Lucy Sainsbury tells us all about the highlight of the Durham Student Theatre calendar

So what are the D’OSCARS?

D’Oscars are the highlight of the Durham Student Theatre social calendar. Just like the Oscars, our evening aims to recognize the best of Durham’s theatrical talent, as well as providing you with an evening to remember!

This year the D’Oscars will be held at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle. The evening will begin with a champagne reception and photo shoot with the award-winners announced during a scrumptious three course dinner. Then it’s dancing into the small hours before being whisked off back to Durham.

Who hosts it? What makes it different from a standard society ball?

It’s hosted by the Durham Student Theatre Exec (incoming and outgoing). What’s different about the D’Oscars is that it allows those members who have really shone during the year to be acknowledged and it allows all society members a voice in the decision.

There’s no cliquey panel of judges – just an honest representation of who the society feels most deserves acknowledgement.

What prizes are awarded? What categories?

Those lucky enough to win will be presented with their very own D’Oscar statue-handcrafted by a skillful Exec! Given the diverse number of roles one can take on there is quite a number of categories.

As expected, categories include: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Production. However, there are also corresponding categories for musical theatre and college plays.

In addition awards are presented for music, choreography, publicity and many more, including the favourite Best Onstage Mistake.

How does the voting system work?

Voting will occur via the DST website in two rounds. First, members will be asked to offer nominations for all the categories and then the top few people in each category are put up for formal nomination. In this round members are asked to vote out of those candidates who came top in the nominations.

All votes are confidential and final numbers are verified by an independent adjudicator to ensure there aren’t any slip ups!

What’s the best thing about the D’OSCARS?

Obviously, it’s a fabulous way to celebrate a fun filled year as with no exams left everyone’s really able to enjoy themselves.

However, I’d have to say that primarily the best thing about the D’Oscars is what it stands for. DST thrives on the passion of its members for all aspects of theatre and without this it wouldn’t be the successful and vibrant society which it is.

So, for me the best thing has to be that we are acknowledging and awarding this dedication and enthusiasm which is such an important part of Durham Student Theatre.