Funding

We’re currently collating the information for this page and will update each section as we have it.

  • Established by a generous benefaction from Cameron Mackintosh, The Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund (CMDF) funds projects which supports the promotion of interest in, and the study and practice of, contemporary theatre within the university. They always welcome new and creative funding proposals. To ask about funding opportunities, contact the University Drama Officer at drama.officer@admin.ox.ac.uk

    CMDF Production Grants

    CMDF provides grants to student productions on a termly basis. This funding is advertised by the University Drama Officer in the second half of term. The vast majority of applicants receive a grant equivalent to 12% of the production’s budget.

    Secondly, productions can apply for a Guarantee Against Loss (sometimes referred to as a ‘grant underwriting’ or GAL). A GAL is an approved amount of money given to the production in the event it makes a loss. It can’t be used to pay back funding bodies but to cover costs that you, as individuals, are personally liable for. As a result, it is worth applying for a GAL for every production you stage.

    Thirdly, CMDF offers an additional sum to go towards the cost of vacation residence for productions rehearsing outside of term. Up to £350 can be given to each production that applies.

    CMDF Personal Development Grants

    Current Oxford University students can apply to CMDF for a grant of up to £250 in one academic year to participate in an activity which will contribute to their personal or professional development within the performing arts. Applications will be announced by the University Drama Officer in the later half of every university term.

  • OUDS offer pro-rata loans to student productions. This funding is available on a rolling basis, all year round.

    Usually, the treasurer will put out funding calls at the end or very start of each term, to remind people of this possible funding source. A form of deadline may be temporarily introduced for efficiency and to help when there is a high concentration of applications. However, missing these deadlines will by no means stop applications being considered.

    You can apply for OUDS funding here: www.oxforduniversitydramaticsociety.com/funding-ouds-funding-apply

    Email treasurer@ouds.org with any questions

What is a pro rata loan?

Pro-rata funding is when the amount you return to the funder depends financial outcome of your show. Here, the returned sum is equal to the initial funds you were given, plus a percentage of your profit, or minus a percentage of your loss, whichever applies.

All funding bodies listed on this exist solely to fund student theatre - they’re here to support you, so make sure to use them!