York Vision attended the Performing Arts Showcase on Saturday night in Central Hall. The show incorporated 12 performance and technical societies and was hosted by the comedic duo Henry and Jim.
With such a broad variety of societies in York, it can be difficult for theatre lovers to find the one which one is right for them.
Each society performed on stage for a few minutes to give the audience a good sense of what they have to offer, whether that was via a speech, a song, a script or a dance.
The following societies appeared live on stage: Central Hall Musical Society; Shakespeare Society (ShakeSoc); Pantomime Society (PantSoc); Comedy Society (ComedySoc); Dance Society (UYDS); Technical Theatre Society (TechSoc); Gilbert and Sullivan Society; Ballroom and Latin Society (YBLS); Swing Dance society (Swing Soc); York Student Television (YSTV); Band Society (BandSoc); and Drama Society (DramaSoc)!
At the end of each performance, a designated speaker from the society spoke briefly about what activities their group runs and any upcoming events.
There was a multitude of talent on the stage but one of our personal favourites was performed by PantSoc. They brought flair, expression and an overall uplifting stage presence whilst dancing and singing to Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ from Teen Beach Movie.
We also particularly enjoyed the jazzy moves from SwingSoc. We didn’t know much about this society before watching, yet found ourselves clapping along with them and tapping our feet as they danced.
At the end of the event, watchers were encouraged to meet with the societies’ representatives and committee members at stands downstairs to learn more about how to get involved.
Vision spoke to a representative from SwingSoc, the University of York’s Swing Dance society who said, “We’re there to have fun. It’s not about what you look like and what you’re doing, we’re there just for the fun of it.
“We do performances like this but they’re all very chill, very relaxed so it’s really good fun if you’re looking for something to join.”
Performing arts societies welcome anyone who is interested in theatrics. Even if you don’t like being on stage, there are always behind-the-scenes roles available in costume design, set production, producing, directing, and choreography.
Student’s Union Activities Officer Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb also announced that applications for the Activities Access Grant have opened recently. This grant offers financial support to enable students to participate in York SU student-led activities, including the performance societies.
For more information, please visit York SU Student Resource Hub to apply for a York SU Grant.