We've been stirring up drama at The University of Canterbury since 1921!
We're a student society, that doubles as a theatre company, with almost 100 years of experience running shows, festivals, and general hi-jinks. We aim to produce quality shows, promote a safe space to give theatre a go, and support drama and performing arts in the wider Christchurch community.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Tickets
Come witness DramaSoc's telling of the "perverted novel" that saw Oscar Wilde imprisoned. Don't miss this compelling exploration of vanity, morality and consequence.
Get your tickets now and step into DramaSoc's reimagining of "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Set against a background of Victorian opulence fused with surrealism and exploring themes of vanity and morality. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Oscar Wilde's perverse story in a new light.
Say What? Social Improv - Facebook Group
What is Say What? you say? It's DramaSoc's very own casual improv group, a place where both improv veterans and new recruits can have fun practicing and performing improvised theatre.
Say What? tailors to all levels of skill; old pros who want some improv with friends on Tuesday nights, less experienced people who want to play around or maybe #levelup, and even people who feel a bit nervous about the whole thing and just want to watch a couple sessions before they jump in.
Join the Say What? Facebook group for updates..
Social Media
To stay up to date with all our events make sure you follow our Facebook page and join all our groups.
Main Facebook Page
DramaSoc Community page
Say what? group
Reviews
Reviews
“The flavour of this two course show ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, and I loved every eggy, whiskey flavoured minute of it.”
“Realistically tacky”
“I was confronted by an emotional, provocative performance by a group of extremely capable actors. ”
“Out the gate characterisation and a smorgasbord of playful vignettes the likes of which I have never seen on a university stage before.”
“Excellent production, masterfully done!”
“Loved the show”
“[The Canterbury Tales] was the best production I’ve seen in years. Hilarious. Incredibly talented and funny cast. Better than some long running off-broadway productions in NYC.”
History
History
The Canterbury College Drama Society was founded in 1921 under the leadership of Sir James Shelley. The club then rapidly rose to prominence, enjoying multiple decades as one of New Zealand's leading performing arts societies.
The most notable of these golden years was the 1942-69 era during which the society was lead by Dame Ngaio Marsh. In this time, the society produced multiple critically-acclaimed shows, particularly those of Shakespeare. The society also completed both a New Zealand tour (Othello & Hamlet, 1944-45) and an Australian tour (Othello & Six Characters in Search of an Author, 1949).
The club was wound-up in 1990 due to financial reasons, but was revived in 1993 by an ad-hoc committee. The society has since been in full operation since 1994.
In 1933, The Canterbury College Drama Society became The Canterbury University College Drama Society. Then in 1961 it became The University of Canterbury Drama Society. Finally, in 2002 the society became The University of Canterbury Drama Society Incorporated. Throughout all this time the society has alternately been referred to as DRAMASOC, Dramasoc, and DramaSoc.
DramaSoc's recent home has been the Ngaio Marsh Theatre in the UCSA building. However, following the tragic 2011 Christchurch Earthquake and the subsequent destruction of the UCSA building in which the theatre was homed, DramaSoc now performs in both the Jack Mann Auditorium and Bentley's Bar. DramaSoc has returned to the Ngaio Marsh after the it’s reconstruction was completed in 2019, and has been there ever since! 2021 marks 100 years of DramaSoc, and the club is celebrating with a weekend of centenary celebrations from the 10th-12th of September.
Affiliation
Affiliation
DramaSoc is an Incorporated Society with the NZ Companies Office.
DramaSoc is registered as a charity with the NZ Charities Services.
The University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA) is our official affiliate.
The University of Canterbury Musical Theatre Society (MUSOC) is our unofficial sister society.
Location
Location
UCSA
Our affiliate, the UCSA, acts as our physical address and receives our mail.
DramaSoc
c/o UCSA
Level Two
Haere-roa Building,
90 Ilam Road,
Ilam,
Christchurch 8041
DramaSoc
c/o UCSA
PO Box 31311
Ilam
Christchurch
8444
Ngaio Marsh theatre
The Ngaio Marsh Theatre is our home theatre and is where we put our major productions.
Ngaio Marsh Theatre
90 Ilam Road
Ilam
Christchurch 8041
What’s Up Christchurch theatre reviewer Fiona Shaw was impressed by DramaSoc UC'S production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, which proved this beloved classic is perfectly relevant for contemporary audiences. And of course, verve and wit never go out of style!