Our People – Meredith Braun

Meredith Braun heads up the Musical Theatre (Music) programme at the Chichester Conservatoire. 

Tell us about your role at the University of Chichester. 

I’m the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Music) and a Senior Lecturer.  I also wrote the MA Musical Theatre programme which is beginning in January 2026.  

My role involves overseeing the academic and artistic direction of the course, teaching vocal performance and acting through song, and supporting students as they prepare for careers in the performing arts. I also work closely with colleagues to ensure the course remains relevant, rigorous and responsive to the needs of the industry. 

When did you join and what brought you here? 

I joined the University in 2015. After a long career in professional theatre, I was looking for a way to contribute to the development of young performers in a more sustained and meaningful way.  

The University of Chichester’s strong reputation in performing arts education and its commitment to nurturing individual talent, made it the right place to do that.   

Chichester is also a very lovely place to live! 

Can you tell us a bit about your performing career before joining the university? 

I began performing professionally in New Zealand before training at the Italia Conti Academy in London. My West End credits include roles such as Eponine in Les Misérables, Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, and Lily in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Secret Garden.  

I also played Belle in The Muppet Christmas Carol movie – a role that continues to follow me, especially around December.  

These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the demands of the industry which I bring into the classroom. 

What’s an average day at work like for you? 

No two days are the same! It’s part of what makes the role so rewarding.  

A typical day might include teaching, rehearsals, tutorials, meetings and course planning. There’s also a strong pastoral element to the work – supporting students through the challenges of training in a demanding and competitive field. 

What do you love most about working at the University? 

The students. Their commitment, creativity and growth over the course of their training is genuinely inspiring. I also value the collaborative and supportive culture among staff. It’s a place where people care deeply about the work they do – and about each other. 

What is your greatest achievement in your job or research? 

Shaping a course that is both artistically and academically demanding and genuinely supportive is something I’m proud of. Seeing our graduates go on to work professionally is always wonderful but equally important is helping students discover their own artistic identity and confidence. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Musical theatre is a demanding discipline that requires resilience, empathy and a strong sense of self. I’m proud to be part of a university that recognises the value of the arts and invests in the people who bring them to life – on stage and beyond.