Assistant Director: Under Milk Wood

UNDER MILK WOOD - CRAIDD & THEATR CLWYD
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR INFORMATION PACK

We are looking for an Assistant Director to support our forthcoming production of UNDER MILK WOOD by Dylan Thomas, directed by Kate Wasserberg – a major new touring production, the first of four productions within the Craidd Partnership.

Craidd is an ambitious sector-wide collaboration across five Welsh theatre organisations dedicated to transforming DDN (Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent) representation in mainstream theatre. Theatr Clwyd is the lead partner on this initiative and the forthcoming production of UNDER MILK WOOD will be the inaugural production in this partnership.

Our ambition for the Assistant Director is to also provide an exciting early career director with an in-depth experience that is not just focussed on the rehearsal process but also encompasses the range of ways a director might work with a theatre to forge a sustainable career journey. It will provide an opportunity that is increasingly rare in the theatre landscape, and is something that Theatr Clwyd has a proven track record of delivering in a way that has a lasting impact on the theatre-maker’s journey and career opportunities.

This opportunity is open to Welsh or Wales-based theatre directors who identify as Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent, are over the age of 18 who have a demonstrable background in directing theatre and are looking to further develop their practice. We would also welcome applications from DDN directors who may be trying to come back into the industry after a period away – for whatever reason – and are looking to reintegrate into the theatre industry.

Other Placements Information
As part of the production we are also offering placement opportunities in Set & Costume and Lighting & AV Design for talented Welsh or Wales based theatre-makers who identify as either Deaf, disabled and/or Neurodiverse. They will benefit from a unique and bespoke package of support at Theatr Clwyd through the Craidd initiative.

Alongside an Assistant Director on the production, this team will be able to offer peer support to each other and explore their own creativity and pathway through the industry. We appreciate how access into the creative industries remains a barrier for people and are working to support freelancers but also recognise the ongoing (and enhanced) barriers to forging and sustaining a career in the creative industries.

Important Information

The Role

The Assistant Director will be an assistant to director Kate Wasserberg as well as other key creatives on the production including BSL Director Adam Bassett and Associate Director Katie Elin-Salt on the production of UNDER MILK WOOD.

Dates

The opportunity runs from 19th January 2026 to 20th March 2026. The successful candidate will be expected to be present in the building full-time during the placement. Normal working hours will be 10am – 6pm, but there will be evening and weekend working, particularly during tech and preview weeks.

Duties and Responsibilities

The role will include but is not limited to:

• Supporting the Director during the rehearsal process by taking notes and supporting the smooth running of rehearsals and tech.

• Attending all rehearsals, production meetings, technical rehearsals, previews, and guest night.

• Inputting into discussions with the creative team and at production meetings.

• Carrying out any research that will inform and benefit the production as agreed with the Director.

• 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.

• Being a sounding board in the rehearsal room, to offer notes where appropriate and to be an active observer in the room to engage in useful and active discussions with the director outside of the rehearsal room.

• Where required, supporting the acting company with line learning.

• Noting the show/actors as necessary.

• 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 and Craidd.

• Inputting into any creative engagement and educational activities or events by mutual agreement with the Director and Producer.

• Attending and participating in post-show discussions by mutual agreement with the Producer.

• Supporting the production on tour, rehearsing the production into the venues, supporting the actors and creative team to move the production into different venues.

• Noting the show twice a week after press night in consultation with the director.

• Any further duties as required by the Director.

Theatr Clwyd and Craidd will also provide:

• At least two 1:1 meetings with the Director during the rehearsal process.

• One final 1:1 meeting with the Director at the end of the placement to evaluate the experience.

• Access to different departments within Theatr Clwyd to fulfil the specific interests of the individual and support their development in understanding other areas of the Theatre’s work.

• Attendance at design meetings related to the production.

• Attendance at production meetings related to the production.

• Support from the Craidd Agent for Change at Theatr Clwyd to support and develop their understanding of how they navigate the industry as a DDN theatre-maker.

• Support from the Director of Stiwdio Clwyd including a full evaluation of their placement, report writing and the creation of an Exit Strategy to support their on-going development.

As this is the first production under the Craidd Partnership, the recipient will be asked to take part in a full evaluation of the Scheme

Essential Criteria

We are looking for someone who:

  • Can demonstrate a commitment to directing and a passion for theatre making.
  • Is able to demonstrate a passionate interest in the development and process of new adaptations of work on to the stage.
  • Is organised, confident, flexible, calm and approachable.
  • Has had some experience of directing in a professional capacity or on the fringe – engaging with professional actors who are not just personal connections for a paying audience.
  • Is a good team player who is willing to work collaboratively as part of a team including creatives, actors, stage managers and Theatr Clwyd staff.
  • Experience in coordinating and facilitating rehearsals, including blocking scenes, running line rehearsals, and maintaining rehearsal schedules.
  • Strong history of collaborating effectively with actors, providing guidance and feedback.
  • Proven ability to handle unexpected challenges and emergencies during rehearsals and performances.
  • 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.

Desirable Criteria
  • A full, clean driving license.
  • Experience of working as an Assistant Director.
  • Experience of pre-production research.
  • Fluent in the Welsh language.
  • Demonstrating a commitment to creating work which explores inclusivity, accessibility and integrated access.
  • A demonstrable interest in broadening representation and diversity within theatre, including a clear commitment to anti-racism and a commitment to supporting collaborators from a wide range of backgrounds.
  • Experience of working alongside Creative Engagement teams and community outreach projects.

Timeline
5th September 2025Deadline for applications
w/c 22nd September 2025Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend and observe the Final Design Meeting for UNDER MILK WOOD. Following this meeting, interviews will be held with Director Kate Wasserberg, BSL Director Adam Bassett, a member of the Making Team at Theatr Clwyd and a member of the Craidd team
3rd October 2025Successful candidate will be informed and on-boarding process commences
19th January 2026Placement starts at Theatr Clwyd. Induction Week / pre-rehearsal prep week
26th January 2026Rehearsals start on UNDER MILK WOOD
2nd - 7th March 2026TECH WEEK / final rehearsal week on UNDER MILK WOOD
9th – 14th March 2026TECH WEEK / PREVIEWS on UNDER MILK WOOD
w/c 16th March 2026PREVIEWS & GUEST NIGHT on UNDER MILK WOOD
19th March 2026Attendance at Guest Night for UNDER MILK WOOD
w/c 13th April 2026Attendance at first tour move to the Torch Theatre
w/c 20th April 2026Final Meeting with Director Completion of Evaluation Report and Exit Strategy Meeting with Craidd and Stiwdio Clwyd End of Contract

This placement is expected to have the following time commitment, subject to agreement with the recipient –

· Week 1 – Induction week and pre-rehearsal prep and research – 37 hours

· Week 2 – Week One of Rehearsals – 37 hours

· Week 3 – Week Two of Rehearsals – 37 hours

· Week 4 – Week Three of Rehearsals – 37 hours

· Week 5 – Week Four of Rehearsals – 37 hours

· Week 6 – Week Five of Rehearsals – 37 hours

· Week 7 – Week Six of Rehearsals – 37 hours

· Week 8 – Technical & Previews – 43 hours

· Week 9 – Previews / Guest Night– 43 hours

· Week 10 – 1st Tour Move - attendance and supporting Director at first tour move – 43 hours

Bursary

We are able to offer the Under Milk Wood Assistant Director a buy-out bursary payment of £6,470 (10 weeks at £647 per week)

Theatr Clwyd will also support the Assistant Director with a travel and subsistence budget of £2,445 (subs – 10 weeks at £245 = £2,450 plus travel 2x £120 = £240)

This budget will be managed by Theatr Clwyd and the Assistant Director will be reimbursed on presentation of receipts for expenses.

Access Support will also be available and covered by Theatr Clwyd and Craidd

The fee will be made as a bursary payment in three instalments. The applicant will have to be responsible for their own NI and Tax Payments. If they are not set-up as self-employed, Theatr Clwyd can support them to do this.

How to Apply

To apply for this bursary, please send us the following –

· An up to date CV (no more than one side of A4)

· A link to your website or portfolio of work

· Why do you feel this would be useful at this point in your development as a Director? (300 words / up to 3 minutes of video)

· How does your experience fulfil the Essential Criteria outlined above? (300 words / up to 3 minutes of video)

· Why do you feel the Craidd partnership and fully inclusive accessible work is important to your theatre practice? (200 words / up to 2 minutes of video)

Please also include details of any access needs to support you to attend the interview if you are shortlisted – please note this will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process and is purely to ensure we can put any support in place in a timely manner.

Please also include details of two references– ideally a creative collaborator and an Artistic Director or producer you have worked with – though we will only approach these with your consent if we take your application through to the latter stage of the process.

We can accept either written or video applications.

We can also accept applications in Welsh and in BSL.

Please submit your application to - stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS – 5th September 2025