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...) and techies(stage manager, lighting, sound...) 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 full training will be provided and 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: 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. You can also choose to start with a show at Corpus Playroom or Pembroke New Cellars (most venues not ADC) because the technical aspect of those venues are very straightforward and doesn't take long to learn.

Getting Around

This part introduces popular spaces used by students and how to get and 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 of which the cast and production team is made entirely of freshers, provided with great support from the society.

General Support

Many societies offer generous support for people who want to get into theater.

CUADC, for example, has a rep for every position and they are always happy to help out. You can get in touch with them here