'The Eglesfield Musical Society.'

    The Eglesfield Musical Society

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

    Learn More

  • The Jesus College Shakespeare Project

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

    Learn More
  • A woman with bold blue eye makeup and a septum piercing singing passionately into a microphone outdoors, with a sign that reads "Magdalen V Players" overlaying the image.

    The Magdalen Players

    A drama society and funding body based at Magdalen College.

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  • Crowd of people seated in a modern auditorium with tiered seating and large windows, some waiting or conversing before a presentation or event.

    The Martin Esslin Society

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

  • An artistic collage featuring a woman in vintage clothing, an old camera, and architectural elements, assembled into a surreal, abstract composition.

    The Merton Floats

    A drama society and funding body based at Merton College.

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  • A black-and-white image of a food item with the word 'The Pick I' arranged around the food on a circular background.

    The Michael Pilch Studio

    The management committee for the Michael Pilch Studio at Balliol.

    Learn More
  • Logo for New College Drama Society featuring a black silhouette of a tree with birds flying around, with the text 'New College Drama Society' below.

    New College Drama Society

    A drama society and funding body based at New College

  • A shield-shaped emblem featuring a unicorn head at the top, a black mustache in the middle, and the word 'SHDS' in bold black letters on a cream horizontal banner.

    St Hilda's College Drama Society

    Drama society at St Hilda’s College

    Learn More
  • Two traditional Japanese Noh theater masks with floral and geometric patterns, and white ribbons, arranged on a plain background.

    Wadham College Drama Society

    A drama society at Wadham College

    Learn More

Production Companies

Most students put on theatre productions in the University through a production company, giving you creative freedom over the shows you want to put on. A production company comprises a group of students - usually a director and a producer - who together stage their own productions. This is the easiest way to bid for a venue and apply for funding, whilst also providing you will support from OUDS and OUTTS. To find out more, including guidance on how to set one up, please head to the OUDS website.

You don’t have to run your own production company to get involved - there’s always multiple shows looking for cast and crew members!

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 here.