Introduction to Making

‘The course was an absolutely brilliant way for us to meet and engage with a number of artists previously unknown to us. It also allowed us to offer the first directing programme in the city for a number of years, ensuring there is a pathway for prospective directors’

Paul Smith, Artistic Director, Middle Child Theatre Company

Introduction to Making (previously Introduction to Directing) offers intensive practical training for people (over 18 years of age) who are interested in finding out whether or not a career as a director or theatre maker is for them. Each host theatre, company or consortium creates a programme of at least five full days which includes a mix of hands-on practical work, observation, discussion with experienced practitioners and an introduction to further opportunities.

Information for Theatres and Theatre Companies

Guidelines for Directors

Participants for Introduction to Making are recruited directly by participating theatre companies. No professional experience is needed to take part. Participants should be over 18 years of age, live locally to the theatre or theatre companies, and want to know more about theatre making.

If you are interested in becoming a director or theatre maker and taking part in an Introduction to Making project, we recommend that you talk to your local professional theatre or company to see if they might apply to host one.

Feedback from participants and partner theatres

Tessa Walker, Associate Director, Birmingham REP:
“Introduction to Directing has without a doubt diversified our pool of directors, all of whom are here a lot and see the REP as their home. They work on our shows, readings and workshops, see shows here, are very frequently in the office and using rehearsal space. They all became part of the larger Foundry and it’s hard to imagine a time when they weren’t around.”

Ria Parry, Co-Director, The North Wall Arts Centre:
“This group has already proved a fantastic resource for The North Wall in terms of keying in to different projects happening locally, audience development for shows at the theatre, and meeting exciting new artists.”

Ruth, Introduction to Directing participant:
“I gained a priceless insight into the field from industry professionals. I also learned how to analyse scripts and gained first-hand experience directing actors.”

Dark Horse Theatre:
“It is essential for the survival of theatre that diversity is more widely represented. Through funding a short course RTYDS gave emerging directors who will influence the future of theatre making the opportunity to work with Dark Horse – gaining insight into the rehearsal room process when working with actors with learning disabilities, dispelling the myths and giving the directors the skills and the confidence to follow a more open approach in their future careers.”

Sergej, Introduction to Directing participant:
“I really wanted to take a minute and just thank Middle Child. Everything was just great: the experience, everyone’s input, conversations, debates and the guests. All of the above created a huge debate within myself regarding what I am doing in my life with my life. I have applied all the things that were said to my own practice. I am speechless.”

Widening participation

We particularly want to work with theatres and companies to help to uncover more diverse talent across the country, discovering new directors, theatre makers and ideas in communities and groups currently under-represented in artistic leadership of UK theatre. To ensure that theatre companies reach as wide a demographic as possible we have drawn up a short document for theatres: Widening Participation Guidelines. If you have any additions to these guidelines please let us know.

If you would like to have a chat before submitting your application, please contact us on rtyds@rtyds.co.uk.

RTYDS Code of Conduct

RTYDS wishes to support those who take part in programmes in their right to an open and supportive working environment. Our Code of Conduct details the procedure for reporting a complaint and how RTYDS will act once a complaint has been received.