The Young Vic has been running the Directors Program for nearly twenty years, offering directors a unique opportunity to exchange experiences with peers and be part of a network of talented directors, designers and producers working and living in the UK.
Since theatres closed in March 2020, the programme has responded to the needs of freelance creatives, with over 3,000 participants across the country attending our remote sessions.
There are many reasons to love our Directors Program, but for starters here's ten of them...
#1 - It's one of a kind
Our network of over 1,500 directors, designers and producers provides more than 2,000 opportunities every year. And it has been running for the last 20 years!
#2 - We reach creatives from every corner of the UK
Our program operates nationally and provides a link to the capital to directors across the UK who live and work outside London
Our 'Go See Fund' offers travel and accommodation expenses for directors who are based outside of London to take part in Young Vic activities, projects and work as assistant directors. We also hold Open Days, Intensive Weekends and offer week-long funded placements that include opportunities to see a show, take part in workshops, and meet Young Vic departments.
#3 - We help create community
Directing can sometimes be a lonely and isolated career which feels competitive, opaque, demanding. Our Genesis Network provides members with a unique online place to exchange experiences, form vital creative relationships and collaborations, find job opportunities and hear about events available at both the Young Vic and other theatres around the UK
#4 - It's 100% FREE
We believe in breaking down barriers to experience and make art, so we deliver all of our activity completely free of charge. This includes tickets to see Young Vic shows, workshops, discussions, etc.
#5 - We listen to freelancers
We have adapted our programme to the needs of freelance creatives today, helping them to stay connected to each other and the wider industry, maintain or develop skills, and create new contacts and networks.
Since theatres closed in March 2020 we have employed freelance creatives to run 116 remote sessions with over 3,000 participants. The number of workshops has more than quadrupled and they now include regular sessions on well-being, making theatre accessible, advice surgeries and more
#6 - We provide access to our exceptional artists and their rehearsal rooms
Our funded ticket scheme provides our network with opportunities to learn from the work presented on the Young Vic stage in London and beyond, as well as from discussions around Young Vic productions. For some shows we sometimes also hold open rehearsals for directors from the network to come in and observe for a day.
#7 - We provide paid opportunities to develop skills
Our program provides a range of paid opportunities to work as a Trainee Assistant or Assistant Director on a Young Vic production, spend two years as our Associate Director and the opportunity to direct a fully supported production in our Clare Theatre space.
#8 - We’ve been training theatre makers for 20 years
The Directors Program has supported the careers of some of the most exceptional directors of our time. Our alumni have made quite an impression working across the UK and the globe as directors, writers, dramaturgs, educators, leaders and creative associates. They have forged careers in theatre, film, TV, advertising and they regularly return to the Young Vic to direct and run workshops.
#9 - We nurture and support theatre makers that represent contemporary society
We want the people that make theatre to be representative of contemporary society, as well as ambitious, experimental and risk-positive. Our program nurtures and supports the theatre makers who will tell the stories of today and tomorrow. We provide tailored opportunities that make theatre accessible to artists who face barriers to enter the industry and remain within it.
#10 - Do you believe that the future of UK theatre is worth investing in?
We need an additional £20,000 to keep our Directors Program running remotely in 2021.
Your donation will help us to continue training the future generation of theatre makers.
Every penny that you donate comes directly to us. If eligible, you can even sign up for Gift Aid to allow us to reclaim 25p in every £1 donated, at no extra cost to you. Whatever you are able to give, thank you.
Help us continue this vital work training aspiring artists and setting the stage for the theatre of tomorrow.
