In Defence of Student Stage Productions TRENDS.

This same standard, however helpful or encouraging to have as a teenager, does not translate into university. Whilst getting your degree, it often seems like there is a mindset of ‘if I’m not perfect right away, give up’ - this is definitely founded in the mindset of academia, but also bleeds into the more recreational sides of higher education too. Being a standard actor is not enough, you must be spectacular- being on the second football team will not do, only the best of the best can try! This is such a damaging idea to have - we need to remind ourselves we must be okay with being ‘just okay’ at things. If you want to be a different person for an hour or two in a performance, go for it - it doesn’t matter how many of your friends show up, or if you get a main role. Whilst it is true that there are many, many talented performers at universities up and down the country, that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for average!

It has been amazing to see so many people performing in plays on campus this term. The shows have been spectacular and opened up interesting discussions - but those didn’t magically happen. The students have worked hard to create something together, whilst hopefully being given the opportunity to recognise their restrictions and practice a difficult skill. It is never a bad thing to let out your inner Troy Bolton, even if you don’t have the seemingly natural talent of Zac Efron.

What I’m trying to say is that productions put on by groups who have the goal of doing something new, and not necessarily being good at it on the first try, are amazing. They represent what university is on a fundamental level - pushing boundaries and understanding that not succeeding is not