Entries are open for the Royal Theatrical Support Trust Sir Peter Hall director award scheme, with the winner being given the opportunity to direct a full-scale production at Nottingham Playhouse.
The award, which is in its sixth year, honours the memory of RTST co-founder Sir Peter Hall. The RTST will make a grant of £50,000 towards the costs of the production.
The winner will be given the chance to work alongside Nottingham Playhouse artistic director Adam Penford and the full Playhouse team on a production that will open in autumn 2023.
The winning director “will demonstrate exceptional directing skills and a passion for regional theatre”. A panel comprising Penford, actors Niamh Cusack and Beth Hinton-Lever, writer Beth Steel, actor and writer Stephanie Street and Matthew Xia, artistic director of Actors Touring Company, will choose the winner.
Penford and Playhouse chief executive Stephanie Sirr commented, “we really admire what this prestigious fund delivers in terms of developing the next generation of directors and are delighted to partner with RTST.
“Making the transition from assistant directing and directing in smaller spaces to the main stage has always been tough, and in the current climate it may well become increasingly so. This generous award offers support to both the winning director and the producing theatre while also introducing the work of all the brilliant, shortlisted candidates to an influential panel.”
RTST director Mark Hawes and chairman Sir Geoffrey Cass said, "we encourage eligible directors to enter. It's not all about the winning. For candidates who reach our in-person director workshops, the process can provide meaningful experience and even spark industry connections."
Applicants can enter at the RTST web site. Closing date for entries is 6PM on Monday 23 May.