At DU, the show goes on

The race is never quite over with securing admission into the college of one's choice.

The race is never quite over with securing admission into the college of one's choice.

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Step two is all about securing admission into the next best thing, the society of one's choice. And of all the societies of Delhi University (DU) colleges, it is the Dramatics Society that is the most coveted.

"In terms of numbers, the competition is quite stiff," says Keval Arora, head of Players, the theatre society of Kirori Mal College (KMC). Arora is a professor in the English department at KMC.

While popularity is a factor common to the dramatic societies across colleges, the entrance criteria are not.
According to Arora, the checklist comprises the following: "Clear enunciation, voice modulation and unrestricted body movements."

Ramjas College's Shunya, one of DU's oldest dramatics societies, necessitates that members have a strong grasp on theory and plays.

At Kamla Nehru College's Lakshya, all that matters is delivery. "When we audition students we always look at their basic acting skills, voice modulation, body language and commitment to the craft," says Umang Sabharwal, president of Lakshya and third year student of BA (Hons) Journalism.

The 'dramasoc', as they are fondly referred to, of Hansraj College was set up in 1995. Since then it has put up several performances, including Mohan Rakesh's 'Aadhe Adhure' and several street plays with socio-political themes.

"The kind of energy and commitment required for street plays is more than stage theatre as it is much more difficult to hold a crowd in a street play. Also, the script is written by students themselves," said KS Yashaswini, head of the Hansraj Dramatics Society, and third year BA (Hons) Economics student. "People who read and are argumentative do well in street theatre," adds Arora.

Some colleges look beyond acting prowess. "We also look at things such as proficiency in lighting, sound and props, all of which are like characters of a play," says Ishaan Misra, president of Shunya, and third year student of B Com (Hons).

What you need:
Long hours after classes
Rigorous training
Clear enunciation
Voice modulation
Willingness to help out with props, lights and sound