New Musical Theatre Research Grants and Fellowships Available Now

Opportunity for Musical Theatre Research

For those interested in the realm of musical theatre on both stage and screen, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive Trust have come together to offer a unique chance to delve into exciting research projects. This collaboration presents annual research grants of up to £1,000 and fellowships reaching up to £10,000, supported by the generous funding of the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive Trust.

Background of the Collaboration

In 2018, the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive Trust contributed a significant collection to the V&A, creating Overtures: The Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive. This world-leading collection includes an impressive array of musical theatre vinyl records, scores, and libretti, showcasing pivotal moments in musical theatre history. Among its treasures is the 1943 recording of “Selections from the Theatre Guild Musical Play Oklahoma!”, which holds the distinction of being the first Broadway original cast recording. The collection was highlighted in the V&A’s Re:Imagining Musicals exhibition in 2022, emphasizing the enduring impact of musical adaptations over the years.

What the Grants and Fellowships Entail

This initiative aims to support researchers and practitioners in furthering their understanding and practice within the field of musical theatre. Applicable research projects can scope, advance, or complete significant work utilizing the vast resources available at both the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive and the V&A’s Theatre and Performance Collections.

Researchers will have access to a plethora of historical materials, including musical theatre programmes, posters, photographs, books, and archives of various performers and theatres. This extensive repository also includes recordings of musicals staged in the UK from 1992 to the present, as part of the V&A’s National Video Archive of Performance.

Timelines for Applications

Applications for these grants and fellowships open on June 9, 2025, and submissions are due by July 1, 2025. All applicants can expect to receive feedback about their proposals by August 1, 2025. Successful recipients will initiate their research during the summer of 2025, following the opening of the V&A’s newest research and storage centre, V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, East London, which launches on May 31, 2025.

Levels of Financial Support

The funding is broken down into the following categories:

• Grants: up to £1,000
• Fellowships: – Standard (between £1,000 – £5,000) and Major (between £5,000 – £10,000)

Eligible expenses for these grants may comprise travel, accommodation, sustenance for consulting archives at the V&A, as well as any associated image reproduction costs.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Applications will undergo careful review based on a set of criteria:

1. Strategic Fit: Alignment with the priorities of Bunnett-Muir Trust to advance scholarship in musical theatre.
2. Quality: Clear articulation and compelling planning of the proposal, including a distribution plan.
3. Feasibility: Practicality of the proposal considering the required resources and collaboration with V&A staff.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants must complete an application form detailing their research proposal, motivations, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes. It is vital for applicants to specify which collections or items they plan to consult, citing museum reference numbers where applicable, particularly those starting with S. for objects and either BMT/ or THM/ for archival material.

Engagement initiatives that incorporate public involvement—such as talks or articles—are particularly encouraged alongside main research outputs. Upon completion, researchers are expected to submit a 500-word report detailing their findings.

For any further inquiries or to request an application form, interested parties can get in touch with Professor Dominic Broomfield-McHugh, Academic Trustee at the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive Trust.

결론

The grants and fellowships offered through this collaboration present a remarkable opportunity for those passionate about advancing their research in musical theatre. By tapping into the wealth of resources from the V&A and the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive, participants can further explore the captivating history and vitality of this genre. On LocalsRide, you can easily find transport options to facilitate travel for research or viewing meetings, ensuring a seamless journey in pursuit of knowledge. The grants support a transparent and supportive environment that encourages innovative research in the arts. Experience the convenience and accessibility of booking tailored rides through LocalsRide, enabling effective travels to research destinations.

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