Stage Exposed

Ruth WeymanUniversity Drama OfficerLMH English GraduateWhat exactly does your position as University Drama Officer entail?Officially, I’m employed by the Board of Management of the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund both to administer things for them as well as to act as a point of contact between the students and the venues. It’s a full time position as a member of university admin staff but in reality, my office is also like a central help and information desk for all aspects of student drama. But that’s fun – the contact with all the shows is the best bit.Why did you decide to apply for the job?I enjoyed a range of involvement in drama while I was an undergraduate – acting, directing and writing for OULEeS (Oxford University Light Eentertainment Society), as well as lots of backstage work through TAFF. So it seemed like the perfect excuse to stay in Oxford for another year!What is different about the drama opportunities offered to students in Oxford compared to other universities?I think the fact that we don’t just have one student society performing a regular show in one venue is really vital. The range of venues is fantastic, and there is such a range of possible experiences available.What changes do you think should be made to the current drama system?There are lots of things that are imperfect, but there are also loads of great things. You can’t just change things, because the system has evolved to become so integrated, with the possible exception of finding a way to regularise the admin of all the different funding bodies, to make it less of a crazy minefield for producers to negotiate.Can taking part in too much drama be to the detriment of a degree?Depends on how you approach your degree I suppose, and what you want out of your time at Oxford. I usually find myself feeling most concerned about students whose heavy involvementmakes them very stressed out or just totally knackered. As long as each student is satisfied with the choices they make, that’s pretty good going.What do you hope to do after your year as UDO is over?I’m planning to run away to sea and become a pirate.ARCHIVE: 5th week MT 2005