Oxford University Dramatic Society
Company, Oxford Playhouse (Fennec Fox Productions)
Founded in 1884, Oxford University Dramatic Society (OUDS) is one of the UK's largest and most active student theatre communities. Run by students, OUDS is the main hub in the University that supports and celebrates theatre throughout the city, bringing together actors, directors, writers, designers, producers, technicians, and audiences from across the university. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, we’re here to help you get involved and become part of Oxford's vibrant theatre scene.
There are all kinds of ways to be involved in Oxford student theatre, whether that is acting, directing, choreographing, stage managing, designing lighting or sound, creating costumes or sets, running marketing and publicity, or even putting on your own show! Whatever your interests or experience lies, there's a place for you to get involved, learn new skills, and collaborate with others to produce theatre.
A View From the Bridge, Oxford Playhouse (Labyrinth Productions)
How Does Student Theatre at The University of Oxford Work?
Student theatre, performance and comedy happens within a very decentralised system across the university. No one society or group programmes each term’s shows - join in with what is already happening, or set up your own project!
The majority of theatre productions are run by individual production companies, who receive guidance and support from Oxford University Dramatic Society (OUDS, that’s us!) and Oxford University Technical Theatre Society (OUTTS, our lovely sister society). These production companies decide which shows they want to put on and assemble a cast and crew themselves (which anyone can join!), giving them complete creative control over the work that gets staged!
In addition, many colleges have their own drama societies who stage a production annually - most of these shows will also be open to students across the University. For comedy, there are a few different societies and groups who perform sketch, stand-up and improv comedy.
This means that there can be up to 40+ different student productions happening across Oxford within a single term - there are endless opportunities for you to participate in and explore!
You’ll also find many student societies beyond this - there really is something for everyone!
Little Shop of Horrors, Keble O’Reilly (Cross Keys Productions)
This website is the central hub for OUDS. Here, you can find guidance on how to put on a show, browse auditions and opportunities, register your own production company, access funding for your shows, learn about welfare practices, keep up with OUDS events and festivals, and access any essential resources you need. Whether it’s your first show or your fiftieth, we're here to help you every step of the way.
The term ‘production company’ can seem a little daunting, but it really isn’t - anyone who is a member can set one up! All you need to do is have a producer and a director, and to fill out the form here to apply. Alternatively, you don’t have to put on your show and there will always be an abundance of opportunities from existing production companies for you to partake in!
To get started, check out the links below, and make sure to keep up to date with our responsive calendar that is up to date with details on the latest shows and events happening around you.
Get Started
Announcements
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Welcome to the new OUDS Website!
We are conducting some essential maintenance work currently to improve the website. Please excuse any empty or dysfunction pages, they will be fixed by the start of Michaelmas 2026.
If you do encounter any problems (eg. broken links), please email Grace (Web Officer, 2026-27) at [email protected].