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 on a Monday from 5-7pm during term time.
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 working with actors to using 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.
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
- 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 Autumn 2025 cohort are:
Monday 1 September, 5-7pm
Monday 8 September, 5-7pm
Monday 15 September, 5-7pm
Monday 22 September, 5-7pm
Monday 29 September, 5-7pm
Monday 6 October, 5-7pm
Monday 13 October, 5-7pm
Monday 20 October, 5-7pm
Monday 3 November, 5-7pm
Monday 10 November, 5-7pm
In addition to the session dates, there will be at least one show visit included, dates TBC.
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.
If you have the means to pay for the full value of the course
Standard fee: £150
If you do not have the means to pay for the full value of the course
Discounted fee: £90
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 September 2025!
Please submit an application form here to apply for a place. Applications close on Sunday 10th August.
Please note that due to demand, submitting an application form does not guarantee you will be offered a place on the group. We will contact you by 15 August to let you know if your application has been successful.
If you have any questions about the course, you can get in touch by emailing takepart@northernstage.co.uk or call us on 0191 242 7205.
Young Directors Spring 2025
