YEP Directors

...Create new worlds
Applications open 14 Oct 2024. Deadline is 3 Nov 2024

Open Days will take place
Tue 29 Oct 1pm - 2pm & 5pm - 7pm
Wed 30 Oct 2pm - 3pm
Open Days are for people to meet the team and find out more about YEP.

If you're aged 18-25 with an interest in creating theatre and directing, this group meet weekly on Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm and includes a 4-5 week placement.

Sessions, guided by our team of professional artists, give you the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, styles of directing and art forms. Through a placement, you'll gain insight into approaches to directing plays and learn about working with actors and creative teams.

It is free! No previous experience needed.

YEP Directors offers the unique opportunity for 18-25 year olds to get exclusive access to our rehearsal room. YEP Directors will include the following:

•    A placement on one of the Everyman shows as YEP Assistant Director.
•    Directing skills and techniques.
•    Direct a monologue at Hope Angel Fields Festival.
•    The process of theatre making.
•    Working collaboratively.
•    Developing confidence, resilience and social skills.
•    Increasing aspiration.
•    Mentoring.
•    Exploring creative opportunities.
•    Going on trips and seeing theatre.
•    Meeting other young people and networking to build your own community and connections. 
•    Engaging with the creative process of at least one professional production.  

The group size is up to 5 people. 

Is this for you or someone you know?
We want to make sure we're reaching the people who would most benefit from this creative training, so read on to see if this could be you or email us at [email protected] if you're not sure. 

You should be:
•    Aged 18-25.
•    Living in Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral).
•    Creative. 
•    Imaginative. 
•    Open to ideas. 
•    Expressive.
•    Willing to learn, play and make mistakes.

You could be:
•    Interested in a career in the creative industry.
•    Disengaged from education.
•    Limited by opportunities in the arts.
•    On an Education, Health and Care plan.
•    A young carer.
•    A care leaver.
•    D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.
•    Global Majority.
•    LGBTQIA+.
•    In a job that is not creative.
•    Studying or graduated and need some support to progress.

You would like to:
•    Meet new friends.
•    Be creative in a new space.
•    Work on performance skills as director.
•    Direct a play.
•    Have somewhere to be safe and not judged.
•    Build a network of creative people like you.

Who runs YEP Directors?
YEP Directors will spend time with expert professionals at weekly sessions to explore directing skills, how theatre companies work, the relationships between directors, designers and the writer, practical understanding of production meetings and how to work with text.
You will take part in a placement as a YEP Trainee Assistant Director on one of the Everyman’s five produced shows. During this training placement you will be supported by a bursary to cover expenses.
Our Young People’s Advocate will provide support throughout and can give guidance on submitting your application, setting personal goals and deciding on your next steps at the end of your course. There will also be support from our Young People & Community Producer, as well as other creatives in our building.

What dates do I need to know?
The deadline for applications is Sun 3 Nov. 
YEP Directors runs from Wed 15 Jan until Wed 26 Nov 2025.
We ask that you are available for the following dates to get the most from the programme: 

•   YEP Induction: Sat 25 Jan 1-3pm
•   Weekly sessions on Wed 3-5pm
•   Hope Angel Field Festival: Mon 10 Mar
•   YEP Writers' Showcase Development 26 Aug - 29 Aug

You must be able to attend these dates to apply, if you are unsure, please get in touch with us.

You will be offered a placement on one of the shows below and we will discuss this as part of the recruitment meetings. Placements include weekday rehearsals, show previews and end with guest night. We understand that you may not be able to commit to every day, however we do encourage you to get the most out of the experience and we can support you with a bursary. If you are a student this placement could support your studies, we are happy to chat about it.  

Placement One: 31 Mar – 30 Apr
Placement Two: 19 May – 16 Jun
Placement Three: 11 Aug – 19 Sep
Placement Four: 13 Oct – 20 Nov

How do I sign up?
If you are aged 18-25 and live in the Liverpool City Region APPLY HERE. Recruitment closes 3 Nov. (If you need this form in another format, or if you would like to apply in a different way, please email us at [email protected])

What happens next?
You will need to complete a short application form and then you will be invited to an informal meeting where we will find out about your skills and experience. 
Meetings and workshops with successful applicants will take place over 4 weeks from 11 Nov and there will be a choice of times for you to choose from. If you are unsuccessful, you will still be invited to meet us to discuss your application and next steps.
If you would like some more information about YEP before you apply, you can sign up for one of our Open Days here.

I know a young person – how can I sign them up?
We'd love to hear from you if there's someone to refer to us. Drop us an email at [email protected]. 

Interested in theatre but want to know more about different roles behind the scenes?
Check out YEP Producers, YEP Technicians or YEP Writers.  

Interested in theatre but want to perform?
Check out YEP Actors 18-25.  

“To be able to work with a full crew on a professional production is just so fulfilling. I just love the whole process and thrive on the pressure.”
Sarah Van Parys, YEP Director Graduate