The project provides young theatre makers with a vital Launchpad into their careers as directors. It gives the all-important chance to professionally direct their own work and develp creative skills, explore artistic visions and take ownership for creating their own work. This blog from one of our past directors explains why this programme is not just important but essential: http://www.ayoungertheatre.com/blog-why-this-programme-isnt-just-important-but-essential/

What we'll deliver:

• Provide 6 (48 sessions) months practical directing/producing training sessions to 18 participants
• Provide participants with day-to-day mentoring support
• Produce a week long festival of short theatre plays
• Give emerging directors a platform that supports their development
• Give space to new directors whose voices would not otherwise be heard
• Bring a diverse range of plays to the middle of Deptford, Lewisham
• Reach and share the work of emerging talent with south london audiences and industry professionals
• Address the lack of space/opportunities for emerging artists, particularly those of ethnic minorities
• Begin a relationship with a theatre invested in diversity, new and emerging theatre-makers

Why it's a great idea:

Access to training is essential in building skills, CVs and contacts. Artists, in the broadest sense, are shaped by their experiences. The project provides practical training, you learn by doing it, participants will have session on arts management, marketing, producing, directing, curating, budgeting, fundraising and will apply their learning through producing their own Theatre Festival. They will gain directing credits for their CV, go through a real-life process of producing and directing their own play as well as a festival and weighing up real-life considerations in terms of the benefits they bring to the local community and themselves. The programme is delivered free of charge, but participants have to fundraise a designated amount that will benefit the next group/festival. This is particularly important for creatives who have not come through MA directing courses or placements with large theatres, to be noticed and develop their voices.

Steps to get it done:

• Participants are selected from an open call.
• Weekly sessions on producing tasks and on the artistic development of practical directorial and facilitating skills
• Casting, rehearsals towards presenting a week-long festival
• Weekly production meetings, constantly ensuring action points are dealt with
• Project budget to be regularly monitored, keeping an eye on cash-flow and expenditure
• Regular communication with project partner to ensure schedule of activities are being adhered to
• Feedback obtained from audiences, creatives and project partners
• Marketing meetings to ensure development and delivery of strong marketing strategy