Research Champion Bursary
National Drama is offering a bursary of up to £1,000 to support any member who wishes to carry out a research project.
Are you interested to find out how Drama works in the classroom or how effective it is? Could £1,00 help you research the importance of drama?
With this bursary you might:
- Explore how drama, as a powerful pedagogy, can support the teaching of oracy (and other features of your curriculum).
- Carry out a teacher survey concerning drama in your setting and offer CPD to enhance their ability to use dama in their teaching.
- Carry out small-scale research that will enhance understanding of drama practice?
- Interview a selection of students to discover their perceptions of drama and the impact it has on their learning and development?
- Focus on how drama forms and structures can be adapted to impact SEND teachers and learners.
These are just possibilities, and National Drama welcomes suggestions for any new projects that will establish, extend or enhance knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre education and the impact it can have.
Research evidence of this kind is, we believe, essential if ND is to have the capacity to argue the case for drama as a subject with anything like authentic authority. Your findings will be respected and valued.
How much can you apply for?
National Drama offers up to £1,000 to support research costs such as: transport, cover, resources, and fees. All with the intent of supporting members to shape evidence of how drama and theatre education can impact teaching and learning.
Who can apply?
This research possibility is open to ALL our members from any phase of education. This includes undergraduates; early careers or long established teachers; MA or PhD students; Primary or SEND teachers who wish to use drama across the curriculum; Secondary teachers who want to extend their students’ experiences; a Youth Theatre director initiative or a community practitioner with an interest in theatre, drama or social justice.
How to Apply
Complete the ND Bursaries application form stating why and how this bursary will help and support your professional development. Tell us a little about yourself and your work, along with details of how the bursary will be spent.
Bursary applications open on the 1st of February and close on the 28th of June, each year. Successful applicants will be notified by July 5th.
Terms
- You need to be a member of National Drama.
- Your research must be completed within a one-year framework.
- Upon completion of your research we require an article, with photographs if relevant, communicating your work and experience. This will be shared with our members through our Research Journal and/or our magazine and/or our website. If approved by the Editorial Board, you will see your name in print!
- Some information will be required for our marketing team which we can post on social media.
- The bursary will be paid on completion of the research and upon submission of receipts.
We would also like to promote your work further by inviting you to contribute to a live or Zoom event to celebrate your achievement.
Support you can access from National Drama
To aid your application process:
- With regards to outlining your projected costs within your application we point you to the Artists’ Union England – Rates of Pay guidance, 2026 to help you agree artists fees (where applicable). This guidance covers, workshop leaders, residencies, planning time, and education work. Guidance examples:
- New graduate artist: £216.63/day
- 3+ years: £284.31/day
- 5+ years: £352.01/day
- Lead artist/project manager: £387.21/day
To aid your project delivery:
National Drama will offer you support and mentoring as appropriate to your bursary. We will ‘check-in’ on the progress of your project and be available to offer guidance, as required.