About the roles
The engagement will run from January 2026 until the final performance in late November 2026. Most of the creative work can be done independently, allowing you to manage it around your studies. There will be some specified R&D commitments, regular meetings, and draft deadlines agreed at the point of contracting. We will also agree collaborative structures and ways of working to ensure the writer and composer work closely to create content together as a duo.
The Writer
The Writer will conceive the story, write the script and be responsible for the narrative arc and storytelling concepts that enable the musical to work as a cohesive evening and inspire, excite and move its audience. They will also work closely with the composer to write lyrics to the songs of the musical (if required). They will be expected to deliver to agreed deadlines for various drafts and Research & Development workshops throughout the period of engagement, collaborate closely with the writer and other creatives, and attend rehearsals as agreed/required.
The Composer
The Composer will write original music, in the form of songs, overtures and instrumental underscores that will become the musical form of UCL! The Musical. They will work closely with the writer to create songs and music aligned with a full length musical for a full scale public production. They will be expected to deliver to agreed deadlines for various drafts and Research & Development workshops throughout the period of engagement, collaborate closely with the writer and other creatives, and attend rehearsals as agreed/required. N.B. The Composer can either write the lyrics to the songs themselves, or they could apply on the basis of preferring to work with a lyricist.
Application Process
Stage One - Expression of Interest
Expression of interest should be sent via email and include:
- A short statement as to why this project interests you
- A short statement to express seriousness of purpose
- A couple of sentences indicating your previous experience as a writer or composer/MD
Stage Two - Submission
At this stage, we will send you some more details about the project, as well as a Creative Resource Pack, which captures some of the research from the first phase of R&D. We will also offer you a 1-1 Q&A session with us to answer any questions you may have about the project, that will aid your application.
You will then need to submit:
Writer
- Summary/outline of a story/narrative (no more than one side of A4)
- Treatment that details how you would make the musical work; how you would develop a framework that celebrates UCL’s history and at the same time has a character-driven narrative that is compelling, enlightening and moves both heart and head. (no more than one side of A4)
- Two draft scenes (2-5 pages) from any part of the story
- A previous play or musical (produced or unproduced) as an example of your writing
- Short Creative CV detailing your previous experience in playwrighting, and any other creative experience you think is relevant. This can be both at UCL and outside of UCL
Composer
- A short treatment offering a sense in how you would go about composing for this project. This could include offerings on style, collaboration, output, references
- 1-3 compositions or songs
- A short statement about your practice, and how you would imagine working and collaborating
- Other examples of your work as a composer (either previous or work in progress)
- Short Creative CV detailing your previous experience in composing, MDing and/or any other creative experience you think is relevant. This can be both at UCL and outside of UCL
Stage Three - Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the panel to give a presentation on their ideas in person, and answer any questions about their creative practice and initial visions for the project.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for Expressions of Interest is Friday 12th December 2025. Then the application deadline for Submissions will be Friday 9th January 2026.
If you would like to apply for the Writer or Composer for UCL! The Musical, please send an email to [email protected] with ‘UCL! The Musical’ in the subject line. Your email should include the following:
- A short statement as to why this project interests you
- A short statement to express how serious you are about applying
- A couple of sentences indicating your previous experience as a writer or composer/MD
All Expressions of Interest must be received by 5pm on Friday 12th December. 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
Who is eligible to apply?
- The roles of the Writer and Composer are open to any current UCL student, or any UCL alumnus who has graduated within the past 2 years (i.e. in 2024 or 2025).
Is it paid?
- UCL! The Musical is a unique commission for a unique occasion, and the roles of Composer and Writer will be paid in line with the ITC Theatre Writers’ Commissioning Agreement, with the minimum fee split 50/50 between the Writer and Composer. These roles sit outside the usual parameters of student-led Bloomsbury Theatre opportunities, and will be contracted to strict deadlines across a protracted time period, to include a shared IP agreement.
Can I apply as a part of a writer/composer duo?
- Yes, you are welcome to apply as a writer/composer duo. But you don’t have to – it’s absolutely fine to apply through a single application.
Who will be on the selection panel?
- The panel will be made up of a combination of representatives from artsUCL, UCL200, UCL student leaders and external theatre professionals.
What’s the application deadline?
- The application deadline for Expressions of Interest is Friday 12th December 2025. Then the application deadline for Submissions will be Friday 9th January 2026.