Showstoppers is the musical theatre society that StageSoc works with. They typically do 5-6 shows in the Annex each year, which are detailed later in this guide. This guide also contains other tips and information for working with Showstoppers.

Typically, Showstoppers have 5 show slots in the annex

• Fresher's Show - Last week of autumn term - This show slot has the cast entirely consisting of new members to Showstoppers
• Small Show - Mid February - This show slot has a maximum cast number of 12, and is usually a lower tech slot
• Spring Show - Early-Mid March - Typically showstoppers' biggest show of the year, this show often has extra prep weeks allowing for more elaborate sets & lighting
• Summer Show - First week after Easter break - This show slot typically has its intensive/prep week within the Easter holidays, and is another lower-tech show
• The 24 - Weekend at the end of summer exams - On the last day of exams at 4 pm, a show is announced. From 5 pm to 5 pm the next day (with some sleep in there), the cast learn the entire show, and we build the set, set up the band, program the lighting and try to have a tech/dress run - a lot of fun and a great way to finish the year!

As of 2025, StageSoc committee mandated that Showstoppers' shows must always have more than one person as TD, due to the scale of their shows. Showstoppers TDs are elected anywhere between 1 and 3 months before the show, often depending on how soon we receive a tech rider from the director(s). This allows for plenty of time to plan (typically including a couple of meetings with the directors), elect HoDs and prepare anything else needed (risk assessments, etc).

Showstoppers provide one of the bigger opportunities for soundies, as they have both a band and radio mics. Radio mics are nearly always limited to the 12 available for hire from SUSU (Hunchback of Notre Dame 2025 used 21 and caused many headaches). The band can range from 6 to 12 people, with 10 being a fairly standard amount. When SDing a showstoppers show, setup each night must be fairly streamlined, as once setup, you will need to carry out a mic check and a band line check.