Dr Caleb Lee (he/him)

I am an academic and producer working at the intersection of the arts and young people.  As a recipient of the National Arts Council scholarship, I earned my doctorate from Royal Holloway University of London, specialising in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). My work now cuts across the creative industries, applied performances and digital technologies, with particular interests in popular culture, Disney studies, cultural leadership, musical theatre, amplifying underrepresented voices & stories, and promoting young people's health and wellbeing. Alongside my teaching and research, I serve as the Department's Academic Lead for Student Experience (Drama) and Mental Health First Aider, contributing to an inclusive and engaging student experience.

Prior to joining the University of Exeter, I was Creative Youth Work Researcher at Spotlight Creative Youth Services, in partnership with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), where I led an Arts Council funded project that focused on increasing inclusivity and relevance for young people accessing cultural provision. From 2018-2021, I was Research Associate at Rose Bruford College TYA Centre. And from 2009-2017, I was Lecturer in the School of Dance and Theatre, LASALLE College of the Arts (Singapore).

Beyond the University, I have over a decade of experience in producing, arts management and cultural leadership, working across commercial, independent and subsidised sectors internationally. Notably, I was Festival Manager (2010–2014) of I Theatre's ACE! Festival - the biggest arts festival for children and families in Singapore, before becoming Associate Director (2015–2019). In these roles, I developed international cultural partnerships, produced and programmed artistic work, and contributed to the organisation's short- and long-term strategic development.

I am an award-winning producer with a portfolio that spans theatre, festivals, events, concerts, interdisciplinary performance and international collaborations. Recent projects include: Sinatra the Musical, Hourglass, New Earth Theatre’s Living Archive, For the Love of Jollibee, For the Love of Spam, Don’t Call Me China Doll, Not That Asian, Wanted! Singapore Spotlight @ EdFringe and Play On!

My ongoing practice in commercial theatre producing is supported by Stage One.

I am also Founder & Co-Artistic Director of Five Stones Theatre – an international collective creating dance and theatrical experiences for children and young people that are ‘a little different’.

In the professional sector, I am on the editorial board for National Drama and the International Journal of Disney Studies. I serve on the Advisory Council at Polka Theatre and as Associate Researcher of the International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN) and Rose Bruford College TYA Centre.  

I am currently Research Lead for the Asian TYA Network, evaluating a decade (2016-2026) of artistic impact, cultural exchange and transnational collaboration among Asian artists and organisations, and their contributions to the wider TYA landscape. (funded by the Japan Foundation)

In my spare time, I review theatre and dance productions for various platforms. 

Research supervision:

I am open to discussing reearch proposals and projects within my research expertise.