Panto 2025 applications

Producer and Writer applications are now open!

>> Apply Now <<

Director applications will open once the Writers have been selected and the title announced.

Every Autumn, the CUADC and the Cambridge Footlights produce a student-written Pantomime which performs as the ADC Mainshow in Weeks 7 and 8 of Michaelmas term. This is the largest show in the ADC's theatrical calendar and a great opportunity for an entirely original music to be performed to a sold-out auditorium!

We are looking for writers, directors and producers for this year's Pantomime. The application form can be found below.

Here are the key dates to be aware of:

• Tuesday 28 January: Applications for Producers and Writers open.
• Tuesday 11 February at Midday: Producer applications close.
• Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 February: Producers interviews with the show selection panel.
• Week beginning Monday 17 February: Successful Producer applicant(s) will be chosen and invited to join the panel the following weekend to interview Writers, and then later to interview Directors.
• Wednesday 19 February at Midday: Writer Applications close.
• Saturday 22 or Sunday 23 February: Writer interviews with the show selection panel and newly-chosen Producer(s).
• Week beginning Monday 24 February: Successful Writer applicant(s) chosen and informed.
• Week beginning Monday 24 February: Panto announced and Director applications open.
• Week beginning Monday 10 March (TBC): Director applications close
• Date TBC: Director applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their application and how they would work with the script ideas.
• Week following Director interviews: Directors will find out via email if their application has been successful.

Panto Producer(s)

The Producer(s) will lead the show's production team, opening and recruiting additional vacancies and liaising with the ADC Management team to coordinate all aspects of the production. The Producer(s) will have ultimate oversight of the project, including being on the panel to interview and select the Writer(s) and Director(s), as well as leading an effective marketing campaign alongside a Publicist. Producer(s) are encouraged to apply individually or as a pair. To apply, you should not be graduating prior to December 2025.

Producer(s) can apply using the form above. You will be asked to supply the following information/ answer the following questions:

• Applicant(s) name, preferred pronouns, telephone and email address;
• Why do you want to produce the CUADC/Footlights Pantomime?;
• What makes you the right person for the role (including any relevant producing experience)?;
• A rough timeline for the production process, as you would envision it;
• How will you lead an effective marketing campaign to promote the show?;
• What are you looking for in the rest of your core prod team, and the rest of the team as a whole? How will you go about recruiting them?;
• Your availability on Saturday 15 and/or Sunday 16 February for a pitch;
• Any required adjustments.

Panto Writers

The writers will be responsible for developing the show concept and writing multiple drafts of the Pantomime's script. A first draft should be ready by the start of the Summer, with any edits and re-writes taking place over Summer following a script review by the Director(s), Producer(s) and/or a script consultant. This may also include redrafting parts of the script throughout Michaelmas term as the rehearsal process develops. A composer and orchestrator(s) are often recruited to assist with writing and developing the show's original music and score. Previous writers of the CUADC/Footlights pantomime have written a guide for writers which can be read here.

Pantomimes are traditional loosely based around existing fairy tales. You should bear in mind that the target audience for the pantomime is students and members of the general public in equal measure, and so the content must be designed to be appropriate (but not necessarily suitable) for all ages. We do not accept applications for pantomime themes which have been staged in at least the last five years. You can view a full list of previous pantomimes here.

We encourage applications for Writers in teams of two or three, and applicants should be able to demonstrate strong comedy writing experience. We tend not to accept applications from students who will be graduating prior to December 2025.

Writers can apply using the form above. You will be asked to supply the following information/ answer the following questions:

• Applicant name(s), preferred pronouns, telephone and email address;
• The title of the show;
• A short synopsis;
• A rough timeline or scene-by-scene breakdown of what will happen in the show (this can be subject to change, but is designed to give the panel, and prospective Directors, a clear understanding of the vision for the show);
• The expected cast size;
• Your ideas for the theme and aesthetic of the show;
• Your ideas about location and setting;
• A summary of the key characters in the show;
• A draft scene or dialogue between some of these characters. This does not have to end up in the show but is just designed to give an idea of your writing style and sense of humour.
• Your initial ideas for songs in the show;
• Previous comedy writing experience;
• Your availability on Saturday 22 and/or Sunday 23 February for a pitch;
• A 100-word "long" blurb of the show, a 20-word "short" blurb, and a suggested publicity image;
• Any required adjustments.

Panto Director(s)

The Director(s) will lead the cast and creative team, developing the artistic vision for the show and bringing this to life in the rehearsal room. They will be responsible for casting and leading rehearsals, as well as leading the creative interpretation of the script in collaboration with the writers. Directors are encouraged to apply individually or as a pair. To apply, you should not be graduating prior to December 2025.

Director(s) can apply using the form above when application open. You will be asked to supply the following information/ answer the following questions:

• Applicant name, preferred pronouns, telephone and email address;
• Why do you want to direct the CUADC/Footlights Pantomime?;
• What makes you the right person for the role (including any relevant directing experience)?;
• What are your ideas about the process of bringing the show to the stage?;
• Your availability for a 20-minute interview;
• Any required adjustments.