The University of Chichester launches an innovative Musical Theatre Masters Degree embracing the development of new work

The University of Chichester has launched a new postgraduate Masters course in Musical Theatre, 

the first gender non-conforming course in the UK, with opportunities to learn from some of the 

best and brightest minds currently practising in the industry. As a completely project-based course 

it is both affordable and inclusive. With practicality at its heart, the course aims to equip students 

to go out into the industry armed with well-honed skills, imagination and the ability to create 

exciting new work. 

Course Director Meredith Braun said: “What a privilege, to be given the opportunity to write and 

lead a course that challenges established musical theatre from within, to involve the best of the 

industry, question the status quo and work with the theatre makers of the future.”

Director in Residence Steven Dexter added: “We have developed a course which not only focuses on 

performing but also creating exciting, self-developed work. My ethos has always been “if 

opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”.

The course offers broad training in a range of musical theatre practices. Modules include working 

on a new musical together with the composer and lyricist, examining structure and creating a 

devised jukebox style musical based on an existing pop album or body of work and developing a 

fringe style event theatre piece. The course naturally culminates in an industry showcase and main 

production. All shows will have gender-blind casting with leading vocal practitioners on hand to 

support all singers. 

Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree to apply for the course and can apply if 

they have professional documented experience. The course is also cost-effective; to ensure that it 

is open to all, it is currently set at the amount of the UK government loan for Masters study. 

Course Director Meredith Braun and Director in Residence Steven Dexter have a wealth of 

knowledge and experience between them. Braun has played leading roles in the West End such as 

Eponine in Les Misérables, Christine in Phantom of the Opera, originated the role of Betty Schaefer 

in Sunset Boulevard and Lily in The Secret Garden (RSC and West End) as well as playing Belle in the 

much-loved Muppet Christmas Carol with Michael Caine. Dexter has an extensive directing career 

including the Olivier-nominated West End musical Loserville (Garrick Theatre), the recent 

reimagined Pippin (Charing Cross Theatre) and the world premiere of Stiles and Drewe’s Honk! (The 

Watermill, Newbury). 

The Conservatoire’s close relationship with Chichester Festival Theatre, Mercury Musical 

Developments and Musical Theatre Network cements Chichester as an exciting hub for musical 

theatre with its industry-leading teachers, practitioners and contacts. 

Applications are now open to study MA Musical Theatre at the University of Chichester from 

January 2024 – you can find out more here. Submissions are also now open for new work for the 

New Musicals module – these can be submitted here.