APPLICATIONS - THEATRES

The RTYDS is open to any building-based mid-scale producing theatre in the UK that has an active policy and demonstrable commitment to training young theatre artists. Each year, theatres are invited to apply to take part in the scheme by filling in an application form to express their interest. The theatres are selected by a Steering Group before the scheme is announced to young directors. The aim is to offer placements in a range of theatres, mostly outside of London. In recent years these have included: Nuffield Theatre Southampton, Northampton Theatre Royal, The Royal Court, Salisbury Playhouse, National Theatre of Scotland and West Yorkshire Playhouse. The deadline for applications will be announced in Spring 2012.

During the placement, the theatre undertakes to cover the following areas of training:

During the placement, the theatre undertakes to cover the following areas of training:

Overview - to provide a detailed understanding of all departments in the theatre including finance, sponsorship, production, marketing, box office, front of house and administration. The trainee should have access to all regular departmental and company-wide meetings.
It is important that the trainee spend time observing and shadowing the day to day work of the Artistic Director

Artistic Operations - this should include (where appropriate) reading and commissioning of scripts, and procedures relating to both; casting and liaison with actors and their agents; rehearsal schedules and procedures; play reading events; research and development workshops; artist training programmes; co-production relationships; regional and internal touring; and planning and programming meetings.

The theatre should commit to providing opportunities for the trainee to assist on productions (both main house and studio shows) as well as undertaking their own projects such as rehearsed readings, research and development projects and, where possible, full productions.

Finance - the trainee should gain experience in analysis of management accounts, production budgets and financial reporting and controls.

Education and Outreach - the trainee should have the opportunity to observe and deliver work with schools, colleges, young people and the local community.

Development / Fundraising - this should include opportunities to develop an understanding of both national and local funding systems as well as issues relating to corporate sponsors, trusts and foundations and individual supporters.

Production - on completion of the bursary (subject to the satisfactory progress of the trainee) the theatre should endeavour to offer the trainee a production of their own, either main house or studio. Financial assistance is not available from the scheme to support the cost of the production.

Ongoing Support - on completion of the bursary the theatre should endeavour to provide advice and support regarding the trainee’s future professional development in the short and long term.

A detailed schedule of training will need to be submitted to and agreed by the administrator in advance of the placement.

 

"I have been privileged to participate in the scheme, first at the Traverse and now at West Yorkshire Playhouse. It is the only scheme of its kind which really allows young directors to get into the full process of making theatre for a building. The success of all the assistants I have worked with speaks for itself".
Ian Brown (Chief Executive & Artistic Director, West Yorkshire Playhouse)

"What most people know about the scheme is that it is an amazing experience for a young director. What many people don’t know is that the host theatre gains masses from the relationship. Anne Tipton worked here with such diverse talents as Rachel Kavanaugh, David Farr, David Fielding, Melly Still and me. She directed three brilliant productions herself and gave my artistic policy a kick up the backside and in the goolies"
Simon Reade (previously Artistic Director, Bristol Old Vic)

"In an arts world crowded with commercial imperatives this scheme carves out space in which young theatre artists can grow. My traineeship at the Belgrade, Coventry gave me my grounding and my confidence as a director."
Michael Boyd (Artistic Director, RSC, Patron & former trainee)