Capping Show 2025
Capping Show is the world’s longest-running student comedy production, with a 130-year legacy as a cornerstone of Otago student culture. The show consists of sketches poking fun at all parts of student life, and includes musical and dance performances from historic performing groups with 90+ years of history such as the Selwyn Ballet and Otago Sextet.
Historically, Capping Show has been a launching point for countless nationally and internationally renowned creatives. Some of our more notable alumni include legendary New Zealand Playwright Roger Hall, comedians and writers such as Ben Hurley, Sam Smith, Abby Howells, Josh Thompson and David McPhail, documentary filmmaker Brent Hodge, journalist Baz Macdonald and two Dunedin City Mayors.
The next round of Capping Show performances is scheduled for May 2025, but work on the production has already begun! If you want to be part of the vibrant and storied history of Capping Show, please consider applying. This is a once-in-a-lifetime unique opportunity to learn about the craft of theatre production in a safe and supportive environment, and a chance to gain valuable experience that will carry on into the rest of your professional life.
Positions for Capping Show are open to all current students or recent graduates (within the last 3 years) of Otago tertiary institutions, including the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic.
As Capping Show is a student-led production, the qualifications and experience required for these positions are more flexible than in other professional theatre productions.
The Roles
Stage Director – x2 Positions
As a Stage Director for Capping Show, you will guide the creative direction of the production. Working closely with the Producer and fellow directors, your tasks will include selecting the show’s theme, casting actors and writers, choosing and editing sketch scripts, and directing actors through rehearsals and performances. You’ll also liaise with designers and the technical crew to ensure the show runs smoothly and remains relevant to the Otago student audience. This role requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a collaborative approach, especially when working with beginner performers.
Approx total working hours: 133 – Staggered from late 2024 through to late May
Video Director
Working alongside the Producer and other Directors, the Video Director(s) are responsible for setting the overall creative direction of the show, including but not limited to; Selecting the show theme, casting actors and writers, selecting sketches to go in the show, editing scripts, communicating show requirements to the designers and tech crew, and directing actors throughout video shoots. The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the quality of the show is high, and that it remains relevant in the Otago student market.
The Video Director(s) hold responsibility for the creation of the video components of Capping Show, including video sketches, filming and editing of the live stage show, and content for promotional material. This position is ideal for someone with a passion for storytelling through video, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to changing production needs.
Some requirements of this position may be flexible based on the skills and experience of applicants. If you have experience behind a camera but have never edited video, or the other way around, the role may be able to be catered to this experience depending on how your skill and experience compliment the skills and experience of other video director / videographer applicants.
Approx total working hours: 100 - 150 – Staggered from late 2024 through to late May
Videographer
This role has been created as an alternative to the video director role for applicants who prefer hands-on technical work over creative direction, though collaboration with the Video Director is key. Your responsibilities will include assisting with video shoots, editing footage, and ensuring the final videos meet the creative vision of the directors. Flexibility is available depending on your skill set—whether you’re stronger in filming or editing, we can tailor the role to fit your experience and compliment the skills and experience of the video director applicants.
Time commitment varies, with most work required between March and May 2025.
Main Sketch Writer
As the Main Sketch Writer, you will be responsible for crafting the script for Capping Show, ensuring it’s both relevant to the Otago student audience and sensitive to broader social issues. You will work closely with the Directors and Producer, incorporating feedback and making revisions as needed. The script will adhere to the theme selected by the Capping Show Directors, and will conform to the format and length dictated by the Capping Show Producer. While no topic is off limits, scenes involving sensitive must be structured thoughtfully to avoid harm to marginalized communities. This role can be filled by an individual or a pair of writers, offering an opportunity to shape the tone and humor of the show.
This role can be applied for by an individual, or jointly by a pair of script writers.
Stage Manager/Assistant Producer
The Stage Manager/Assistant Producer will play a vital role in coordinating the many moving parts of Capping Show, from casting to rehearsals to performances. Working closely with the Producer, you will be involved in many of the logistical aspects of the production, including health and safety, scheduling, casting, and supporting cast and crew in their roles. The Stage Manager / Assistant Producer supports the Capping Show Produce with all parts of the planning and execution of Capping Show and often stands in for the Producer when they are absent.
Our ideal candidate is diverse and adaptable. You will be supportive, motivational and patient, particularly with ‘beginner’ actors and writers. You will work professionally within a creative team confident in the ability to get the show up and running, and organising their time and resources. You will be experienced working with production crew and with health and safety procedures.
Approx total working hours: 65 – Staggered from late 2024 through to late May
Choreographer
As the Choreographer, you will design engaging and original dance routines for Capping Show, and teach these dances to the Capping Show actors throughout the writing and rehearsal period. Choreography for the show may include, but is not limited to; the opening dance, the closing dance, and musical sketches, and other scenes the directors determine require support of the choreographer. The Choreographer will be responsible for communication with the musical director, wardrobe manager, set & prop designer, and directors to ensure the show choreography aligns with the other parts of the show. The choreographer will also play a role in casting, leading prospective actors through a short dance number during auditions in late February and providing feedback on their performance to the Producer and Directors. auditions.
Approx total working hours: 42 – Staggered from late 2024 through to late May
Promotions Coordinator
The Promotions Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating aspects of the promotion of Capping Show to ensure it achieves its goals, namely to be a successful and culturally relevant comical revue show produced by students for a student audience. The Promotions Coordinator will carry out marketing activations on and around campus, produce content for the Capping Show social channels, and work closely with the OUSA marketing team and Capping Show Producer on the marketing and promotion of the show. The role will be varied and flexible to meet the needs of the show.
Approx total working hours: 65 – Staggered from late 2024 through to late May
How to Apply
Applicants must send their CV, completed OUSA application form and a cover letter to the HR Advisor, Lauren Scrimgeour (jobs@ousa.org.nz).
Please clearly indicate the position(s) you are applying for.