In 1960 Howard Thomas, then the Managing Director of ABC Television, introduced the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme to help further the careers of those seeking to make theatre production and direction their profession. It was his belief that television had reason then, as now, to be grateful to the theatre for its supply of creative talent to the new medium, and the Scheme was a way of repaying the debt. After many successful years being run by Thames, the Scheme was re-launched in 1993 under the support of Scottish Television, Central, Channel 4 and Thames Television itself. Administrative responsibility was eventually passed to Channel 4 who now provide the Scheme’s maincore funding, supported each year by bursary contributions from major companies and charitable organizations. On the 40th Anniversary of the Scheme it was decided to rename it the CHANNEL 4 THEATRE DIRECTORS SCHEME and in this way Channel 4 Television has guaranteed the continuation of the Scheme.
HOW THE SCHEME WORKSThe Scheme is open to any theatre in the UK with a committed policy of training and to all aspiring Theatre Directors. Each year THREE bursaries are awarded, each for a period of one year. The annual award per trainee is currently £10,000 tax-free, which is paid directly to the trainee in quarterly instalments. Applications are invited through this website and application forms are read and considered by a special panel recruited each year by the Scheme Director. Each year we receive up to 200 applications for places on the Scheme. Of these, 30 are called for interview and from these 8 are selected for a final interview with the Artistic Directors of the theatres taking part. Once assigned to their respective theatres each trainee receives a schedule of training, agreed between the theatre and the Director of the Scheme. Thereafter, depending on progress, trainees work as Assistant Director on a variety of in-house productions as well as becoming involved in Education, Outreach and Community work. They may also have the opportunity to direct play-readings and other events. Progress is monitored by the theatre and reports are submitted to the Scheme Director on a six-monthly basis.
TO APPLY FOR THE SCHEME We are now accepting applications for 2007. Please click
here to apply.
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