Fair Play Associate Artistic Director 2026-2027
An opportunity for three building-based theatre companies to partner with RTYDS and each host a mid-career director or theatre maker who is working class or from a low socio-economic background with a desire to learn about leadership and to make work on the mid-scale
Anthony Lau, RTYDS Associate Artistic Director at Sheffield Theatres (2020-2022), directing ROCK at Sheffield Theatres. Photo by Sam Taylor.
This strand of RTYDS’s work reflects our strong commitment to the development of directors and theatre makers as cultural leaders. There continues to be a significant lack of diversity in those who lead organisations and there is a pressing need to provide progression routes for talented people from working class and low socio-economic backgrounds that continue to be under-represented in the arts.
The Fair Play Associate Artistic Director Residency is an opportunity for three regional building-based theatre companies to each partner with RTYDS and host a mid-career working class or low socio-economic background director or theatre maker for 18 months. They will develop their craft as a director while learning about the role of an artistic or creative director in cultural leadership.
The Associate Artistic Director will be provided a salary funded by RTYDS of (up to) £35,000 per annum pro rata for the 18-month period. The employer’s pension contribution and employer’s national insurance will be paid for by the host company. The Associate Artistic Director can be full-time or part time depending on the needs of the organisation and the artist.
| “The benefits have been substantial and have been felt across the organisation. The Senior Management Team has been inspired by Anthony’s presence, and he has contributed to and often provoked conversations on a wide range of key topics; programming, strategy, talent development, diversity and inclusion, anti-racism, the freelancer debate, environmental concerns, staff restructuring and COVID planning. His perspective on these and many other issues has been invaluable in shaping policy and action. He has demonstrated the importance of having another artistic voice beyond that of the Artistic Director in the SMT, and the value to the organisation of having someone who can deputise for the AD.”
Rob Hastie, previously Artistic Director, Sheffield Theatres |
Information for Theatres
If you require an accessible version of this document, please contact Programme Producer, Manli Siu on rtyds@rtyds.co.uk.
Overview of Timeline
| 10 July 2025 | Deadline for expression of interest |
| w/c 14 July | RTYDS conversations with theatres |
| w/c 21 July | RTYDS Board of Trustees select host theatres |
| w/c 14 August | Applications open to directors and theatre makers |
| w/c 15 September | Deadline for director and theatre maker applications |
| w/c 13 October | First round interviews for directors and theatre makers |
| w/c 27 October | Second round interviews for directors and theatre makers |
| January 2026 | Start of Associate Artistic Director Residency |
Deadline to express an interest: Thursday 10 July, 12 noon
You can find out more about Fair Play here and if you have any questions or queries regarding the RTYDS Associate Artistic Director Residency, please contact Programme Producer Manli Siu on rtyds@rtyds.co.uk or 0161 883 0296.
“There is no doubt in my mind that without this extraordinary chance I would not have had the experience or confidence to be the director I am or to have set up the National Theatre of Scotland.”
Vicky Featherstone
Previously Artistic Director, Royal Court Theatre
(RTYDS 18-Month Residency alumni)