About the Project
This practice-based PhD will support the development of a new business model for ARC Stockton Arts Centre which will see it establish and grow a theatre and performance production hub for the Tees Valley. ARC's Production Hub is a new initiative designed to increase the frequency and scale of theatre productions made in Tees Valley.
Embedded in ARC’s producing team, the PhD candidate will test and explore innovative approaches to producing. The project will combine audience development, artist development, and case study research to identify the key needs, conditions and stages that need to be met for the successful establishment of a commercial and community-facing production hub. The PhD will bring together historic and current organisational learning around theatre producing at ARC over its thirty years of operation, learn from other producing hubs nationally and internationally, and establish the current state of producing skills and pipeline in the Tees Valley. The PhD will culminate in a hub blueprint for ARC to affirm its place as a key innovator in performing arts producing and to strengthen producing as a national driver for growth in the creative industries.
Working closely with ARC, the successful candidate will help devise the basis for an ambitious new approach to commercial producing that reflects ARC’s key role in developing regional talent, its place-based identity and community approach.
Find out more about ARC
Prospective applicants are welcome to join an online information session at 11.30am on 29 July. Email nina.white@tees.ac.uk
This PhD studentship is part of the Tees Valley Investment Zone. Teesside University is proud to lead the £19.86 million Research and Innovation Strand of the Tees Valley Investment Zone, a transformative programme designed to unlock the region’s potential in digital and creative industries. With £9.4 million of TVCA investment and matched funding from university, government, and private sources, this initiative will deliver high-impact interventions including PhD studentships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Fellows, and Proof of Concept funding.
By embedding research talent into businesses, accelerating product development, and fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the programme will support over 300 companies, create thousands of high-value jobs, and position Tees Valley as a nationally recognised hub for innovation. This is a bold step toward building a self-sustaining, inclusive innovation ecosystem driven by Teesside University’s commitment to regional growth, excellence in research, and real-world impact.
Funding eligibility
This fully funded PhD Studentship covers tuition fees for the period of a full-time PhD Registration of up to four years and provide an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Applications are welcome from UK and international students.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline.
A master's level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details.
International students will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.
How to apply
Applicants should apply online for this opportunity using the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form. When asked to specify funding select "other" and enter 'RDS' and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for.
You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying.
To apply for more than one project, you need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.
Applications for studentships that do not clearly indicate that the application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal may mean that your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding.
Selection process
All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage will be shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews will be held online. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progressing to an offer of a place, to commence in October or December 2026.
About Teesside
We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus and to supporting all members of our University community to thrive whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, marital status, nationality or any other characteristic.
More about our Inclusive campus
As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing.
PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.
The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University's wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.
Key dates
- Deadline: 14/08/2026 5:00PM
- Interview date: 4 September 2026.
- Start date: Successful applicants will be expected to start in October or December 2026.
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