The National Theatre has launched a new award to support a female director in bringing a show to the stage.
It will provide one director each year with an opportunity to stage their own production in a partner theatre. The first theatre to participate in the scheme is the Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick, where the play will get a three-week run in autumn 2020.
The Yard’s artistic director Jay Miller said: “Since The Yard’s beginnings in 2011, we have provided a home for the most exciting directors in the UK, creating shows that have reached new audiences across London and beyond. We can’t wait to work with the NT to meet someone amazing who wants to bring their ideas to The Yard’s stage for the first time."
This director will also work in the National’s new work department for six months, alongside the resident director.
Head of new work at the National, Emily McLaughlin, said: “We are dedicated to continuing to increase the proportion of shows in the NT repertoire written and directed by women. This award will champion one of the next big directing talents in the industry, and we’re excited to see who that might be.”
The National and the Yard Theatre have previously collaborated on Alexander Zeldin’s Beyond Caring, as wells as Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum Dreams, which went on to become a popular television show.
Applications for the award are open now until Tuesday November 26, jobs.nationaltheatre.org.uk
London's local theatres
