Xiaohongshu
About the roles
Director
The Director is responsible for the overall creative vision and decision making for the production. They will work in close collaboration with the Writer and Composer to bring their work to life in the Bloomsbury Theatre. They will lead the creative process from work and collaborate with cast and creative teams to bring a cohesive, engaging performance to the stage.
Designer
The Designer will design the set and costumes for the production, taking responsibility for shaping the world of the musical, and creating an environment where the storytelling and overall vision can be staged most impactfully. They will work closely with the Director and technical team to ensure their work is clearly communicated and deliverable.
Producer
The Producer will take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the production. They will be engine room of the show, overseeing all aspects and taking responsibility for planning, budgeting, logistics and problem solving from start to finish.
Who is eligible to apply?
The roles of Director, Designer and Producer are open to any current UCL student, or any alumnus who has graduated from UCL within the past 2 years (this includes those who graduated in 2024, 2025 or those who have just finished their degrees this summer and will graduate in 2026).
Application Process
Stage One - Application via email
- A statement detailing why you are applying and what you would bring to the role (no more than one side of A4)
- A creative CV detailing your relevant experience
- (For Directors and Designers only) A portfolio detailing visuals from previous productions, to give us an idea of your previous work
Stage Two - Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the panel to answer questions about their previous experience, creative practice and initial visions for the project. At this stage, we will share a draft working script for the production.
Application deadline?
The application deadline for these three roles is Monday 13th July at 5pm, with interviews shortly after that.
If you would like to apply for the Director, Designer or Producer, send an email to [email protected] with ‘UCL! The Musical application – [role]’ in the subject line. Your email should include the following:
- A statement detailing why you are applying and what you would bring to the role (no more than one side of A4)
- A short statement to express how serious you are about applyiA creative CV detailing your relevant experienceng
- (For Directors and Designers only) A portfolio detailing visuals from previous productions, to give us an idea of your previous work
All Applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 13 July. We will then be in touch with you regarding the next steps of the process. Please do feel free to email us with any questions.
FAQ's
What is the commitment?
The engagement will run from August 2026 until the final performance in late November 2026. Much of the creative work can be done independently, allowing you to manage it around your studies or part-time work (though please note that most rehearsals will be in the evenings or at weekends). For recent alumni, we imagine this opportunity to be geared more to those who are working as creative freelancers, rather than in full-time employment, however we are open to conversations and ideas as to how you might envision it working. There will be some specified R&D commitments over the summer. Casting, rehearsal and production schedules will be finalised over the summer. We will agree collaborative structures and ways of working to ensure effective collaboration and commitment.
Do I need previous experience in these roles?
Yes. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate significant previous experience in their roles. We would expect applicants to have previous experience in at least one or more Main House productions in the Bloomsbury Theatre.
Is it paid?
UCL! The Musical is a unique commission for a unique occasion, and sits outside of the usual parameters of student-led opportunities in the Bloomsbury Theatre. As such, the roles of Director, Designer and Producer will be paid in line with comparable opportunities within the creative industries.
Who will be on the selection panel?
The panel will be made up of the Writer and/or Composer, as well as a combination of staff representatives from artsUCL, UCL200 and external theatre professionals.
What’s the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Director, Designer and Producer is Monday 13th July at 5pm, with interviews shortly after that.