Bielefeld University’s English Drama Group
F.A.Q.
Can I only join at the beginning of a term?
As we have limited time to put on a play we need to decide on the play and the individual roles as soon as possible
after the group has formed itself. It is thus only possible to join the group in the first week of term, in exceptional cases
you can join during the first two weeks.
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 class 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.
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.
Does the English Drama Group play 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.
Are we going to perform a Shakespeare play?
No, we usually don’t do Shakespeare plays (the only exception being the production of Winter Term 2012/2013,
because we had a Shakespeare expert for support). We stage and act our plays the old-fashioned way (props, closeness
to the text, non-experimental) and a Shakespeare play is too complex, it is also very difficult for non-native speakers and
at the same time non-professional actors to perform a play in Shakespeare-English. The audience might also have
difficulties understanding the actors. A good compromise is to pick a modern play that may have some excerpts of
a Shakespeare play in it.
Do I need to attend both rehearsals?
In the beginning it is okay to just attend one rehearsal a week. From December/June onwards you should be able to
make it to both meetings for reasons of work process and group feeling.
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, everybody gets the chance to perform as many scenes as he or she wants and to try out various characters. We give our best to create a friendly atmosphere, so there is no need for nervousness. If you want to be on stage you will get the chance to. Even if you don't get the role you asked for, you are free to elaborate your character your own way. After all, this is not Broadway theatre and having fun with the English language and drama is our primary goal.
Can I drop out whenever I like?
We give you a time frame of four weeks to make up your mind whether you feel comfortable in the group. If you decide in
favour of the group after those four weeks, 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.
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 ;-)
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Can I only join at the beginning of a term?
As we have limited time to put on a play we need to decide on the play and the individual roles as soon as possible
after the group has formed itself. It is thus only possible to join the group in the first week of term, in exceptional cases
you can join during the first two weeks.
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 class 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.
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.
Does the English Drama Group play 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.
Are we going to perform a Shakespeare play?
No, we usually don’t do Shakespeare plays (the only exception being the production of Winter Term 2012/2013,
because we had a Shakespeare expert for support). We stage and act our plays the old-fashioned way (props, closeness
to the text, non-experimental) and a Shakespeare play is too complex, it is also very difficult for non-native speakers and
at the same time non-professional actors to perform a play in Shakespeare-English. The audience might also have
difficulties understanding the actors. A good compromise is to pick a modern play that may have some excerpts of
a Shakespeare play in it.
Do I need to attend both rehearsals?
In the beginning it is okay to just attend one rehearsal a week. From December/June onwards you should be able to
make it to both meetings for reasons of work process and group feeling.
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, everybody gets the chance to perform as many scenes as he or she wants and to try out various characters. We give our best to create a friendly atmosphere, so there is no need for nervousness. If you want to be on stage you will get the chance to. Even if you don't get the role you asked for, you are free to elaborate your character your own way. After all, this is not Broadway theatre and having fun with the English language and drama is our primary goal.
Can I drop out whenever I like?
We give you a time frame of four weeks to make up your mind whether you feel comfortable in the group. If you decide in
favour of the group after those four weeks, 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.
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 ;-)
Back to Top