About the Grads
Origins
'The Grads' was founded in 1954 by some Edinburgh University alumni who were former members of the University Dramatic Society. Since then, the original members have been joined or replaced by fresh generations of talent. The University connection has been retained, though, and we still meet in the Grads Association rooms at 24 Buccleuch Place. We were the first-ever production in Adam House and also re-opened the theatre (following its refurbishment) with our 'Golden Jubilee' production of Maskerade by Terry Pratchett in 2004.
Productions
The Grads average four theatrical productions each year, including participating in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the SCDA One Act Festival. Never shy of a challenge, in recent years our full length productions have included Stoppard's modern classic Arcadia; the Scottish amateur premiere of Michael Frayn's Chekhov adaptation Wild Honey; Christopher Hampton's critically acclaimed Les Liaisons Dangereuses; Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, The Tempest and Comedy of Errors; and the worldwide amateur premiere of Owen McCafferty's adaptation of Antigone. The Grad's production of Margaret Edson's Wit was the winner of the SCDA full length competition for the 2009-2010 season. In the one-act sphere, we have taken prizes in the Edinburgh round of the SCDA One Act Competition with, among others, Martin McDonagh's the Pillowman and Sarah Kane's 4:48 Psychosis. In fringe 2007, we produced Tiny Dynamite by Abi Morgan, for which we received a Commendation in the Edinburgh Evening News Drama Awards.
The Improbables
In addition to staging scripted theatre, we also have a group who meet weekly to play improv games that often culminate in cabaret performances as 'The Improbables'. They hold regular 'training' sessions and new members of the troupe are always welcome. Please contact danieldwilliam@hotmail.com if you would like to know more.
Costume and Property Hire
We've an extensive archive of items of many different styles and periods. If you think there might be something we could help with, please contact the Secretary.
Getting Involved
If you are interested in getting involved with our group, or would just like to join our email list to be kept up to date with what we're doing, please make contact at hello@egtg.co.uk.
