Medleys, University of Melbourne Medical Revue

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Medleys is an annual comedy revue performed by medical students from the University of Melbourne at Union House Theatre, which is in the Union House building of the university's Parkville campus. The show which runs for 3 nights each year combines a multitude of sketches and a two-act musical. Although Medleys is performed by medical students, the revue differs from other medical revues by avoiding medical jokes or parodies of faculty staff. Proceeds from ticket sales are donated to local charity organizations.

1 Format
2 Casting
3 Production
4 Musical
5 Organization Chart

[edit] Format

The Introduction to the revue is a large sketch which incorporates all members of the cast. This is followed by a few sketches and the first half of a two-act musical. A twenty-minute overture precedes the second half of the revue which is comprised of a few other sketches and the second part of the musical.

Medleys' duration is normally two hours, excluding the overture.

[edit] Casting

Although Medleys does not have a written constitution, it is a generally accepted rule that all cast members are medical students of the University of Melbourne. No audition is required but frequent attendance of weekly meetings is crucial. Roles in sketches and the musical are determined by the director.

[edit] Production

All aspects of the show's production are done by cast members, including directing, writing, producing, acting, music, props and costumes. Medleys is produced in an approximately six-month period through weekly rehearsals, two weekend camps and a day camp where cast members discuss, write and perform their sketch or musical ideas. After the second weekend camp, there are two rehearsals each week for extra practice on the musical. Weekend camps are held in vacation homes of cast members or their relatives.

During the earlier rehearsals, ice-breaking games and theatresports are played to promote bonding and friendship among cast members.

[edit] Musical

The musical contains comedy songs which are pop songs whose lyrics are changed to funny topics. There are also dance routines which include the whole cast. Medleys also has a live band which plays musics for the musical and other sketches.