Get involved

With over 30 productions each term going on across Cambridge, there is always something to get involved with no matter what your experience, background, course or year of study. From stand up comedy to full-length musicals, there is a production to match your interests and availability.

How do I want to be involved?

Production Team

Working backstage is a really fun and rewarding experience and most of us here has no previous experience before Cambridge. Cambridge Theatre also provides a supportive community for directors, producers, designers(set designer, costume designer, publicity designer...) and techies(stage manager, lighting designer, sound designer...) to collaborate, make new friends, and learn from each other.

It's a good idea to read through the Production Team page to get a rough idea about what every role does. Don't worry if you are still quite confused (or perhaps even more confused) after reading it because it's always the best to learn by doing. To get a more intuitive perspective, start applying to see what everyone does and how does a backstage team collaborate to put up a show. Experience is absolutely not necessary because training and support will always be provided by venue management of funding society. Plus there'll always be someone willing to help you out!

If you are still feeling not confident, you can always start from some minor roles or any assisting roles: look out for advert for Assistant Stage Manager, Technical Operator, assistant director, assistant producer, Production Electrician, get-in crew, set builder and painter, etc as those are roles easier for beginners. It's also highly recommended to simply attend a get-in, an overnight or a shadowing scheme. You can also choose to start with a show at Corpus Playroom or Pembroke New Cellars because the technical aspects of those venues are very straightforward and doesn't take long to learn.

Vacancies

Camdram

Camdram is the information hub of Cambridge Theatre community. It's vacancy page shows a list of opportunities for actors, technical and designer roles, producer and director roles. In every advert, there'll be detailed information about what the show is about, what they are looking for and how to apply/audition.

Its societies and venues page list some active theatre societies and popular venues at Cambridge. Their names (and sometimes acronym) are mentioned a lot in all kinds of Cambridge theatre-related information without explicit explanation.

Mailing Lists

CUADC has a mailing list for every roles and sends out a vacancy email taken from Camdram about once every week during term time. Click here to sign up.

Facebook Groups

Cambridge Theatre Facebook Group is the main social media space for everyone involved or interested in Cambridge Theatre. With nearly 4000 members and 10+ new posts everyday, it's a place to share events, shows, vacancies or ask any question you might have about Cambridge Theatre.

There are also an astonishing number of role-specific groups (directors, producers, actors, writers, techies, designers, lighting, movement) and you can see the list here.

Here's even more spin-off groups:

• Cambridge BME Theatre Group
• Cambridge University Queer Players
• Footlights

Applying

Most production team roles receive application through email and they usually ask why you are interested in this role, any previous experience and initial ideas. Enthusiasm is always more important than experience so you can think more about the show itself and what you can bring to it. You can also mention some other creative or collaborative experience not related to theatre to prove you are a fit for the role. It's also a good approach to mention that you are willing to be involved as an assistant to gain some experience.

Directors and producers are strongly recommended to send out constructive rejection emails. Don't be too disappointed if you get rejected or never hear back. There are always plenty of opportunities out there so keep applying!

If you have any questions, feel free to email the person accepting application or any committee members of any theatre society!

Getting Around

This part introduces popular venues about where they are and how to use them.

First Steps

It seems hard to start something brand new, but here's a few practical ways to make your first step whether you are a fresher or not.

No Experience Required

No matter what venue you are working in, there will always be someone from management team, society committee or someone experienced to train you the basics and ask any questions you might have. That's why many production team application always stress "Absolutely no experience is required!" even if you have no idea what some of the roles means at first glance.

Start with an "assistant" role is always a good idea. Other roles suitable for beginner include (but not limited to): set builder, set painter, mic runner, assistant stage manager, prop assistant...

Look out for application for Panto and LTM, two of the biggest musical performances of the year happening at the end of Michaelmas and Lent Term. They are always looking for casual or low-commitment roles open for anyone. It's a great opportunity to witness how backstage of theatre works and make new friends.

Freshers' Events

Many societies organise a freshers' show in Michaelmas Term. The cast and production team is made entirely of freshers (sometimes including non-freshers without any previous involvement), provided with great support from the society. Nobody will expect you to know anything so a great way to get started.

General Support

Many societies offer generous support for people who want to get into theater. Below are some examples and contact details.

• CUADC
• Pembroke Player
• Marlowe Society