Do I need to be a student of English?

No, all kinds of students can take part, no matter what their subjects are.

 

Do I need stage experience to join?

You don’t necessarily need stage experience to join. You will learn all the basics you need to go on the stage, and our more experienced actors are very reliable and can always give you some pointers along the way.

 

Do I need to be a native speaker?

No, one of the major goals of this group is to improve your English, because basically, there is room for improvement on nearly all levels of English. A feeling for the language is always helpful, though.

 

Do I have to play a role?

If acting is not your thing, but you are interested in everything else about theatre, you can still join us and take over a backstage job. There’s always plenty to do.

 

Do I have to participate in backstage work?

Yes, everyone is expected to contribute to backstage work in some capacity. Whenever an actor is not scheduled in for scene rehearsal, they are supposed to help out in their backstage team (Costumes, Props, Scenery, Tech, or PR). Obviously, how much you can actually participate in backstage work, heavily depends on how many scenes you're in and how busy you are with scene rehearsal.

 

What are the basic conditions for joining?

You should be open, willing to bring yourself in, interested in theatre and the English language, able to work in a group with other people and able to see the work that needs to be done.

 

When do you rehearse?

We usually meet up once a week on Thursday evenings, plus some occasional weekend rehearsals. Exact dates and times will be handed out as a preliminary rehearsal plan at the Open Workshop.

 

Do I need to attend every rehearsal to be able to participate?

It is crucial for everyone to attend as many rehearsals as possible for reasons of work process and group feeling. Actors shouldn't miss more than three rehearsal days, for backstage only people there is a bit more leeway. However, you definitely have to be able to be there for the performances as well for the final two rehearsal weekends to participate. 

 

Does the English Drama Group put on British or American plays?

We always try to keep a balance between American and British plays. We also try not to confine ourselves to just one genre.

 

What does a casting look like?

Here, we try to avoid the word "casting". We don't want to give you the impression of a TV show jury sitting in front of you, waiting for you to do mistakes and pressing a buzzer. When it comes to the distribution of roles, rather than having a regular 'casting' process, we work with a wish system. Actors are asked to list the roles they are interested in, ranked from 'favorite' to 'not my top choice but still fun' and then the director, with the help of the production assistant, puzzles out a cast list to grants as many people their first wish as possible. This doesn't always work out completely, so it could occasionally be the case that we ask you to play a role you didn't originally ask for. But even if you don't get the role you asked for, you are free to elaborate your character and really make it your own, which can end up being just as fun. 

 

Can I drop out whenever I like?

Unfortunately, due to the very short time we have, dropping out whenever is unfortunately not possible. We hold the Open Workshop to give you a brief insight into the EDG so you can make up your mind whether you feel comfortable in the group. If you decide in favour of the group and then officially sign up for the semester, that decision is regarded as obligatory as the success of the group depends on the commitment of the individual members and it is more than difficult to find a replacement for somebody two weeks before a performance, not to mention the negative effects that would have on the group spirit.

 

I found a really cool play I'd like to stage. Can I?

If the budget allows, we are generally very happy to greenlight side projects under the EDG+ umbrella. If you want to produce a play yourself and use the EDG's assets (e.g. access to our theatre inventory, advertising via our social media, budget from the EDG funds, etc.), feel free to propose your project to Eric, the head of the EDG. Another requirement for your project getting greenlit is that you have been with the EDG for at least one semester. This is to make sure you know your way around how uni theatre works before tackling the challenge of producing a play on your own. The production team of the main EDG is of course also always willing to advise on any question or challenge that might come up during your project.

Otherwise, we are also very grateful for any suggestions of plays the EDG should maybe stage once. We cannot however make any promises in that regard, as there are several criteria a play has to meet in order to work for the EDG (e.g. affordable licensing, large enough cast, short enough duration so it is possible to properly rehearse it fully in our short production time, etc.).

 

Will I become rich and famous?

No, all you gain from participating in this group are intangible assets, but they may help you on your way to stardom ;-)