A revue is a comedic performance typically made up of lots of short skits with some song and dance numbers in between. Being involved in a law revue has been the highlight of my degree, hands down.
Law revue season isn’t too far away so if you want to do more than just buy tickets, here’s what you can expect...
If you’re keen to get involved there are plenty of roles to choose from. Some of the law revues will still be casting, others will have finalised their casts but be in need of other assistance. The best thing to do is get in touch with the producer or director at your uni and find out what point they’re up to and what they need.
Every role varies in terms of the amount of work and the term of commitment required. The script writing team does all their work before casting even begins. If you’re in the cast or the band, you’ll need to be at every rehearsal for the duration of the production. If you’re volunteering for hair and make up, you’ll only attend dress rehearsals and the performances.
When picking a role, you need to keep in mind how often and how long you want to be involved for. Also think about any other commitments you may have. If your calendar is busier at the start of rehearsals, you should consider something that only requires your attendance closer to the performance.
So what are your options? You could be a director, producer, assistant director, musical director, band member, cast member (involves acting, singing and dancing), scriptwriter, backstage crew, costumes and props, hair and make up, choreographer, “technical dude” (lights, sound and video), ticket seller or usher. If you’re uncertain, start in a small role and be more involved next year - I guarantee you’ll be hooked.
Clearly there’s plenty to choose from. If you don’t have experience, don’t worry about it. The important thing is to be committed and willing to have a go. Oh, and you must have enthusiasm. It’s a long process, especially if you’re involved from start to finish. There will likely be one or two points in the production when you think about pulling out, or ask yourself “what have I signed up for?”
My involvement began with script writing, and then I joined the cast and became costume director. Sometimes I was so stressed I thought I was going to lose my mind. The particular moment that comes to mind is the occasion sometime around dawn on the day of our first dress rehearsal when I was incredibly sleep deprived and up to my eyeballs in fake beards and sequins. And then there were neglected assignments to deal with as well.
But it's worth sticking out because for the most part law revue is awesomely, amazingly fun. You meet a lot of new friends in their first through to final years of uni and you get to make “comedy gold.” Few of us were experienced actors, singers or dancers which made it challenging (but in the good way). I think I developed extra stomach muscles in those six months from all the laughing we did. On top of that, the applause of the audience on your opening night is like nothing else. It’ll be the highlight of your law student career.
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