In 1990 the University received a generous benefaction from the Mackintosh Foundation to endow the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund. The activities carried out include professional advice in voice and acting, together with workshops on other aspects of the practice of contemporary theatre. The Fund also offers underwriting and grants for selected student productions and other events that fall under its remit, as determined by the Board. Most of these activities are overseen by the University Drama Officer.
Applying for grants and underwriting
Grants and underwriting are available from the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund for high-quality student productions at Oxford University. Applications should be made to the Drama Officer and should include the following information:
- the original bid for the production,
- a budget,
- the amount of funding required and,
- a brief statement detailing why the production merits funding from the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund
Grants will usually be between £100 and £500. Underwriting applications are made in case of financial loss and should include the same information.
Applications for funding should be submitted the term before your production. The deadline for applications each term will be advertised from around 4th Week onwards with a deadline at the end of 6th week. The applications are considered in 9th Week, and replies sent out soon afterwards. You can find more information and the application form www.oxfordstudenttheatre.org/funding.
University Drama Officer Recruitment
Applications are invited for the fixed-term post of University Drama Officer (UDO) from self-motivated recent or soon-to-be graduates. Applicants should have extensive experience of university student theatre and a broad range of theatre skills.
The UDO advises the Cameron Mackintosh Board of Management on matters relating to student drama, provides support and advice to students on matters relating to student drama, commissions professionals and organises workshops. The UDO helps to programme student productions at a number of venues across Oxford, including the Oxford Playhouse, Burton Taylor Theatre, Schwarzman Centre, North Wall Theatre, and college venues. The post holder also supports the work of the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre.
A video offering further insight in to the role of the University Drama Officer can be viewed here.
The appointment is expected to run from September 2026 to the end of September 2027 (with the possibility of extending for a further 12 months). Further particulars can be obtained from Gemma Proctor at trusts@admin.ox.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is 1pm on Friday 10th April 2026.
