The Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) and Bolton Octagon have launched the 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award.
Now in its eighth year, the award – which honours the memory of RTST co-founder, Sir Peter Hall – offers the winner their first opportunity to direct a fully-realised, mid-scale production of a classic or modern play in a British regional theatre, then to take it on tour.
The 2024 winner will get the chance to create a new production on the main stage at the Octagon in a co-production with Mercury Theatre in Colchester and Rose Theatre in Kingston. The production will open in September 2025, as part of the Octagon’s autumn season, then tour to Colchester and Kingston. The RTST will make a grant of £50,000 to support production costs.
The winning director will demonstrate exceptional directing skills and a passion for regional theatre, and will be chosen by a distinguished panel featuring Octagon artistic director Lotte Wakeham; Ailin Conant (director Mercury Theatre, Artistic Director New Earth Theatre), Rose Theatre artistic director Christopher Haydon, actor Alex Jennings, director Iqbal Khan, the National Theatre's Emily Lim and Orange Tree Theatre artistic director, Tom Littler.
Director of the RTST, Mark Hawes, said: “We’re proud that our unique award and associated grant will be the catalyst for a regional touring production directed by the winner, who will be making their mid-scale directing debut. The opportunity handed to the winner is career-transforming.”
Lotte Wakeham said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled that the Octagon will be hosting the 2024 Award, which provides a vital opportunity for an emerging director."
The scheme is open to UK resident adult candidates, who must be able to demonstrate a professional track record as a director.
Candidates must submit ideas for directing a play of their choosing (within certain criteria), and shortlisted candidates will be asked to participate in directing workshops with actors to demonstrate their skills. Finalists will also be interviewed.
More information and an online application form here. The closing date for entries is September 2.