We are delighted to announce Rachael Abbey and Sarah Githugu as the two directors who will take part in our RTYDS Intensive Residencies in 2024, hosted by Middle Child in Hull and The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
The RTYDS Intensive Residencies (previously named Three-Month Placements) are a paid opportunity for early career directors and theatre-makers outside of London to spend dedicated time in a theatre company and learn about the role and skills of how work is made. Each residency is tailored to the interests of the successful director or theatre maker.
RTYDS offers theatre companies funding to host a local director or theatre-maker in their organisation for a total of 12 weeks, either full-time or part-time.
The Intensive Residencies are funded by the Annie Castledine Award, which was established by RTYDS in 2022 in memory of the influential director.
Find out more about Rachael and Sarah below, along with the projects they will be working on at their host theatre companies.
 |
RACHAEL ABBEY is a Yorkshire based theatre maker, making work which talks about big issues in personal ways. Her work often focuses on autobiographical narratives, using humour to navigate difficult conversations. She has previously worked for Leeds Playhouse, Hull Truck Theatre, Middle Child Theatre, Unlimited Theatre, The Roaring Girls and John Godber Company.
During her residency at Middle Child, Rachael will be assisting Paul Smith (Artistic Director) on Baby, He Loves You – a new play by Maureen Lennon. She will also have the opportunity to direct some of the new commissions at Middle Child’s new Fresh Ink Playwriting Festival in Hull.
|
 |
SARAH GITHUGU (she/her) is a writer, facilitator and emerging director from Coventry, UK. Following her directorial debut of The High Life (Barons Court Theatre), Sarah is passionate about work that challenges societal norms and uplifts marginalised peoples.
During the intensive residency at the Belgrade Theatre, Sarah will be working as an Assistant Director on Swim Aunty Swim! by Siana Bangura and directed by Madeleine Kludje, and she will also be working on a range of produced and co-created programmes at the Belgrade Theatre.
|
