What is Shadowing?
Whether you are new to St Andrews, theatre in general, or are a lifelong veteran, there’s always something new to learn! This is your chance to delve into an aspect of theatre in which you have little to no prior experience or learn new skills in a field you are interested in pursuing beyond St Andrews.
The shadowing opportunities offered each semester may depend slightly on the productions being put up and the expected demand, but there will be a consistent set of ‘modules’ to help develop your skills as an Artistic, Events, Music, or Technical Director.
Our current semester of shadowing is currently underway. New opportunities will open up next semester. Keep an eye on this page for more info.
Please contact our Shadowing Coordinator, Romo (BackstageShadowing@st-andrews.ac.uk), with any questions or concerns!
Semester 2 Programming
Learn more about the programmes that we offer this semester.
Costuming
Costuming is a crucial element of theatrical design, responsible for creating the characters’ visual identities. By the end of this module, participants will showcase a comprehensive understanding of how costumes contribute to a production's narrative and emotional impact by creating a sample “Look-Book.”
Includes:
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Tour of Mermaids Costuming Storage (courtesy of Mermaids)
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Time with a Mentor
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
"A Midsummers Night Dream". Fall 2024.
"Into the Woods".
Musical Theatre Society 2023.
Choreography
Choreography involves designing and arranging dance and movement sequences within a production. The module emphasises the collaborative nature of choreography, highlighting how it works in harmony with other design elements to create a cohesive and compelling performance.
Includes:
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Choreography Workshop (courtesy of MusT)
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Weekly Class (courtesy of MerMates!)
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Time with a Mentor
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
Producing
This module focuses on the critical tasks of planning and managing the timeline and finances of a production. Participants will learn how to create detailed production schedules, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor progress to ensure that deadlines are met. This module also covers budgeting techniques, including cost estimation, financial tracking, and managing expenses.
Includes:
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Managing Teams & Budgets Workshop (courtesy of Mermaids)
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Resolving Conflict Workshop (courtesy of Mermaids)
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Cumulative Assessment
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
Rehearsals for "As If We Ever Were"
Spring 2025..
Marketing
Marketing is essential for attracting audiences and generating buzz for a production. This module explores the strategies and tools used to promote a show, from traditional advertising to digital marketing and social media campaigns. Participants will learn about target audience analysis, branding, creating compelling promotional materials, and the importance of public relations and community engagement in building a loyal audience base. Please note that this module is still in the works and may take longer to complete than the others.
Includes:
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Mermaids ‘Rebranding’ Panel Discussion (one-time event courtesy of Mermaids Marketing)
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Time with a Mentor
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
Stage Management
Stage management is the backbone of any theatrical production, ensuring all elements run smoothly and efficiently. This module focuses on the essential skill of cue calling, which involves coordinating the timing of technical elements such as lighting, sound, and scene changes during a performance. Participants will learn how to create and use a prompt book, develop clear and concise cue sheets, and practice precisely and confidently calling cues.
Includes:
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Venue Inductions (courtesy of the Byre Theatre, Barron Committee, and Ents Crew)
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Individual Stage Management Desk Tour (courtesy of the Byre Theatre)
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Time with a Mentor
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
"The Crucible". Fall 2024.
Photo Credit: St Andrews Students Association.
"Much Ado About Nothing". Fall 2024.
Basic Stage Lighting
The Basic Stage Lighting module introduces the fundamentals of theatrical lighting design and operation. Participants will learn about different types of lighting instruments, their functions, and how to create various lighting effects.
Includes:
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Venue Inductions (courtesy of the Byre Theatre, Barron Committee, and Ents Crew)
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Time with a Mentor
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
Basic Stage Sound
Participants will learn about. This module covers sound equipment, microphone techniques, and the basics of sound mixing. By the end of this module, students will be equipped with the skills to manage and enhance the auditory experience of a performance.
Includes:
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Venue Inductions (courtesy of the Byre Theatre, Barron Committee, and Ents Crew)
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Introduction to Live Mixing Workshop (subject to availability)
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Time with a Mentor
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Supplementary Instructional Materials
"A Chronicle in Concert 2023".
Musical Theatre Society 2023.
Conducting
The Conducting module focuses on the art of leading vocal performances in a theatrical setting. Participants will learn conducting techniques, including gesture communication, tempo control, and dynamic shaping. Please note that this module is still in the works and may take longer to complete than the others.
Includes:
Longer Mentorship (limited availability - sign up quickly!)
Shadowing Contacts
Meet the people in charge of Shadowing.
