Casting Call · 2021 A Rare Nicht Oot: 100 Years of Aberdeen's Student Show

"I have had the unique opportunity of wearing various hats throughout my time with the Show: performer (2012-2015), assistant producer (2015) and President of Charites and Communities (2015-2016). It was an honour to help the Student Show 'Michty Mia' achieve a record-breaking fundraising total of over £102,000, by helping the students find rehearsal space, putting them in touch with sponsors, and backing their corner whenever they needed it!"

Holly Bruce, Performer and Producer, 2012-15

In addition ti writers, there are a hale jing-bang o’ different roles that need ti be filled ti ensure each Student Show is a success, including those o’ producer, director, administrator, costume designer, choreographer, musical director an’ props manager (an’ mair).

Although maist o’ the team are students, aften 'i shows are producit by former Show writers an’ performers fa hivna been able tae leave their luv o’ Show ahin them!

Students fae 'i University o’ Aiberdeen, Robert Gordon University an' North East Scotland College aa tak part the day.

In addition to writers, there are a whole host of different roles that need to be filled to ensure the Student Show is a success, including those of producer, director, administrator, costume designer, choreographer, musical director, props manager, and many more.

Although most of the Student Show team are students, often the shows are produced by former writers and performers who have never managed to leave their love of Show behind.

Students from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University and North East Scotland College all take part today.

Keep scrolling to see a few (but by no means all) of the most vital roles in Show! Which one would you be right for?

The Producer

Job description

Co-ordinating the writing and editing process
Developing ideas and providing creative direction
Overseeing casting
Budgeting and scheduling
Lots of other stuff

Person specification

Hardworking (never sleeps)
Adaptable
Multitalented
A good motivator
Experience of the Student Show highly desirable

The Administrator

Job description

Booking the theatre and rehearsal spaces
Overseeing ticket sales
Generally organising everyone and everything!

Person specification

Excellent attention to detail
Adaptable and good at problem solving
VERY organised

'Jest a Minute' programme
1967

On this page of the programme from 'Jest a Minute', John Duffus, that year's Administrator, gets some of the stresses of Show off his chest!

The Director

Job description

Help develop the creative vision for Show
Determine how the Show's script can be brought to life on stage
Give clear direction to the cast and crew

Person specification

A vivid imagination and a comedic mind
Good understanding of stage directions
Not afraid to take the reins and show the actors who's boss

'Risques Galore' programme
1980

During the Second World War, when many men were conscripted into the armed forces, Pollie Bundy became the first woman to take on the role of Director / Producer for Show, for that year's 'Nuts in April'. This wasn't a watershed moment, however. When the war ended, the roles available to women in Show were once again restricted. It wasn't until 1980 that another woman filled the position, when Joyce Wilson became Sketch Director of 'Risques Galore'.

The Choreographer

Job description

Creating dance routines to complement and enhance the Show's music and lyrics
Teaching the routines to the whole cast

Person specification

An ear for music and excellent rhythm
Creative approach to developing routines
An aptitude for teaching
Extremely patient!

'Rage of Kings' programme
1963
Jean Birse, pictured on this page, spent a number of years choreographing Student Show as Director of Dancing, working closely with the musical team to develop and practise routines. A trained ballet dancer, she is said to have demonstrated each dance move numerous times to help 'les girls' (the female dancers) learn the routine.

The Set Designer

Job description

Developing a creative vision for the production
Building the sets using materials such as furniture and props
Painting and decorating the sets

Person specification

Inventive and creative
Strong communication skills
Health and safety conscious
Excellent balance

'Alma Mania' programme
1959

Edi Swan worked as Set Designer for Student Show on 1959's 'Alma Mania'. Elsewhere in the programme, he is described as the 'undisputed king of stage set design' and is said to be happiest 'balanced precariously on the paint frame slapping paint on cloth'. He worked on a number of other shows and he was often credited alongside the producers and directors in the souvenir programme, which demonstrates how important he was to the team. In the audio clip below, hear more about Edi and his team's work from John Duffus, Show Administrator and Performer from 1965 to 1969.

Listen

UoA Collections · John Duffus remembers working with the set design team and Eddie Swan

Show Transcription

The Dressmaker

Job description

Taking measurements of each cast member
Designing the costumes
Gathering and choosing appropriate materials
Managing a team and overseeing with the dressmaking process

Person specification

Excellent sewing skills
Experience of working to a tight budget
Good leader and motivator
Stamina!

'April Showers' programme
1958

Alice Sparkes worked as Dressmaker for the Student Show in 1958, a role she had filled since the Second World War, when she dressed the cast on a shoestring budget. Previous dressmakers included Isobel Gordon and Rita Chapman. This page from the 'April Showers' souvenir programme also introduces the make-up artists, George Shaw, Sandy Dale and Jimmy Russell.

The Musicians

Job description

Writing music and lyrics for the show
Helping singers rehearse by providing instrumental accompaniment
Performing in the show's orchestra

Person specification

Songwriting skills
Ability to play multiple instruments
Able to perform under pressure

William Still photograph
1944

William Still composed songs for the 1944 musical, 'Marischal Moments', including the operetta 'Royal Rebel'. In Show's early years, each song was an original composition, whereas today, parodies of already popular songs are favoured. Other composers of the 1930s and 40s included Lambert Wilson and Douglas Raitt.

The Cast

The stars of Show are found through an audition process that is designed to be welcoming, relaxed and enjoyable for those auditioning. Anyone can audition for Show, whether they have experience of performing or not.

Often, the cast also get involved with other tasks, like painting the sets, creating props, sewing costumes, and promoting the Show in order to raise as much money as possible for charity.

Job description