INTRODUCTION

We are Royal Holloways BRAND NEW Backstage society, starting in January 2026. 

We focus on everything to do with putting on a show, that is not performing, directing or writing. We will focus on lighting and sound design, prop design, stage management, costume design, makeup and wig design, producing, marketing, dramaturgy etc.

Crewing society shows is brilliant fun, but we can’t all commit to a full term, nor do we all get the positions even if we apply.  We aim to provide a ‘starting point’ for those casually interested, a weekly dose of backstage fun for those who are busy and advertise open crew roles across the PA’s for those who want to try crewing a show but dont know where to look! We have dozens of brilliant workshops planned from lighting design to Russian puppet theatre. We also hope to collaborate with all sorts of other societies and industry professionals to create a diverse and welcoming environment!!

Speaking of diversity, we are thrilled to implement our ‘Backstage world tour!’, a scheme that focuses on non-english theatre (other than our V&A trip and Panto week!) through workshops, socials, watch parties and collaborations with relevant societies. We aim to look at at least 3 different countries each term to push us out of our comfort zone and into discovering something new and exciting!

We are a space for people to do fun workshops, develop their portfolios and socialise with each-other in a fun, low-stakes environment.

We're still getting on our feet (as a new society), but we’d love to see you at our socials, workshops and fundraisers- whether you are seasoned crew, newly interested or just keeping a friend company, everyone is welcome!

MEMBERSHIPS

Our membership allows you to participate in workshops, socials, events and trips. You'll also be able to join our top-secret group chat! The money goes towards;

• Supplies for workshops
• Discounts on theatre trips (potentially backstage tours)
• Snacks, tea and coffee at some events!

We hope this will be a place for introverts and extroverts alike to bond over shared interests- even if you know nothing about plays and just thought it would be fun to try making things. We really hope to blossom into a large society, collaborating with all sorts of societies throughout RHUL!

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

WORKSHOPS 

• We do technical and creative workshops. 
• Most workshops will be £3 for members to cover material costs, £5 for non-members. If there’s no material costs, it’ll be free for members, £2 for non-members 
• Our collaboration form is open for people who want to lead a workshop with us. This could be individuals doing dissertations on technical theatre, people with knowledge on theatre in a different country, if someone has experience from their past/hobbies they want to share (like puppetry), etc. 
• We will also have a suggestion box if you want to suggest workshops/socials. 
• We'll also do a termly fundraiser in which we aim to design an entire show as a team!

SOCIALS  

• Watch parties: Watching online productions of theatre with elaborate/interesting design elements and chatting about how they made it. You can bring comfy clothes, sketchbooks or things to design with as we watch a show together!

• Stagecrew Slideshows- slideshow nights for people to discuss anything backstage- this can be ‘the basics of shadow puppetry’ all the way to ‘the backstage drama of the 1989 production of La Cage Aux Folles was mental and here’s why’. Just have fun! 

• Backstage bingo- Either regular bingo, or bingo themed by common backstage terms/shenanigans. 

• ‘Backstage soc’ goes to… club nights/society shows/the park!

• Pub Quiz!

• Crew gets Coffee.

• Backstage Bevs.

• We also want to do Termly Society Trips! This could be to see shows, museum/gallery trips, backstage tours, etc. 

ASSISTING WITH SHOWS

• During bidding season, we will also compile a list of individuals eager to crew, with the roles they would want to fill and give these to any potential directors that need help finding a crew so they can reach out to the people individually and ensure the anonymity of the bidding process. This is purely to help directors without a crew, and technicians without a director!

• Importantly; We are NOT here to replace the crew system, but provide a space for individuals who enjoy working on crews- it will just also help people who need technicians know who would be eager to crew. 

• We repost any crew call outs from across the Performing Arts societies. 

We're eager to get this society started with a bang, and welcome any questions, concerns or queries! Drop us an email  at backstage@royalholloway.su anytime, Social Media coming soon!