I, Daniel Blake - Assistant Director Call Out

The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director to support the creation of the show. There will be some research preparation work ahead of the 4 – week rehearsal block in April 2023 going into tech and previews in May 2023 before a two and a half week run in Stage 2 at Northern Stage. Key dates are outlined below.

It is anticipated that the duties will involve:

• Read and study the play; discuss the interpretation and production concept with the Director.
• Understand the vision and intention of the production and identify opportunities to enrich it as the production is made.
• Support the Director with research in advance of rehearsals and respond to research requests as they arise in the rehearsal process and find and organise research guest visits.
• Assist the Director in planning the rehearsal process and work with the DSM and Director to create rehearsal calls.
• Attend all production meetings
• Assist the Director as needed. Attend all rehearsals, taking notes and actively watching and listening, representing the audience in the room. Communicate regularly with the Director regarding the progress of the production.
• Run special rehearsals such as liine runs, speed runs etc. If the Director requests it.
• Attend movement and dialect calls in place of the Director representing the vision in the room.
• Make notes for the Director as instructed during the rehearsal period and tech. Share these notes with the Director who may communicate them to the cast and/or crew.
• Support the well-being and morale of the acting company and share any concerns directly as they arise.
• Attend one performance a week, reporting back to the Director and – where appropriate – give notes to the acting and technical company.
• Document their experience for the NS blog, social media and NS development activity.

Who are we looking for?

• A North East based Assistant Director – with one previous assisting credit on a professional production or has directed a piece of their own work.
• Someone who is looking to develop mid-scale experience and grow their involvement and responsibility on a production
• Someone who is highly organised, confident, flexible, calm and approachable.
• A good team player who is willing to work collaboratively with the team around the show (creatives, actors, stage managers and staff at Northern Stage.)
• Someone who embodies Northern Stage core values and beliefs.
• We particularly welcome applications from working class backgrounds.