Young Company Director

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Summary

Storyhouse is delighted to be seeking a Theatre Director or Company to work with the Storyhouse Young Company on their 2025 production on a freelance basis. This is an exciting opportunity to develop an ambitious, thought-provoking and timely piece with a group of emerging young artists. We are interested in meeting bold creatives with innovative ideas to take ownership over this project and put their stamp on this production. The director will rehearse an existing script which will be performed to the public at the end of the training programme. The role will be based at Storyhouse, Chester and will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

More Details

About Storyhouse Young Company (SYC)

SYC is a free training scheme for 18-25-year-olds who are interested in developing their performance skills.

SYC plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant and thriving arts scene in the Chester. SYC is committed to nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for aspiring actors. Our free acting programme provides a unique training opportunity for young people in the borough to develop their skills, gain exposure and potentially kickstart their careers.

Each year, Storyhouse conducts auditions to select a group of talented young actors from a variety of backgrounds who will form the core company for a production. It is important that the text chosen for the SYC production is sufficiently challenging, critical and reflective of our Storyhouse programming. In 2023, SYC performed 'The Trials' by Dawn King and in 2024 they performed 'Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat' by Mark Ravenhill.

SYC company members are also offered the opportunity to audition for our Trainee Actor Programme to gain real-world experience by participating in the professional acting company at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre during the summer season.

Funding for the SYC programme comes from the Backstage Trust.

SYC runs from January 2025-May 2025 and consists of two phases:

Phase One: 16-weeks of training with a facilitator

Phase Two: 4-weeks of rehearsals with a director

Phase Two Rehearsals will take place Monday-Friday evenings from 28 April-25 May.

Key Dates:

9 & 10 December: Auditions

13 January: Phase One begins

28 April: Phase Two begins

19 May: Show Week

Roles and responsibilities

• Direct a Storyhouse Young Company (SYC) production that is both ambitious and accessible
• Research and select a text that is suitable for SYC (ages 18-25 and between 12-16 members with a range of experience)
• Plan and deliver engaging rehearsals that are fun, challenging and creative, utilising relevant acting techniques and practices that enrich the actor's learning experience
• Work with the Children & Young People Programme Manager and Assistant Producer to bring the show to life
• Attend production meetings and liaise with the technical team
• Mentor and support the Assistant Director in sessions to ensure they are developing their skills and feel supported
• Work with the Pastoral Support Lead to identify any young people who may benefit from further support
• Ensure that SYC is accessible for a range of young people with diverse skills and experience from a variety of backgrounds
• Ensure that Storyhouse safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to and upheld
• Identify progression routes for young people following on from the course, this may include our Trainee Actor Programme or opportunities elsewhere
• Act in accordance with Storyhouse's policies and procedures, and undertake any training as required by Storyhouse.
• Act as a role model for other staff and contribute to the life of the organisation as a whole
• Carry out any other duties as may be required as part of the Young Company Director's role.

Role requirements

• Experience directing mid- and small-scale productions with young people
• Experience working with a production and technical team on theatre productions
• Experience working on scripted productions
• Experience facilitating sessions with young people
• Experience collaborating with other creatives
• Experience motivating and supporting young people
• Experience working with a diverse range of young people and supporting any access requirements
• Experience working with an Assistant Director and mentoring and supporting their development

Skills and knowledge

• A passion for working with young people from a range of backgrounds and with a breadth or needs, experiences and abilities
• Ability to work as a team, in collaboration with both staff and young people
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with a range of people and ages
• Well organised
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection
• Passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive
• Awareness of the issues affecting young people's lives