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Hi, I’m Rory O’Dwyer and I’m super excited to be nominating myself for events and projects officer this year. As everyone in my life is aware of, the theatre group has played a hugely important role in my experience at university, and that was the case from the very beginning. I’m on record to my friends saying the moment I felt a sense of belonging in Leeds was a moment with Theatre group. It was not, as one may expect, the moment I was cast in my first production, not even when I was first called back, but rather simply the moment I had finally gathered enough confidence to go to my first audition. The fun drama games, meeting a swarm of loveable theatre kids, getting to act in an open and friendly space, I adored every second of it. It reminded me why I love drama. Naturally, performing in a play with Theatre Group is one of the most fulfilling ways to participate in the society, but I also think making the society as fun, engaging, and stimulating as possible for members who may not be involved in a play is really important too. I know plenty of people at Leeds who would love to be involved in theatre but are intimidated by auditions, or overwhelmed by the commitment to a whole play and thus are left in a bit of pickle of not knowing how to engage in student theatre. I think our workshops are the perfect way to create opportunities for students who may not feel comfortable reading for the lead role to still be involved in the fun that our society has to offer. Theatre can be intimidating, for sure, and we should want all types of students to feel welcome in participating. The GIAG workshop for example is a great avenue for people to get involved at their own comfort level. It’s mostly thought of as a way for bright eyed freshers to get to know what we’re like as a society, however, I fear it may be mostly attended by freshers that already have drama experience, with the more novice students perhaps feeling it’s not a place designed for them. I think the GIAG needs to make sure all types of students feel welcome and excited to join us- those who were performing in the womb, those who have never even seen a play and everybody in-between because diversity of experience is always valuable and eye-opening. Beyond that, I want to make sure all those students that may have been too scared to try theatre out in first year don’t think they’ve missed their chance. Our workshops should be a friendly, sociable route into being involved with us at any stage in one’s experience at University- even if their dissertation might be keeping them too busy to audition for plays. So, let’s make all students, first years, second years, third years, post grads and everyone else know they’re welcome. Everyone deserves to join in all the fun we’re having over here in theatre group, so as Events and Projects Officer I’m determined to enable as many people as possible to do so.

Being apart of TG was one of the most enriching elements of my first year at Leeds and I’d hate to think someone else missed out on that great experience because they didn’t feel like it was for them. I want to give back to this wonderful society by being on committee and I want to make it as much fun as possible, for as many student performers as possible!

Hi! My name is Malachy and I would love to be your Events and Projects officer. TG has played such a massive role in my first year at university, not only have I found some of the nicest people in this society but it has given me so many wonderful opportunities to perform. I would really appreciate the opportunity to give back to TG since it has made me feel so at home as a fresher in Leeds. As your Events and Projects officer, I would look to devise a wide range of workshops throughout the year. In semester one I would ensure to create a fun and informal give-it-a-go session for people who are interested in joining the society. I like to think that I am personable and friendly and I hope these qualities would help create a low-pressure environment where theatre lovers could come and play games, perform and unwind. I would also seek to organise workshops that look at aspects of performance other than acting such as directing and writing. In semester two I would love to get more external people to come and give talks as well as workshops for the society, whether these people are TG alumni working within the theatre industry or local theatre groups. As part of this program, I want to run a drama school audition workshop where TG alumni who have been to drama school could share tips and advice for those of us who are looking to go post-uni. On the Edinburgh fringe side of this role, I believe I would be efficient and reliable, previously I have worked as a LAMDA teacher and have also helped organise a theatre festival at my school so have experience in booking performance spaces and organising large groups of people. Finally, I would love to try and enter TG shows into more local and amateur competitions as I believe this could be really rewarding for a cast and help showcase all the wonderful talent we have as a society. If you want a dedicated, friendly and reliable events and projects officer please consider voting for me :)

Hi, I'm Evie, I'm a second-year politics student. I've got involved with TG this year producing two shows and am taking my play to the Edinburgh Fringe. I really want to be able to offer the same opportunity I got in going to Fringe, so I'm dedicated to raising enough money to cover costs for next year. I also want to put a greater focus on TG's role in university as a place which helps actors and theatre-makers grow as well as putting on plays. I want to provide spaces for people to learn how to get better at acting (rather than just a very lovely rejection text). I think this would also be a great place for people to offer their skills and gain experience leading and facilitating workshops. I also want to put an emphasis on writing and would love to run workshops in the lead-up to Fringe proposals to motivate people to write and propose their own plays. I've really loved my time in TG and just want to be able to give back while playing to my strengths (lots of organising and event planning!). Evie Events and Projects Cowen has got your back.