Pembroke
JCR

If you’re interested in drama, Oxford has a thriving theatre scene on both a college and university level. Much happens under the umbrella organisation OUDS, through which anyone can get together to put on and fund a production. There is also the annual Cuppers competition (intra-college competition) for keen actors and actresses to take part in, and we are also here to support any student who wishes to put on a play at College! In addition, Pembroke's annual musical was recently revived with a 2023 production of "Guys & Dolls". 

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If you'd like to pursue dance at Oxford, there are auditions for University-level dance groups (OUCD) in Michaelmas, as well as Oxford University Dance Society for anyone to attend relaxed, fun classes. There is also Pembroke Dance Society, a reasonably new society which welcomes any Pembroke students of any ability!

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Cuppers

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Your first point of contact with Oxford Drama as a Fresher is ‘Drama Cuppers’, which is an intercollegiate drama competition where each college puts on a short production with a limited cast and crew. You perform in a proper black-box theatre (the Burton-Taylor Studio) and tickets are cheap so encourage your friends to come along - or feel free to watch other colleges' too. At each performance a judge will be watching and at the end of the week there's an awards ceremony with quite a few prizes up for grabs. Feel free to either perform something in the public domain or write your own script. It's a brilliant way to get into the drama scene and get to know people and we definitely recommend it. Sign-ups close early Michaelmas so do chat to the Music and Drama Reps if you're interested, especially if you’re keen to act as a college contact/organiser.

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Musical

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Every year, at the end of Hilary, we aim to put on a college musical, a full scale performance in the Pichette auditorium. If you're interested in costume making, backstage crew, puppetry (yes!); dancing, acting, singing, playing music, or even the more administrative side, such as accounting and marketing - then please get in touch with the Music and Drama Reps. (oscar.lawson@pmb.ox.ac.uk and elyce.croker@pmb.ox.ac.uk)

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Garden Play

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In Trinity, students have the opportunity to put on a play - a simple (usually classic) performance with a small cast and crew would be ideal. Please email the reps if you’re interested in directing and/or organising this.

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OUDS

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OUDS is the Oxford University Drama Society and your go-to place for anything drama-ry. Whether you're in love with the spotlight or prefer to be behind the scenes there are heaps of opportunities to get involved in the huge (and we mean huge) range of performances that are on offer ever term. From hard-hitting realism, stand up comedy, the improvised Oxford Imps, or typical theatre productions there's something for everyone. If you've got an idea for a piece too - no fear, there's opportunity for that too - individuals, or groups of friends, bid for slots at one of the various student theatres dotted around Oxford (The Pilch, The BT, The O’Reilly, and even The Oxford Playhouse).

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Pembroke Dance Society

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Pembroke Dance Society formed recently, so is open to new members for relaxed classes in Ballroom, Latin, Ballet and Modern dance, among other styles occasionally. It's a really welcoming and social environment, run weekly 8-9pm typically in the Pichette, though commitment can be as much or as little as you like. We learn lots of different kinds of dance and are always open to ideas from new members. It's a great place to unwind and meet new people whilst learning some new skills! If you're interested, get in touch at either rosie.ibberson@pmb.ox.ac.uk or amy.wilkinson@pmb.ox.ac.uk.

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 Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards​

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• Pembroke College Performing Arts Fund

  • Available to students who have incurred costs whilst performing at university level or for whom taking part would cause financial difficulty​

  • Compensation between £100-£500 for subscriptions, travel, equipment and accommodation