As Old As Time: A Look at Student Theatre

While university is mainly about academics, the extra-curricular activities you take reflect your personality and your interests. If you enjoy the theatre, or even being behind the scenes, why not join a theatre society?

Feature by Eric Karoulla | 03 Sep 2013

Edinburgh and its universities benefit from Bedlam. Bedlam Theatre has been around since the early 1980s, when the building became home to the Edinburgh University Theatre Company (EUTC). One of the oldest student-run theatres in Britain, it also lays claim to one of the longest running improvised comedy troupes, The Improverts (more affectionately known as The Imps). Their shows are heavily based around improvisation games, with suggestions from the audience, so no two Improvert shows are the same.

One of the only student societies with its very own building, Bedlam Theatre make certain to use it wisely. Aside from putting on shows, they also have workshops on acting, writing, and to train up tech people for performances. Even if you don't fancy acting, you can learn how to during term time, the Improverts have tech training workshops on before their performances every Friday. Going along to a tech workshop means you can learn how to deal with pretty much all the things that go on backstage during a production like lights and sound. Furthermore, the Improverts have workshops every Saturday in the cafe, which allow them to teach and select new Imps. 

The best way to get involved in any student society is during Freshers' Week. With 17 shows and workshops already lined up, the Bedlam crew are ready to welcome new members. The highlight of the week tends to be the Freshers' play – a short play devised within the week – where those hoping to join Bedlam showcase their talents. Bedlam's Lisbeth Mills has one tip for Freshers' week: "Come in and don’t be afraid to talk to people and get involved." During the Fringe, Bedlam maintains its student identity through putting on works by the EUTC and hosting the Improverts every night. 

Of course, as with any healthy community, the student theatre scene of Edinburgh is not exclusively limited to Bedlam and the Improverts, but rather involves strong ties with other performance societies, like the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group (EUSOG), the Edinburgh University Footlights, the Edinburgh University Shakespeare Company, and Theatre Paradok.

Turning west to Glasgow, the corresponding institution is Student Theatre at Glasgow (or for short, STaG). Glasgow University's very own theatremakers, STaG – like Bedlam – isn't limited to just actors, or just students. It's one of the oldest and largest student theatre societies in the country, having existed in one form or another for over 90 years. STaG’s prerogative is inclusivity, taking in everyone regardless of their background. They run new talent nights as term begins, and consider all-comers as they put together a production in the first three weeks of term.

While the society doesn't have its own building, it has access to various spaces including the Gilmorehill Theatre and the 62 Oakfield Avenue studio, reflecting the flexibility and adaptability of student theatre. There's something for everyone in the world of student theatre, so the main thing is to give it a go. After all, plenty of others have tried it too.

www.bedlamtheatre.co.uk www.studenttheatreatglasgow.com