Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre is introducing a directing programme after teaming up with the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS).
The theatre will mentor up to eight aspiring directors who will be given the opportunity to develop their careers. The programme will run over five weeks between February and March.
Established in 1960, RTYDS works with theatres to provide training and work experience to enable artists to build a career as a theatre director. The work of RTYDS is focused in towns and cities outside London.
RTYDS helped to start the careers of the New Vic’s artistic director Theresa Heskins as well as Ken Loach, Vicky Featherstone, Rupert Goold and James Dacre.
Bryn Holding, New Vic assistant director, said, “we’re overjoyed to be able to offer this excellent opportunity to local aspiring directors. Theresa (Heskins) and I were keen to host the Introduction to Directing programme here in 2017. It’s vital that we connect with those who wish to find out more about directing.
“Looking to the future includes finding those who’ll have an impact on the cultural landscape of tomorrow. We’re very much looking forward to opening up the doors of the theatre and sharing our practice with others through this unique scheme.”
Sue Emmas, RTYDS artistic director, added, “through Introduction to Directing and three-month placements, RTYDS creates pathways for talented directors from under-represented backgrounds to learn their craft, build networks and take the first step towards a career as a professional theatre director. Directors should be reflective of the diversity of our towns and cities and RTYDS is working towards making this a reality.”