About the Program
Manchester Metropolitan University is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in collaboration with Reckless Sleepers, a pioneering performance company operating between the UK and Belgium. This unique doctoral opportunity invites a creative practitioner to explore how archival engagement can reanimate performance histories through the development of taxonomical scores. Using the extensive body of work produced by Reckless Sleepers, the project investigates how historical performance strategies, training methods, and devising techniques can be categorised and revived in a live archive format.
The position is ideal for a researcher interested in experimental theatre, performer training, and the creative use of archives. Funded by the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP), this award includes a generous UKRI stipend and full fee coverage for eligible UK students. The successful candidate will begin in January 2026 and benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional support, and a dynamic research environment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
- Institution: Manchester Metropolitan University
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Performance
- Supervisor: Dr Rachel Rimmer-Piekarczyk
- Location: Manchester, UK
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
- Funding: Full UKRI stipend of £20,780 for 2025/26 + £600 CDA top-up; full tuition fees covered for UK/Home students
- Working Hours (if applicable): Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Honours degree in a related field (First or 2:1); Master’s degree desirable
Research Focus/Area
- Performance studies and theatre practice
- Archival research and live archives
- Performer training methodologies
- Scored performance and devising strategies
- Contemporary experimental theatre
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Honours degree (First or 2:1) in Theatre, Performance, or a closely related field
- Home (UK) student status
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in performance or related area
- Substantial knowledge of contemporary performance practices
- Familiarity with the work of Reckless Sleepers
- Experience in practice-based, archival, or qualitative research
- Strong academic writing and analytical skills
Key Features of the Program
- Collaboration with an internationally-recognised performance company
- Access to Reckless Sleepers’ archival material
- Immersive fieldwork through live performances, workshops, and residencies
- Interdisciplinary methodology: combining practice, theory, and documentation
- Mentorship from experienced supervisors and researchers
- Support from the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP)
- Potential for travel and conference funding
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Contact Dr Rachel Rimmer-Piekarczyk at r.rimmer.piekarczyk@mmu.ac.uk for informal enquiries
- Complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Performance at Manchester Met
- Prepare a PGR thesis proposal addressing the project’s aims, showcasing relevant skills and research interests
- Upload your supporting statement via the portal, or email all materials to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk
- Complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring (EDM) Form from the NWCDTP website and submit with your application
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 16 July 2025
- Deadline: 15 September 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): To be confirmed
Where to Apply
- University Website: https://www.mmu.ac.uk
- Official Notification: MMU PhD Opportunities
- Apply Now: PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.
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