The Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme is to become an associate company of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, giving it a second base in the north.
RTYDS supports career development for emerging directors from under-represented backgrounds by uniting emerging directors with theatre companies across the country.
Sue Emmas, RTYDS Artistic Director, said, “Manchester is the creative powerhouse of the north with the biggest concentration of producing theatres outside the capital therefore it is the perfect base for our work across the English regions.
"We are delighted to be able to make our home at Royal Exchange Theatre which, under the leadership of Sarah Frankcom, makes such a significant contribution to the development of artists and particularly of directors.”
Sarah Frankcom, Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre, added, “RTYDS is rewriting the future of UK theatre. It has consistently helped to develop some of the most inspirational directors in the country by immersing them in producing theatres.
"Discovering and supporting the next generation of theatre makers sits at the heart of the Royal Exchange. Working with RTYDS will provide even more opportunities for emerging directors to work in our studio and on our main stage. Creating a home for RTYDS in the city adds to an evolving and vibrant scene of creative opportunity here in the theatre and across Greater Manchester.
"We are thrilled that they are joining us as a new associate company and making Manchester their home in the North.”