George writes about Stage Society, a society that incorporates a huge host of interests, from technical to acting. Whether you’re destined for the west-end, a budding director or a backstage technical wizard, this society is for you!

What is Stage Society about?

LSU Stage Society is, at its very core, all about theatre and performance arts but it’s so much more than that. Our society is all about bringing people together who have a love of performance, regardless of experience, of working together to put on shows that our members can be proud to be part of and to allow everyone to become part of a family whom they can rely on and find support within.

We offer experience in Directing, Performing, Technical Aspects, Backstage, Stage Management and so many more! From my time on committee for Stage, I have found that it is one of the most supportive, nurturing environments to be part of and that no matter who you are, you can always remember there is a place for you in the Stage family.

What sorts of events are put on by the society?

Stagesoc puts on a variety of shows with different genres and styles; there are two plays and one musical show every semester totalling six shows every year, all student-run and led with the support of everyone in the society and from people all over the union and university. They are very successful and we always work to make sure they are experiences that are unforgettable.

Stagesoc is also VERY social; meals in town, sober nights, regular nights out often with a theme such as our recent extremely successful ‘Sailors and Sirens’ social as well as our annual Summer and Winter Stage Balls. Not only this but we work tirelessly to support members of the community and be able to give back to those who come to see our performances through our Action work with the Union and various charity showcases to raise money.

Why, when and how did you join?

My journey into the world of Stagesoc began before I even got to Loughborough. I spent any spare time I had in my summer researching which societies I wanted to be a part of and I made a list of all the things I wanted to know more about ready for the Societies Bazaar – you can see now why I was awarded ‘Keenest Person’ at the last Stage Ball.

Then Freshers finally arrived and I attended the Bazaar. I visited everyone on my list and then, when I got to Stage Society, I spoke to the chair at the time, Jack Donald, who talked me through it all, showed me all the different amazing productions of the past and all their ideas for the future and it filled me with excitement and so many ideas for shows that I wanted to do myself. That’s why I joined Stagesoc, because it made me excited to learn more and do more, something that’s made me more confident all the way through my first year and even now in my second year.

Best or most memorable moments from your time with the society?

Many of my favourite moments in the society have come from rehearsals, working together with a group of people that love what they do makes so many wonderfully random memories form. Every rehearsal, every social, every meeting holds a special place in my heart because it has allowed me to build my confidence. To be my own person and be able to exchange my ideas in an environment that nurtures everyone’s views and makes what we create on stage a product of each person in the society.

This helped me so much and made me want to get involved so much that I ran for committee and became Freshers Rep and Sports Secretary for the society, something I would never have done without the help of the society and its members.

My best moment from my time in the society is ongoing because each day I get something new from this marvellous group of people.

Describe your society in three words…

Supporting, inspiring, family.

What would you say to someone thinking of joining up?

Joining Stage Society was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I’m sure it will be for you too! Societies are a fantastic way to meet all different kinds of people within the university and the union, you don’t need to be experienced to get involved in Stage, just be passionate, be amazing, be yourself!

Start thinking about how you want to shape your time at Loughborough through amazing societies like ours, start thinking up ideas for shows you want to run or roles you want to take up, start getting in touch with people on committee and asking questions about how to get involved but most importantly, start getting excited! You’re about to start one heck of a journey.

Anything else we should know?

You can check out some of our most recent performance and various works on our YouTube channel.

If you’re interested in performance and arts within societies, why not check out our sister societies Shakespeare Society, Tuxedo Swing or Classical!

Interested in finding out more? Contact LSU Stage Society at loughboroughstagesoc@gmail.com, or find their social media channels here: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

LSU has a huge range of societies – you can find the list of all 115+ societies here.

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