Newcastle-based Greyscale Theatre Company is taking part in the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS) by hosting a young director on a paid placement for three months.
Established in 1960, RTYDS works with theatres across the country to provide talented new directors with the opportunity to develop their skills and Newcastle-based Rebekah Bowsher will be joining Greyscale for three months, working alongside experienced theatre professionals, gaining an insight into the work of a theatre director and developing her own career opportunities at the same time.
Alumni of the scheme include Ken Loach, Roger Michell, Adrian Noble, Trevor Nunn, John Tiffany, Michael Boyd, Vicky Featherstone, Rupert Goold, Dominic Hill, Jeremy Herrin, Natalie Ibu and Lorne Campbell who last year took over as Artistic Director of Northern Stage from Erica Whyman.
Sue Emmas, RTYDS Artistic Director, said, “through our Introduction to Directing and Three-Month Placement schemes, 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.”
Rebekah Bowsher, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds, has taught acting at Newcastle College, worked with both Alphabetti and Live Theatre in the city and most recently completed a one-year Write to Play fellowship with Graeae Theatre Company.
Selma Dimitrijevic, Greyscale Artistic Director said, “I met Rebekah about a year ago through the fantastic Write To Play programme and have been a huge fan of her work since. She is exactly the kind of director—curious, determined and open minded—that we are very keen to support and work with in the future.”
“I am really excited to be working with Greyscale and Selma for this placement,” Bowsher said. “I am looking forward to getting practical experience with a well-respected theatre company and immersing myself in the North East theatre scene.”