YOUNG DIRECTORS

Young Director's Apprentice Programme

The King’s Head Theatre is committed to providing opportunities for young directors to increase their experience and develop their craft.

The Directing Programme was created in 1994. In 2002 the Programme won the Queen’s Jubilee Award in recognition of its unique value, for contribution to the arts and pursuit of Excellence, presented by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Attenborough and Richard Eyre.

Under the new Artistic Director, Adam Spreadbury-Maher, the King’s Head will return to producing in-house on a full-time basis, creating more learning opportunities for young directors.

Queries can be directed to Sherrill@kingsheadtheatre.org

 

Trainee Assistant Directors

The emphasis of this strand is placed on Assistant Stage Management and Assistant Directing with the aim of equipping young directors with basic technical skills whilst developing their practice as an Assistant Director. TADs will be given the opportunity to Assistant Stage Manage and observe other directors’ processes whilst contributing to several productions. This strand is suitable for recent graduates with a proven interest in theatre.

 

Trainee Resident Directors

The emphasis of this strand is placed on Producing and Directing, with the aim of equipping young directors with the necessary skills to create their own work. TRDs will be given the opportunity to Assistant Produce, Produce, and Direct and Produce their own lunchtime production. This strand is suitable for directors who have completed post-graduate study in directing/theatre or possess other significant relevant experience.  

Both strands of the programme require a full-time commitment over a period of four months. Successful candidates will undertake the role on a voluntary basis.

Submissions for the next intake of directors will be accepted from 1 – 31 August 2010. To apply please email a CV and covering letter stating your interest in the programme to Sherrill@kingsheadtheatre.org.

Please note that candidates with a genuine interest in the King’s Head will be favoured. Interviews for the intake of directors will be held on 9 – 10 September for placements commencing in October.

 

Graduate Statements

The people I have met, and the productions I have worked on have opened my eyes in many ways.  I feel I now have an understanding of the industry on a much deeper level than I had when I first started, and I have a support system of people that I know and trust and can reach out to. There is a lot to be said for “baptism by fire”, and I think this programme is a great example of it ... TADs are tossed right in and must take responsibility for pro-actively learning and doing what needs to be done. Jaclyn McLoughlin 2010

The Kings Head is an amazing place to be because you feel at the heart of a vibrant community of people who are all interested in the process of making theatre. I have also felt incredibly supported when on the programme… I have been given a lot of invaluable advice… The placement with an outside company to assistant direct a show is brilliant. It is experience I really would have struggled to gain without contacts in the business. Becky Martin 2010

The training that I have received at The King’s Head has been invaluable to my development as a theatre professional and has given me a wealth of insight into the workings of the professional world. I have been given opportunities to learn on the job and truly start to fulfil my own potential as a theatre practitioner. Will Edelsten 2009

I felt privileged to find out how this highly-respected fringe theatre operates from the inside. I made useful contacts, great friends and it was a pleasure to work as part of this tight-knit team. Sophie Lifschutz 2008

The King's Head is the Great War trench of theatres: busy, cramped and noisy, all in a good way.  One day you're reading submitted scripts (which is of infinite value), the next day you're on the phone to agents, the next you're assisting a director… It's everything you won't get in a drama school… I'm definitely more confident and knowledgeable as a direct result of the programme… The support network is excellent.  Those in charge are always on hand to give excellent advice based on experience.  You learn more about the whole process of mounting a production, from the importance of marketing efficiently, to facilitating the actors.  I feel I'm much 'tougher' than I was six months ago. Russ Hope 2007

I gained a number of skills… being in a good, central position in the London theatre scene helps a great deal for building contacts and helping to have a base and therefore an existence as a theatre professional… truly gaining an impression of how it all works… making mistakes, having loads to do, realising how important initiative and bravery are in the world of theatre. James Copp 2006