How to Get Involved with VCDS

There are so many ways to be involved:

1. Join a production! Every September, the cast and crew calls go out for each of the productions that VCDS will be putting on. Apply and audition even if you don't have any experience, there is always a place for you in Campus Theatre

2. If you're more interested in the behind-the-scenes, and administrative end, apply to be an assistant! We hire our assistants around August/September so keep an eye out. Most people won't have a ton of experience in this area so we're happy to have you! We hire our full executive in April, so keep an eye out for that in the future!

3. Come to our events! At least once a semester we'll be hosting an event-- whether a social, or a workshop, or something else entirely... This is a great way to connect with other theatre-lovers and potential meet people you would want to work with in the future. Keep an eye out!

4. Every February, VCDS participates in the UofT Drama Festival put on by Hart House Theatre, and we'll open pitches for ORIGINAL student work sometime in November/December so keep an eye out if you're a writer/director!

5. If you're interested in directing a show beyond DramaFest, we open pitches for the next year's season in May. See the "About Pitching" section below.

6. Come to office hours! An underused resource if you're wanting more information that may not be so available online. The producer of each year will hold office hours once a week, come with your questions, or even just to hang out.

7. Join our Newsletter! Monthly, we'll send updates about the goings-on. The newsletter will give you a sneak peak into everything going on in the month... even if we haven't put it up on our website or Instagram yet.

8. Attend shows! Check out all of our productions! As UofT students, you'll have access to discounts throughout the year. 

About Pitching

The form to pitch shows for VCDS open in May and will close on the 29th. Here are some tips:

1. Collect a team! The most important roles to fill are that of the Director(you) and Stage Manager. In the case of a musical, consider also finding a Music Director and Choreographer ahead of time as well. Any other designer roles that you can fill are also a bonus, the more the merrier. But don't be too disheartened if you don't know anyone or don't know how to ask. Part of what we do is help you hire your team.

2. Consider your budget! Research and consider what is a reasonable amount to allocate to aspects of your production. Look into how much the rights cost, and how much you might need for your set? Costumes? Props? Are you going to need to rent instruments or mics? We aren't looking for perfection, just a general outline to prove your understanding of budgeting. 

3. Propose a venue! Think about where you might want your show to be staged. A lot of people will aim for large venues such as Hart House or the Isabel Bader theatre, but could your show be successful in the Cat's Eyes? Maybe you want to play with an unconventional stage, like a thrust or in the round? Take a look at some of the local theaters that offer rentals in Toronto and how they might be set up. **Don't worry too much about budgeting for venues!

4. Design elements! If there is anything that you have been considering or working on for the show, we'll provide a section for you to share with us your vision. Don't be afraid to go all out! We love to see it. 

5. Find a reference! If you've worked on shows in Campus Theatre before, provide us with the contact of someone that you worked with! This is something new that we're incorporating this year. Fret not if this is your first foray into Campus Theatre, just let us know what made you want to join us!

6. Why are you pitching this show? What do you bring to this story that is unique? What are you trying to say with this show? Is this an appropriate audience for your show? Why now?