Student Applications

Applications to stage a show in Lent 2027 (and Easter 2027 Week 1) are now open!

>> Link to applications form <<

Lent 2027 applications timeline:

• Saturday 26 September 2026: Applications open. If you're not sure what to apply with, or want some inspiration, contact either CUADC or the Production Manager.
• Applications close: Wednesday 21 October If you have any issues with the deadline please email applications@adctheatre.com.
• Saturday 31 October - Sunday 01 November 2026: Most applicants will be invited to deliver a 5-minute pitch to discuss their application in more detail;
• w/b Monday 02 November 2026: One of the panellists will read the script (where applicable), and questions based on the script, written application and pitch might be sent over to the applicant to respond via email towards the end of the week;
• Saturday 07 - Sunday 08 November 2026: Most applicants for the ADC Mainshow slot are invited to a further, 20-minute interview. If you have applied for a different slot, you probably won't be invited to an interview, though please don't worry: we should have all the information we need to make a decision;
• w/b Monday 09 November 2026: You will find out via email whether your application has been successful, likely towards the end of the week.
• Friday 13 November 2026: Successful applicants will be invited to a Lent 2026 kick-off assembly in the ADC Bar from 4pm which will be a chance for everyone to meet one another and ask any initial questions.

Easter 2027 applications draft timeline:

• w/b Sunday 03 January 2027: Applications open.
• Wednesday 03 February 2027: Applications close.
• Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 February 2027: Most applicants will be invited to deliver a 5-minute pitch to discuss their application in more detail;
• Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 February 2027: Most applicants for the ADC Mainshow slot are invited to a further, 20-minute interview.
• w/b Monday 22 February 2027: You will find out via email whether your application has been successful.

Michaelmas 2027 applications draft timeline:

• w/b Sunday 04 April 2027: Applications open.
• Wednesday 05 May 2027: Applications close.
• Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 May 2027: Most applicants will be invited to deliver a 5-minute pitch to discuss their application in more detail;
• Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 May 2027: Most applicants for the ADC Mainshow slot are invited to a further, 20-minute interview.
• w/b Monday 24 May 2027: You will find out via email whether your application has been successful.

Lent 2028 applications draft timeline:

• w/b Sunday 19 September 2027: Applications open.
• Wednesday 20 October 2027: Applications close.
• Saturday 30 October - Sunday 31 October 2027: Most applicants will be invited to deliver a 5-minute pitch to discuss their application in more detail;
• Saturday 06 - Sunday 07 November 2027: Most applicants for the ADC Mainshow slot are invited to a further, 20-minute interview.
• w/b Monday 08 November 2027: You will find out via email whether your application has been successful.

More information about the application process can be viewed below:

Applications Guide

For non-student booking enquiries, please click here.

When applying, the application form will ask you for the following:

• Your name, phone number and email address;
• The name and author (if applicable) of the show;
• A synopsis of the show, genre, age suitability (see more information below), and any content notes you want the panel to be aware of;
• The expected cast size for the show;
• The expected run time for the show (please bear in mind the durations of each of the slots you can apply for);
• Whether your show has any intimacy content;
• Your answers to the following questions:
  • Why are you passionate about your show?
  • What ideas do you have about the process of bringing your show to the stage?
  • How do you want the audience to react to the show?
  • What ideas do you currently have about ways to allow for diversity and inclusion in your production?
  • What are your ideas for marketing this production?
• Any supplementary material, if necessary;
• The slot and venue you would like to apply for (see the applications guide for more details);
• Whether you would like your show to be considered for one of the suggested categories (see further down this page for more information);
• Whether you would like your show to be considered for funding by one of our resident companies (see applications guide for more details). Please note that you do not need to worry about funding at the point that you apply for a show;
• Your availability to give a five-minute pitch;
• Your availability to conduct a twenty-minute interview to discuss your application further;
• A 150-word "long" marketing blurb, a 20-word "short" marketing blurb, and a publicity image;
• Details about how the panel can access the script (whether you are uploading it, providing a link to download, emailing it or delivering it to the Administration Office prior to the application deadline). Please note that if applicable to your application, a script must be provided for your application to be considered;
• Whether the performance rights are available for your show (please note, you only need to check that they are available. Do not apply for the rights. The Theatre will ultimately apply for the rights on your behalf);
• Any adjustments that you require to the applications process;
• Details about the applicant so that the ADC can publish anonymised data on the ethnicity, sexuality and disability of successful applicants (this part is entirely optional and any specific data provided will be kept confidential by the Theatre Manager).

Suggested Categories

Each term, the ADC show selection panel provides suggested categories that we would be keen to see applications for, in order to broaden our season. For this round, we have provided categories only and no suggested scripts so as to encourage as wide a variety of applications as possible. If you are looking for inspiration, there may be suitable scripts available in the CUADC Library in the ADC Production Office, or please feel free to email the Production Manager who will be able to suggest plays. As a member of the University you also have free access to read countless scripts on Drama Online.

We emphasise that you can apply with any show and that the below category headings only serve to act as a guide. If we do not receive any applications for a category, or if all applications in a category are not of sufficient quality the panel will revert to selecting from the open applications field to fill the slots. In all cases the quality of submissions will continue to be the guiding principle in show selection.

Lent Term Musical

The Lent Term Musical (LTM) is one of the highlights of our Spring season. Funded by CUADC, LTM is a two-week ADC Mainshow slot in weeks 8 and 9 of term. The LTM should have a medium-to-large sized cast and be an ensemble-based show.

We have a shortlist of LTM shows you can apply to do. These are shows for which we have checked that rights are available (at the moment - this can be subject to change) and has been compiled with the advice of CUADC and CUMTS.

It is possible to apply this term for a musical which is not on the shortlist. These applications will be considered for a different week but not for LTM, typically Week 3. However, please bear in mind that performance rights must be available for an amateur performance in February in Cambridge. If you need to check the availability of performance rights, or have any questions about the performance rights, please contact applications@adctheatre.com, as the ADC will apply for rights on your behalf. If rights are not available for the show for which you apply, we will not be able to process your application. In addition, consider whether the show is suitable for the stage size, company size and budget with which you expect to work. If you are unsure about checking the availability of performance rights, or the suitability of your show, please contact us in advance of submitting your application.

If your Lent Term Musical application is unsuccessful, you may be considered for a slot earlier in the term.

Please note: due to a local production already scheduled for Spring, the rights for Legally Blonde are not available.

The rights for Kinky Boots are also not available.

The LTM shortlist for this year is:

Mamma Mia by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Catherine Johnson (2017)

The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolds on a Greek island idyll to the magic of ABBA’s pop masterpieces. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. Catherine Johnson’s original and irresistible tale of love, family and friendship continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Please note this show is only licenced to schools and universities so additional licensing provisions apply. Please email applications@adctheatre.com to find out more if you are considering an application for this work.

Shrek the Musical by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire (2013)

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…" And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek.

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all), and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Footloose by Tom Snow, Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie (1998)

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

High School Musical by David Simpatico & various songwriters (2006)

It's the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock Troy discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical, led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

A Chorus Line by James Kirkwood, Nicholas Dante, Marvin Hamlisch & Edward Kleban (1975)

A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers – those valiant, over-dedicated, underpaid, highly trained performers who back up the star or stars and often make them look even more talented than they are. It is also a celebration of the American Musical itself. A Chorus Line is also about competition, and competition might easily be the common denominator that grabs the audience and holds it by the collective heartstring until the final, ultimate choices are made. For everyone, at one time or another, puts his life on the line. We all compete, no matter what business we’re in, for promotion, for attention, for approval and for love. Specifically, A Chorus Line takes the audience through the final grueling audition run by the director, Zach, for a new Broadway musical.

Footlights Presents

Footlights Presents is a comedy show – typically a sketch show, but not exclusively – that aims to showcase up-and-coming comedians in their second undergraduate year or above, or postgraduate students in any year of study.  The show is an ADC Lateshow slot that usually occurs early on in Lent term, and is fully funded and supported by the Footlights.

It should be pitched as a sketch show concept by one person in the capacity of a writer, director, writer/director or writer/performer. This concept should be both innovative and with strong roots in sketch comedy as a medium (although applicants are free to draw on other inspirations as well).

The show will receive full funding and support from the Cambridge Footlights.

There are no specific requirements on who may pitch or take part in Footlights Presents, although it should be noted that the show is targeted as an opportunity for those with some, but not a huge amount of experience with Cambridge comedy. If you have any questions about applications, email secretary@cambridgefootlights.org.

The show typically features a cast of six writer/performers, as well as at least a Director and Assistant Director (who may also be involved as writers). Applicants may adapt or alter this format with sufficient reasoning for doing so. The Footlights committee would also like to stipulate that they aim for Footlights Presents to be a fair and diverse representation of the Cambridge comedy scene and encourage those applying to keep this in mind.

What to consider before making an application

Rights

The rights-holders of most plays and musicals require you to purchase performing rights before a production can be staged.

Most rights for shows are held by the following three companies:

• Concord Theatricals
• Nick Hern Books
• Music Theatre International

If you are looking at a show that is not held by one of these rightsholders, then you must check elsewhere whether amateur performance rights are available. If you are unsure whether the rights to your show are available, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with the Theatre Manager here as soon as possible. You will be unlikely to be able to submit an application if we have not have confirmation that rights are available, and this process can sometimes take a number of weeks. You only need to check that rights are available for application, you do not need to apply yourself. If your show is programmed, the ADC will apply for rights on your behalf. If you are applying for any of the shows from the Lent Tern Musical shortlist you do not need to check rights as the Theatre Manager has already checked and secured them.

Please note that many rights agreements do not permit changes to be made to the show's script, period, setting, or characters (including their gender). If you wish to change these aspects within your production you will need to get in touch with the rightsholders in advance to see if this is possible. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Theatre Manager here.

Has the show been staged previously?

We are very unlikely to programme a show which has been on at the ADC Theatre or Corpus Playroom already in the last 5 years. Please check camdram.net for information on when shows have last been put on.

The ADC has an active programme outside of term time and a minority of these shows aren't listed on Camdram. We are also unlikely to consider shows that have been performed recently in major local venues (e.g. The Arts Theatre). If you are concerned about whether a show has been recently performed, please email us.

Available Slots

These are the slots we will be accepting applications for. More information about these slots can be found in the applications guide.

ADC Mainshows (Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm) - NB Lent Week 2 not available

ADC Lateshows (Wednesday to Saturday at 11pm) - NB Lent Week 2 not available

ADC One-Night Stands (Generally a Tuesday one-off show at 11pm) - NB Lent Week 2 not available

Corpus Playroom Mainshows (Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm)

Corpus Playroom Lateshows (Wednesday to Saturday at 9.30pm)

Corpus Playroom One-Night Stands (Tuesday one-off show at 9.30pm)

ADC Bar Show (Sunday or Monday at 8pm) - NB Lent Week 2 not available

ADC Larkum Studio Show (Wednesday to Saturday at 8pm) - NB Lent Week 2 not available

Unavailable Shows

The following shows are already programmed but not yet on sale and so would not be able to be pitched for:

• A Slight Ache (Harold Pinter)
• The Pickwick Papers
• Till the Stars Come Down
• Spitfire Girls
• The Full Monty
• The Witches of Eastwick

Pitching your show

Once you apply with your show, you will be invited to deliver a five-minute pitch.

You can discuss whatever you'd like in your pitch, but if you're not sure what to talk about, we recommend that you provide answers to these questions:

• Why are you passionate about this show?
• What ideas do you have about the process of bringing your show to the stage, including any initial ideas for design/direction.
• How do you want the audience to react to the show?

You may be asked to attend a further interview the following weekend, especially if you have applied for an ADC Mainshow, to talk about your application in more detail. We will give you a small number of questions to prepare in advance.

We usually only invite the applicants for further interview when they apply for the ADC Mainshow slot, so do not worry if you are not invited to a longer interview. Please note that not all ADC Mainshow applications will be asked to attend a further interview. It may be that we are still considering your show for an alternative slot and/or venue.

Marketing

During the application process you will be asked to answer a number of questions pertaining to the marketing and web listing of your show were it to be programmed, including a marketing blurb, image, content notices and age suitability. This is because due to the tight turn around for season programming, at the point the season has been confirmed, all of the season marketing materials (including the brochure) are compiled and we start to upload key information to our website.

If your show is programmed, you will have a short window to suggest changes to any of these prior to publication by the Theatre.

When determining an age recommendation for your show, you should consider the following matrix:

Does your show contain?

For clarification on any of the above, please speak to the Production Manager.

Other Information

You can apply with more than one production, or for more than one venue or slot. You should be aware, however, that spreading yourself too thinly can weaken all your applications: we are interested in a passion for a specific production rather than a general desire to stage something.

We are committed to open auditions and applications for cast and crew positions. If you are applying with a show that has been pre-cast, or has filled all of its major crew positions, please consider that this could be detrimental to your application.

We are only accepting electronic applications via the Google Form found above. Please get in touch here if you experience any technical issues.

There is a space on the application form to mention any adjustments that you require for the pitching process. Please note down if you would prefer to have more time in an interview, or any other adjustments.

Access information for our venues can be found here. Of note is the fact that the ADC Theatre is a fully accessible space, and that the Corpus Playroom is regrettably not wheelchair accessible.

We are only able to programme student productions during University term time. If you would like to enquire about other hire opportunities, please visit our website here.

Protected Characteristics

The ADC Management team publishes anonymised data on how many show applicants fall under certain protected characteristics including ethnicity, sexuality and disability, and how many of these applicants successfully had a show programmed. This data is collected as part of the show application process and is entirely optional for candidates to complete.

For the 2025 and 2026 show application rounds (Lent 2025, Easter 2025, Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026, Easter 2026, and Michaelmas 2026), we received a total of 334 applications (164 for 2025, 170 for 2026), with an average acceptance rate of 63% across the two years. This varies depending on the season, venue and type of show applied for (e.g. ADC Mainshows and Musicals tend to be our most competitive slots, Easter will typically see the fewest applications, etc). The below does not include applications for the CUADC/Footlights Pantomimes, for which demographic data was not collected. Of the total and successful applicants for the 2025 and 2026 show selection rounds, the following percentages of applicants shared that they have a disability, identify as LGBT+, and/or are from an ethnic minority background:

The University of Cambridge publishes anonymised equality and diversity data every year, with the latest report being published for the 2022-23 cohort. Students with a disclosed disability comprised 17.8% of all undergraduates. Students from a BAME background who disclosed their ethnicity made up 37.3% of all undergraduates. In 2022-23 report, published in March 2024, the University of Cambridge did not report on student numbers by sexual orientation.