The Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund (CMDF)

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. The fund pays for the University Drama Officer, a dedicated member of staff to support student theatre and performance across the university, as well visiting speakers and workshops.

They always welcome new and creative funding proposals. To ask about funding opportunities, contact the University Drama Officer at [email protected]

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. You can receive 3 types of grants from the CMDF:

  1. General Production Grants: The vast majority of applicants receive a sum equivalent to 12-15% of the production’s budget.

  2. Guarantee Against Loss (sometimes referred to as a ‘grant underwriting’ or GAL): 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.

  3. Vacation Residence Grants: an additional sum to go towards the cost of vacation residence for productions rehearsing in Oxford outside of term. Up to £350 can be given to each production that applies.

Each production is able to apply to all 3 types of production grants, and you can do so on the Oxford Student Theatre website, which is managed and ran by the University Drama Officer.

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. You can apply through the Oxford Student Theatre website.

CMDF Funded Headshot Session

CMDF often funds the cost of a headshot session with a local photographer. Most often in Michaelmas and Trinity Term, each participant gets a 30min session to generate two headshots. Enter a randomised ballot to apply, which will be advertised by the University Drama Officer.