Getting Involved
There are plenty of ways students can get involved, network, and try new things in the Drama Department.
One of the best ways to get in the loop in the Drama Department is to attend BA and BEd Student Orientation. At the Orientation, you will be provided with information about events throughout the Department, receive details about all of our student-run festivals, and get a chance to meet and interact with your professors, the support staff in the Timms and Fine Arts Building, and other students. This session is not only for incoming students, but also for senior students, as it is where you can submit your name to appear on one of the various student committees in the Drama Department!
Drama 383/483
The third and fourth year directing classes are always looking for student actors to perform in their final projects. There is typically at least one DR 383 class in each semester. They audition students to perform in their final performances, which take place in the rehearsal halls in FAB.
Drama 483 takes place in the Fall Semester, and the student directors require actors to perform in both their midterm and final scenes, which are presented in Second Playing Space in the Timms. Both classes provide an excellent opportunity to network, and get to know the people in the department!
These short scenes can provide an excellent opportunity to expand your repertoire, and help out your peers! Sign-up sheets are posted in front of the Drama Office on the third floor – keep an eye open for posters advertising audition dates and times! MFA Directing Projects From time to time, Masters of Fine Arts Directing Candidates will put out audition notices for their projects. Make sure to check the callboard outside of the Drama Office, as audition slots fill up quickly, and these projects are MORE than worthwhile.
ABBEDAM
An acronym made up of BA, BEd and MA, ABBEDAM is an extra curricular production company that, each year, presents a show that showcases the talents of students in the drama department. Founded in 1995 by Alex and Joan Heys Hawkins, ABBEDAM was created to help build community amongst students, provide learning and performance opportunities, and give students in the BA, BA Honours, BEd and MA programs exposure in the Drama Department. The beauty of ABBEDAM is that the productions are the result of collaboration between students in all different fields of theatre studies, resulting in a professional-quality show. The shows are typically large-cast ensemble plays, directed by a BA, BEd or MA alumni and presented in November.
ABBEDAM is an incredible opportunity to get involved and showcase your talent, even if you prefer to be behind the scenes! They are always looking for stagehands, set-up and tear-down crews, and recruits for next year’s creative team. Watch for audition notices outside the Drama Office, and in your e-mail inbox.
New Works Festival
The New Works Festival is a student run one-act play festival presented in the Winter Semester. New Works is specifically designed to showcase the talents of up and coming playwrights at the U of A – their scripts will be produced and performed front of a live audience! It also presents a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved, as each show requires a director, stage manager, dramaturge, designer, as well as lots of student actors, stage hands, lighting crews, etc. There are so many opportunities to participate!
New Works will present scripts chosen from a pool of submissions to be produced in the Second Playing Space in February. The amazing thing? All plays are entirely New Works that have never been performed.
- A Blind Jury reads all submissions, discusses and debates them, and in the end, chose fantastic shows to present for your entertainment.
- The call for directors and dramaturgs will go out in early October, shortly followed by a call for stage managers and designers.
- Auditions are generally held in November, so keep your eye on the callboard, and check your email regularly.
- There are also lots of opportunities for stagehands, lighting and sound operators, and props assistants.
- This festival is an incredible opportunity to get involved in the department and do some serious networking, so come out and join the madness!
For more information or to get involved, contact newworksyeg@gmail.com.
Off-the-Cuff Cabaret
Shortly after the New Works Festival comes the Off-the-Cuff Cabaret! Previously known as the Quick ‘n Dirty Festival, then CAHOOTS, Off-the-Cuff was rebranded and re-launched in 2015. It is an interdisciplinary fine arts series that showcases the talents of student artists from all over the U of A Campus. Acts of all types are encouraged, whether you sing, dance, juggle whilst simultaneously doing the Charleston, or have a painting you’d like to add to the visual arts exhibition.
Off-the-Cuff is a low-key, easy way to get your foot in the door and show us what you’ve got!
For more information, or to get involved with Off-the-Cuff: offthecuffcabaret@gmail.com.