Directors
Supporting the next generation of directors at the writers’ theatre.
The Royal Court is the world’s leading force for playwrights — but it takes skilled directors to bring bold new plays to life.
We offer a comprehensive ladder of support for directors wanting to learn and develop their craft staging new work – from paid roles and bursaries to open-access events and insights from some of the world’s leading theatre directors.
Open-Access Opportunities & Events
Available to everyone — no application required. Throughout the year, we offer hundreds of free, bookable places for directors at any stage:
- OPEN TECH: A unique opportunity to observe technical rehearsals led by expert directors in our theatres
- DIRECTORS NIGHTS: Post-show Q&As with the director and assistant or associate director, a chance to ask all the questions you have about the craft and process of directing a new play. With free drinks!
- Masterclasses, workshops, and Q&As with leading directors
Events will be advertised for booking on a first-come, first-served basis - see below for what's coming up.
Paid Director Roles & Assistants
Trainee Directors — year-long salaried roles
Our Trainee Director programme has launched countless freelance and artistic leadership careers. Every year we now recruit two year-long positions, overlapping by six months, offering unrivalled development as a full-time member of our artistic team.
Assistant Directors’ Pool — year-long attachments & bursaries
Recruited annually and supported by a one-off bursary and year-round opportunities, our Assistant Directors’ Pool gives a cohort of early-career directors first access to apply for increased paid assistant director roles in both our theatre spaces.
'As a director, what you want is to be invited into a process that trusts you, your work, challenges your creative instincts, and immerses you in the theatre's culture and ethos. This programme offers all of those things: a generous environment that allows you to approach your practice with curiosity, proactivity, and reflection, ultimately leaving you with invaluable tools to grow as an artist.' Yanni Ng, Assistant Directors’ Pool 2026
Applications are now open for 2026/7 Trainee Directors and Assistant Directors Pool. To find out more about the roles and apply, head to our jobs page here.
Mentoring
For directors engaged to work here for the first time, we offer discretionary budgets for mentoring, paired with leading theatre-makers. These are not application-based but will be part of discussions with our artistic team, identified where they can most benefit a director during a significant professional or artistic period.
