CAST Studio
Programme Leader
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Programme Leader – BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Lead. Inspire. Shape the Future of Performer Training.
Location
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Salary
£30,000 per annum (PAYE), subject to annual review
Contract
Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Join the founding academic leadership team of one of the UK’s newest independent Higher Education conservatoires.
CAST Studio is an ambitious and forward-thinking Higher Education conservatoire delivering exceptional professional Musical Theatre training in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University.
We are seeking an exceptional Programme Leader to provide academic and creative leadership for our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme. This is a significant appointment at an exciting stage in our development, offering the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing conservatoire and make a lasting contribution from the outset.
Working closely with CAST Studio’s senior leadership team, teaching faculty, visiting practitioners and university partner, you will lead the continued development and delivery of a rigorous, relevant and inspiring degree programme. You will champion excellence in teaching and learning, support colleagues to flourish, and ensure students receive the academic guidance, professional preparation and individual support they need to realise their potential.
This is far more than an opportunity to manage a degree programme. It is a chance to help shape an institution with the ambition and freedom to think differently about performer training; strengthening what already works whilst helping define our curriculum, academic culture and future direction. For an experienced Higher Education professional who combines academic credibility with a genuine understanding of professional training, this role offers the opportunity to influence the next generation of performers whilst helping build one of the UK’s most exciting new conservatoires.
About CAST Studio
Based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, CAST Studio is an independent Higher Education conservatoire committed to developing confident, versatile and industry-ready performers. Our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre combines the rigour and intensity of conservatoire training with the academic standards, pastoral support and broader opportunities of Higher Education, preparing students for adaptable, sustainable careers across the performing arts industry.
Our philosophy is built upon exceptional teaching, meaningful mentorship and strong industry connection. Students learn through intensive studio practice, public performance, individual coaching and direct engagement with leading practitioners, within an environment where every student is genuinely known, challenged and inspired to develop their own artistic identity. Our carefully managed cohort sizes create a close-knit community where creativity, wellbeing and academic achievement are equally valued.
As we continue to grow, we are building a collaborative community of educators and industry professionals who are passionate about innovation, excellence and the development of tomorrow’s artists. Together, we are creating a conservatoire where outstanding training, academic integrity and professional relevance sit at the heart of everything we do.
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About the Role
Reporting directly to the Principal & CEO, the Programme Leader is responsible for the academic leadership, coordination and continuous development of the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme.
Working closely with the Principal & CEO, College & Operations Manager, validating university colleagues and our team of freelance industry practitioners, you will ensure the programme consistently delivers excellence in teaching, learning, assessment and student support.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring someone who can inspire students, support colleagues and maintain the highest standards of academic quality whilst contributing to the continued growth and success of CAST Studio.
Key Responsibilities
As Programme Leader, you will:
- Provide academic leadership across Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme.
- Lead curriculum planning, delivery and continuous programme development.
- Deliver high-quality practical and academic teaching within your area of expertise.
- Ensure teaching, assessment and academic standards align with validating university requirements.
- Lead quality assurance processes, programme documentation and academic compliance.
- Monitor student attendance, engagement, progression and achievement.
- Act as the primary academic point of contact for students, providing exceptional academic and pastoral support.
- Coordinate and support freelance teaching staff and visiting practitioners.
- Oversee assessment, moderation and academic record keeping.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with university colleagues, external examiners and industry professionals.
- Contribute to curriculum innovation and the ongoing enhancement of the student experience.
- Support auditions, recruitment events, Open Days, showcases, productions and other promotional activities.
- Positively represent CAST Studio within the Higher Education and performing arts sectors.
About You
We’re looking for an inspiring educator and leader who is passionate about developing the next generation of performers. You will bring:
Essential
- A Master’s Degree (Level 7) or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Experience teaching within Higher Education.
- Experience leading or coordinating academic programmes.
- Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
- A strong understanding of Higher Education quality assurance and academic processes.
- The ability to motivate, mentor and inspire both students and colleagues.
- A real passion for, and understanding of Musical Theatre and Performing Arts
- Excellent administrative and IT skills with strong attention to detail.
- A genuine commitment to student wellbeing, safeguarding and academic excellence.
Desirable
- Professional Musical Theatre or wider performing arts industry experience.
- Experience working within validated Higher Education provision.
- Experience of curriculum design and programme development.
- Experience working with external examiners and university quality processes.
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What We Offer
Joining CAST Studio means becoming part of an ambitious and growing conservatoire where your ideas, expertise and leadership will genuinely shape the future of performer training.
We are committed to creating an environment where both our students and our staff can flourish. As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:
- Competitive salary with annual review.
- Workplace pension scheme.
- Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.
- Free on-site parking.
- Staff wellbeing initiatives and a supportive, collaborative working culture.
- The opportunity to work alongside experienced industry practitioners and Higher Education professionals.
- Genuine influence over the continued development of an exciting and ambitious Higher Education provider.
Our intimate size enables us to know every student personally, work collaboratively as one team and respond creatively to the evolving needs of both students and the industry.
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a lasting impact - not simply maintain an existing programme - we’d love to hear from you.
Recruitment Timeline
- Applications Open: Tuesday 21 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 3 August 2026
- Interviews: Between Wednesday 5 August and Wednesday 12 August 2026
- Proposed Start Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
How to Apply
Please submit the following by email:
- A current CV.
- A supporting statement (maximum two A4 pages) outlining your suitability for the role and demonstrating how your experience meets the requirements of the position.
Applications should be sent to: info@caststudio.ac.uk
Applications must be received by 10:00am on Monday 3 August 2026.
Early applications are strongly encouraged.
For further information about CAST Studio, please visit www.caststudio.ac.uk. Our new website is currently under development and will be launching soon.
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities
CAST Studio is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake all appropriate pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references, verification of qualifications, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where applicable, and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.
CAST Studio is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Please note: We reserve the right to amend the recruitment timetable, close this vacancy early or appoint prior to the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible.
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