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Young Directors

Young Directors is a 10 week introduction to directing live performance course for young people aged 13-17.

What is Young Directors?

Young Directors is a 10-week introduction to directing live performance course for young people aged 13-17. Sessions take place during term time; see below for the upcoming term dates.

The sessions consist of a series of interactive workshops, masterclasses with industry professionals, and opportunities to see shows at Northern Stage.

Young Directors will learn all about the essentials of directing live performance – from learning how to work with actors to exploring scripts and discovering the kind of theatre you’d like to create.

You do not need any previous experience in directing to apply, just a desire to discover more about different ways to make theatre.

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Young Directors is kindly supported by the Noël Coward Foundation.

What you’ll do

  • Take part in introductory workshops about the essentials of directing live performance focussing on key modules including: Running a Rehearsal Room, Introduction to Character, Introduction to Story, Collaborating with Creatives and Exploring Your Identity as a Director. 
  • Meet professional directors working in the North East, learning about their approaches to making work for the stage
  • Attend live performances with an opportunity to discuss what you’ve seen
  • Meet and collaborate with other Young Directors
  • Gain an insight into the process of creating a performance in a professional setting
  • Explore your own artistic voice, try new things and gain and practice transferable skills

When is it?

The dates for the upcoming Spring 2026 cohort are:

Tuesday 13th January, 6-8pm

Tuesday 20th January, 6-8pm

Tuesday 27th January, 6-8pm

Tuesday 3rd February, 6-8pm

Tuesday 10th February, 6-8pm

Tuesday 24th February, 6-8pm

Tuesday 10th March, 6-8pm

Tuesday 17th March, 6-8pm

Tuesday 24th March, 6-8pm

Tuesday 31st March, 6-8pm

In addition to the session dates, there will be a show trip to see the performance of Noughts & Crosses on Tuesday 3rd March at 6pm.

Fee information

The cost of the course varies depending on your circumstances. We have created a payment scale (see below) to help you identify which fee is appropriate for you. Fees cover the cost of the 10 sessions as well as tickets to selected performances at Northern Stage as part of the programme.

Fees are required to be paid in advance of starting the course and more information about how to do this will follow if you are successfully selected to take part.

Standard fee: £150 (If you have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Discounted fee: £90 (If you do not have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Bursary places: FREE*

*Bursary places are limited and bursary applications from young people from a low-socioeconomic background, from the global majority or with a disability will be prioritised, in line with Northern Stage’s strategic priorities. As part of a bursary place, we can also support with the cost of travelling to and from sessions.

How to apply

Applications are now open for Young Directors starting in January 2026!

If you’re interested in taking part, please fill out an application form.

Applications close on 16th November and we will let you know if we can offer you a place as soon as possible following this date.

If you have any questions about taking part or know a young person who might be interested, you can get in touch with us using the details below.

Email – takepart@northernstage.co.uk

Telephone – 0191 242 7205

Young Directors Spring 2025