Theatr Clwyd Resident Trainee Director is a remarkable opportunity for an early career theatre director with a connection to Wales to spend 18 months at Theatr Clwyd working across the organisation, providing an in-depth training and insight into the running of a major producing theatre. The director will work on a range of Theatr Clwyd productions as Assistant Director in both the Moondance and Weston Theatres, and other projects. The Trainee will also spend time with every team at Theatr Clwyd, ensuring a full and rigorous understanding of every aspect of creating, producing and running a piece of theatre. The Trainee Director will also support the work of Stiwdio Clwyd, a national development studio for Welsh and Wales-based theatre-makers.

Contract Type - Fixed Term for 18 months

Hours - 37 per week

There are Q&As are for anyone interested in the post who might have a question about the role. They are on zoom on:

- Monday 12th October 1pm - 2pm

- Thursday 15th October 5.30pm - 6.30pm

To attend a Q&A please sign up by emailing stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com and the zoom link will be sent to you.

The Role

The successful candidate will spend 18 months at Theatr Clwyd, gaining a full and thorough grounding in all aspects of theatre making. They will work on four to six Theatr Clwyd productions as Assistant Director across the full breadth of work we produce. They will have the opportunity to work on productions in Moondance and Weston theatres, and other discreet projects during the 18-month traineeship. These productions will include a new play Emerald & Pearl, a new adaptation of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, a new musical; our annual Rock n Roll pantomime and other productions yet to be announced. As well as working closely with the Artistic Director and Associate Director, the Trainee will spend one week (or the equivalent) with every team at Theatr Clwyd over the course of the 18 months, ensuring a full and rigorous understanding of every aspect of creating, producing and running a piece of theatre. The Trainee Director will also support the work of Stiwdio Clwyd, a national development studio for Welsh and Wales-based theatre-makers. The Traineeship will culminate in the Trainee directing a full production of a play in the language of their choice, which will run in a theatre space or in a found space following their time with us. The production will be decided mutually between the Trainee Director and Theatr Clwyd.

Supervised by the Director of Stiwdio Clwyd, the Artistic Director and the Director of Producing & Programming, the Trainee Director will:

As Assistant Director on specific projects:

• Work alongside the director on script development, casting and throughout the pre-production process
• Support the director and creative team in rehearsals and previews, working with the actors if and when required, taking notes, helping with line learning and working specific scenes or sequences and supporting the smooth running of rehearsals and tech.
• Attending all rehearsals, production meetings, technical rehearsals, previews and guest night. When requested, supervising rehearsals, leading on warm-ups, stepping in for the director in leading rehearsals, and supporting with the pastoral care of the actors and creative team.
• Continue to watch and note the show during its run, passing notes on to the company as advised by the director
• Inputting into discussions with the creative team and at production meetings, liaising with the Stage Management team, supporting the director and creative team’s vision for the production
• Assisting the company in documenting the rehearsal process for the purposes of marketing, archiving and evaluating the project through blogs, social media and other forms as agreed with the Producing team at Theatr Clwyd.
• Carrying out any research that will inform and benefit the production as agreed with the Director.
• Inputting into any creative engagement and educational activities or events by mutual agreement with the Director and Producer.
• Noting the show twice a week after press night in consultation with the director.
• Any further duties as required by the Director.

As Trainee in the building:

• Work alongside experienced creative teams led by leading directors working in the UK today
• Experience the full range of jobs and opportunities that working within a building-based theatre company provides
• Join other working groups outside of their main specialism to become a fully engaged company member.
• Attending Local Artist Network sessions to support the ecology of theatre-making in the region including running Actor’s Gym workshops
• Attending weekly workshops, summer schools and other community work with our Creative Engagement team

The Trainee Director will also gain a thorough understanding of the production process and how a producing venue operates by having the opportunity to work in a number of areas at Theatr Clwyd as outlined below:

• Attending various Senior Leadership Meetings
• Attending Programming and Producing meetings
• Reading scripts and working on project development
• Working with the Stiwdio Clwyd team to drive artist support and development
• Studying costume making and show maintenance with our Wardrobe team
• Learning about set building, scenic art and props with our Workshop, Scenic Art & Props teams
• Working on creating and operating lighting and sound for shows with our LX & Sound teams
• Working alongside our Stage team on fit ups, get ins and outs, crewing and maintenance
• Working with Production Managers and Stage Management teams on long term planning and shows
• Working with our Experience team and Box Office team on all aspects of the theatre’s operations and events
• Learning about marketing and press with our Marketing team
• Working with our Development team on fundraising, membership and events
• Working with our Producing & Programming team on shows in development, rehearsals and performance

Other

• Any other tasks reasonably requested by the Artistic Director, Director of Stiwdio Clwyd and Associate Director
• To represent and positively promote the organisation at all levels

The Person

• Can demonstrate a commitment to directing theatre and a passion for working in theatre
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to relate to a wide variety of people
• A desire to support equality, diversity, inclusivity and access in a way that is reflective of an inclusive society.
• Demonstrating an interest in or commitment to creating work which explores inclusivity, accessibility and integrated access.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to work on several tasks simultaneously and under pressure
• An energetic and inspiring presence
• Resourcefulness and quick thinking
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to artistic excellence
• Is based in or from Wales with a commitment to making work in Wales.
• Is over the age of 18 and not currently in education or formal training.