These are the questions we get asked most frequently.
- Can anyone join?
You need to be a professional director in the early stages of your career. This is not age specific but relates to how much experience you have. The membership is diverse in terms of age, career path, productions directed and interests. If you are still in full-time education you will not be able to join the project until you have graduated. You should also be committed to a career in theatre directing. If you are still unsure about your career path there are many amateur companies and adult education courses you can get involved in to help you make this decision. You should not join until directing is a career you are actively pursuing.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Does the Directors Program reflect the Young Vic’s artistic vision?The project aims to support all directors, whatever their particular area of interest. However, it also inevitably stems from and feeds into the Young Vic's artistic vision. As a result the project is predominantly aimed at directors based in London and focuses on work related to classical drama, modern classics and international work. Opportunities to develop work with writers or organise rehearsed readings are therefore limited. All workshops take place at the Young Vic's theatre in London and anyone joining should be happy to travel here.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Can I work as an assistant director?All opportunities to assist on Young Vic productions are advertised through the Directors Network. Please do not send unsolicited letters requesting work as an assistant director as they will not be considered. Please see the section on Jerwood Assistant Director Program.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - What research and development opportunities are offered?When we have the resources we offer directors a supportive environment in which to try out ideas, work with actors and explore the process of theatre making. Each practitioner taking part (director, actor, designer, writer) is given £5 per day to cover their travel expenses. The director is responsible for putting together their creative team but the Young Vic can provide administrative resources if needed. The emphasis is on process and any sharing at the end of any session is intended as an opportunity for feedback and not as a showcase for producers or funders.
We will invite proposals for research and development periods when we have available space and then select directors from these expressions of interest. Please respond to these invitations rather than send in unsolicited requests.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - How will I find out about the opportunities provided by the Directors Program?Almost all of the initiatives will be publicised through the website.. Whilst we aim to be as transparent as possible, some creative decisions will be made without an open invitation process.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Can you help me find a designer/sound designer for my production?If you are a member of the Genesis Directors Network you have access to the private members area of this website where you can ask other young directors for advice. You also have the opportunity to advertise for actors, designers, stage managers and other theatre practitioners.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Is mentoring provided?In some projects this is an integral aspect of the structure of the work - for example the Jerwood Assistant Director Program. With so many members it is not always possible to provide one to one mentoring on an ad hoc basis. However, where possible we will respond to requests for advice about projects and career development, either on the phone or at meetings. We also organise drop-in sessions with the Young Vic's associate directors, who have first hand experience of the challenges faced when pursuing a career in directing.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Will I get a show at the Young Vic?Naturally this is what most directors want! However, the reality is that we produce a finite number of shows over a year and will never be able to programme everyone's work.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - How do I get someone to see my show?Send in the details of the show a month in advance. We try and see as much work as we can but with so many theatres in London we are not able to see all the productions we would like to.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Does the Young Vic read unsolicited scripts?The Young Vic is not a new writing theatre, and does not have a literary department. We present classical drama, adaptations by established writers, and neglected classics, old and new. We are dedicated to developing the careers of younger directors through training, process work and productions in our three theatres. We do not have the resources to read and respond to unsolicited scripts. You should send your script to theatres with a policy of reading new plays such as the Royal Court, the Bush, Hampstead Theatre, the Tricycle, and fringe theatres such as Theatre 503 and the Finborough, as well as regional theatres including Birmingham Rep, Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre and Liverpool's Everyman Theatre. Please consult the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook for script submission policies of UK theatres.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Does the Young Vic organise rehearsed readings of new plays?From time to time we collaborate with new writing companies such as Paines Plough and Talawa to present rehearsed readings of new plays. In general, however, the theatre spaces are used by young directors and are dedicated to our work with young people and the local community through our Taking Part programme. Rehearsed readings are not a priority and we suggest you contact the new writing theatres such as Theatre 503, Royal Court, Soho and Hampstead.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Does the Young Vic only use professional actors?Yes. The director of each production will work with a casting director. Before sending in any CVs or letters of interest please contact the Young Vic to find out which casting director you should write to.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Do you programme visiting productions?We produce or co-produce the work programmed at the Young Vic. The exceptions have been international work visiting for short runs. When the three theatres are not used for producing work they are dedicated to the work we do with young directors, young people and our local community. Consequently there are limited opportunities to support companies who wish to bring their work to the Young Vic. However, there are exceptions to every rule and we are always interested to hear about new ideas and proposals. In the first instance send a short proposal to Sue Emmas, Associate Artistic Director.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Can I do voluntary work?We have an extensive programme of placements and work experience organised through the Young Vic's Taking Part department. This work is predominantly aimed at supporting young people (14-18 year olds) resident in Lambeth and Southwark, as well as students in Higher Education. The production department provides placements for students who are studying vocational courses in stage management, lighting, sound and wardrobe. Placements for adults outside a formal educational context may be possible but will be in an administrative department such as development or marketing. These volunteers need to commit to a minimum of three months, full-time (39 hours a week) work. In the first instance contact Alex Brierley, Schools and Colleges Projects Manager.
Answered on 4/1/2010 - Can I visit as an international intern?Please see above. Unfortunately, due to our commitment to our local boroughs we can very rarely provide international students with placements or observational roles. In the first instance write to Alex Brierley, Schools and Colleges Projects Manager, with details of the nature and length of the internship you would like to propose.
Answered on 4/1/2010
