Stanley Evernden Memorial Prize
An exciting opportunity for current Loughborough University students to secure funding to take a drama production to one of two UK festivals in 2026.
About the prize
Stanley Evernden is recognised as the founder of undergraduate drama at Loughborough University. This fund, set up in his memory, provides financial support to students to take drama productions to festivals and events in the UK. Showcasing their talent in this way helps students develop their performance skills and, above all, ensures that Stanley Evernden will continue to inspire future generations of drama practitioners and professionals.
For 2025-26, students could apply for funding to support an outstanding production by Loughborough students that has been successfully submitted to either the National Student Drama Festival or the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
For 2025-26 the prize money was up to a maximum of £750.
About the festivals
The National Student Drama Festival (NSDF) will take place at Curve in Leicester from 6-11 April 2026.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place across the city of Edinburgh throughout August 2026.
Find out more about the Edinburgh Fringe
What can the prize money be used for?
The prize money can be used to help with staging/production costs, travel and subsistence. The recipient will only be eligible for the prize money for a student production that has been accepted or officially registered for either of the two named festivals. Evidence of this will be required e.g. letter of acceptance, copy of contract with venue. In addition to this, the production must demonstrate an appropriate level of planning and production quality.
Who can apply?
The prize is open to all current Loughborough University students from any subject background, including undergraduate and postgraduate (PGT and PGR) students. The lead applicant must have a formal role in the production e.g. director, producer, performer, production manager. Please note that applications for 2025-26 have now closed.
Who has the prize been awarded to for 2025-26?
The Stanley Evernden Memorial Prize for 2025-26 has been awarded to Benjamin Keyser, subject to his production of Pigeon Syndrome being accepted into Edinburgh Fringe 2026. The play is written and directed by Benjamin.