Panto 2025 applications

The CUADC/Footlights Pantomime 2025 will be.... Jack and the Beanstalk by Martha Alexander & Flora Maxwell, and applications are now open to produce or direct!

Director applications are now open!

>> Apply Now <<

Applications close at the end of Lent term.

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!

Panto Producer(s)

The Producer(s) will lead the show's production team, opening and recruiting additional vacancies and liaising with the CUADC, Footlights and ADC Management team to coordinate all aspects of the production. The Producer(s) will have ultimate oversight of the project, 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?;

Panto Writers - APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

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. 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 the most important qualities of a pantomime?;
  • What are your ideas for bringing this show to the stage?;