what?
An alumni association for friends of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company (formerly the Edinburgh University Dramatics Society) which has, of course, been housed since the early eighties in the 'legendary' Bedlam Theatre.An association for anyone who has ever been a member of the EUTC (or EUDS), for anyone who has ever produced or performed at the Bedlam Theatre and for anyone who wants to support student theatre in Edinburgh.
why?
Because every former Bedlamite we know occasionally asks "what ever happened to?"...Friends of Bedlam is a way to stay in touch with everyone else who was involved in student theatre at Edinburgh University over the years.
Because most former Bedlamites ask "what are they up to now?"...
Friends of Bedlam is a way to stay in touch with what the current generation of Bedlamites are up to.
Because many a former Bedlamite has said "is there any way I can help?"...
Through Friends of Bedlam there is a formal way you can support student theatre in Edinburgh - whether that support is financial, in kind or in the form of much needed advice.
why now?
Because in Spring 2001 the University threatened to sell the Bedlam Theatre to some local property developers. While promises were made that EUTC would be rehoused it wasn't clear where and when this would happen.
EUTC suddenly needed the loud support of former members to tell the University and the City just how important the Bedlam Theatre was to the Edinburgh student community. That support was more than forthcoming, but it took a while to find it.
As it happens the property developers were refused planning permission to knock the Bedlam down so the theatre is safe, for the time being. But the experience demonstrated just how many alumni there were out there willing to help, and how popular Bedlam reunions could be. This inspired us to form a more formal association for former Bedlamites - Friends of Bedlam.
who?
A committee of former Bedlamites (namely Al Broom, Rachel Chapman, Richard Lace, Chris Cooke, Chris Hoban, Joanne Deponio, Chris Fleming and Paul Margrave) officially constituted Friends of Bedlam on 22 February 2003.Friends of Bedlam has been developed in association with the current EUTC committee who provide a link to the current generation of Bedlamites, and who will help us help support current EUTC members to make even more exciting theatre.
Friends of Bedlam has also been working with the Edinburgh University Alumni & Development who will manage all the donations made to the association, ensuring every penny donated supports the work of Friends of Bedlam and EUTC - and meaning we will receive Gift Aid on all donations.
Any former member of EUTC (or EUDS), or for that matter anyone interested in supporting student theatre in Edinburgh, is welcome to join Friends of Bedlam as a 'patron'. To become a patron simply download an application form from www.bedlamites.co.uk, or email join@bedlamites.co.uk and we can fax, email or post you one.
how?
Friends of Bedlam will provide a network for former members and support current Bedlamites through various activities, including:www.bedlamites.co.uk An online resource where former Bedlamites can catch up on what other ex-members are up to, find out about current EUTC projects and surf the EUTC production history (and add to it).
bedlamites A twice yearly newsletter with updates, pictures and reports on, and from, everything Friends of Bedlam and EUTC are up to.
reunions Friends of Bedlam stage regular reunion events for former members - including a London party each May, and an end-of-Fringe party in Edinburgh at the end of August.
networks Through our online members directory and message board current members of EUTC will be able to tap into the knowledge of former members, while alumni can make contact with other former Bedlamites who they once knew, or who might be able to help on a current project.
grants Patrons of Friends of Bedlam are invited to make donations on an annual or monthly basis. These monies will be used to support student theatre in Edinburgh through the Friends of Bedlam grants scheme.
Any current members of EUTC with exciting, innovative and creative theatre projects they wish to pursue through the Company can apply for grants. On any funded projects relevant Friends of Bedlam patrons will support and guide those students involved to ensure they produce the best theatre possible.