Young Directors: Next Stages
Young Directors is a 10 week introduction to directing live performance course for young people aged 13-17.
What is Young Directors?
Young Directors: Next Stages is a 10-week course ideal for anyone aged 16-19 with a basic knowledge of directing for live performance who would like to continue their learning.
Sessions will be led by professional theatre creatives and will take the form of interactive workshops, practical activities, performance theory sessions and masterclasses.
We will explore different approaches to directing, from working with text to devised and site-specific performance to explore the type of work we’d like to create.
The course is designed to build on communication skills, and we will explore ways of working with actors and collaborators, running a successful rehearsal room and preparing for performance.
What you’ll do
- Build upon and practice the essentials of directing live performance
- Meet theatre practitioners working in the North-East and learn 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
- Go through the process of prepping a play for production – exploring making vision boards, rehearsing with performers, delivering a technical rehearsal
- Explore your own artistic voice, try new things and gain and practice transferable skills.
When is it?
The dates for the upcoming Spring 2027 cohort are:
Monday 18th January, 5-7pm
Monday 25th January, 5-7pm
Monday 1st February, 5-7pm
Monday 8th February, 5-7pm
Monday 22nd February, 5-7pm
Monday 1st March, 5-7pm
Monday 8th March, 5-7pm
Monday 15th March, 5-7pm
Monday 22nd March, 5-7pm
Monday 29th March, 5-7pm
In addition to the session dates, there will be two trips to see shows at Northern Stage, dates TBC.
Who can take part?
To be eligible to take part in Young Directors: Next Stages, you will need to:
- Be 16-19 years old at the time the course starts
- Live in the North East of England
- Have either taken part in Young Directors: Introduction, or have an understanding of the principals of Directing through other learning or practical experience.
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
Please fill in an application form if you are interested in taking part.
Applications close on Sunday 29th November.
We will email you to let you know if your application has been successful by Friday 4th December.
Hear what past Young Directors: Next Stages participants have said:
I have gained lots of practical experience from this course which has been beneficial to my study of performing arts in school. I have also made lasting friends with similar interests who I wouldn’t have otherwise met.
I liked working with the actors, because sometimes I find it difficult to communicate my ideas but I think working alongside others, It has really helped me to improve that skill and I have proven to myself that I am capable of communicating my ideas clearly.
I have made friends and learnt to work with people in a really good way , I achieved knowing how to direct and be confident in my choices.
I have gained real knowledge about what it means to be a director, through work with actors. I have also learned more about what it means to be a designer and an actor.
[The staff] were very considerate of us both as directors and young people- they created a very supportive environment. I did not feel uncomfortable asking for help or guidance and enjoyed learning from them.
I came out of this course with almost a toolbox that I could take into directing further.
I feel like I have developed a new passion through both beginners and next steps. I have loved learning about myself and what it means to be a director. I have made so many friendships that have lasted even after the course. I am going to miss it a lot!!
A huge thankyou for how you conducted the course and all of the support you gave given me throughout. I have always felt really supported and I have always felt that I could ask questions or ask for support.
Young Directors Spring 2025
Sign up to our Mailing List
If you’d like us to keep in touch about future opportunities to take part at Northern Stage, please fill in this form to sign up to our mailing list.
If you have a specific enquiry, please get in touch by emailing us at takepart@northernstage.co.uk or call us on 0191 242 7205.