RTYDS programmes for Directors and Theatres
Introduction to Directing
Intensive practical training to discover if directing might be a future career. Aimed at under-represented adults who live locally to participating theatres, have a specific interest in directing and limited access to arts, training and employment. Read more
Assistant Directors
Participating theatres host a paid work placement for an exciting emerging director from an under-represented background at the start of their professional career. Read more
18-Month Residencies
RTYDS places talented emerging directors in theatres as paid Resident Assistant Directors where they develop their skills and learn what it takes to run a regional theatre. At the end of the residency they direct their own show. Read more
Associate Artistic Director
A full time, paid opportunity for directors with a strong professional track record of making work and a desire to learn about leadership and to make significant work on the mid-scale. Read more
We work in partnership with theatres around the country, enabling talented artists to build their craft and develop their leadership skills. We are particularly focused on directors who live outside London and are from communities presently under-represented in theatre.
Founded in 1960, the scheme has helped launch the careers of many of Britain’s leading Artistic Directors and freelance directors including Rupert Goold (Almeida), Lorne Campbell (National Theatre Wales), Elizabeth Newman (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Vicky Featherstone (Royal Court), Natalie Ibu (Northern Stage) Matthew Xia (Actors Touring Company); freelance directors include John Tiffany, Christopher Haydon and Rebecca Frecknall.
Photo: © Robert Day
“RTYDS is where it really all began; it made me the director and artistic director I am today.”
Natalie Ibu
Artistic Director, Northern Stage
Latest from RTYDS
Four RTYDS Three-Month Placements announced for 2022-23
We are pleased to announce four RTYDS Three-Month Placements that will take place in 2022-23, in which early career directors and theatre makers will gain invaluable experience, spending focused time within a theatre company and developing their skills. Four projects will be delivered by partners Prime Theatre, Paines Plough, ThickSkin Theatre and Tobacco Factory Theatres. Morgan Thomas will assist Prime Theatre on a professional tour of Windrush by Paula B.Stanic, a show for young audiences, as well as a large-scale youth theatre production that is yet to be announced. Coventry-based Joelle Ikwa will be assisting on three new plays by critically-acclaimed [...]
