Directors' Programme

The Royal Court Theatre is now recruiting for the 2025–26 Royal Court Trainee Directors (x2) and Assistant Directors' Pool (x6).

This is your route into applying for one or both of the opportunities available. There’s just one application form – so don’t worry, you won’t need to apply twice. You’ll be able to indicate your interest in either or both roles as part of the process. All information on the application process can be found via the Apply button.

Salary information: The Trainee Director position is compensated at £28,808 (gross) per annum. The Assistant Directors' Pool provides access to both paid roles and free opportunities across the year, alongside a one-off bursary of £1,000 to support engagement with us; this includes first access to paid freelance assistant directing opportunities paid in line with Equity-ITC rates (https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2023/equity-announce-new-agreements-for-directors-west-end-commercial-and-subsidised) for Assistant Directors.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking early-career directors with experience in directing and/or facilitation, and a strong interest in new writing. Specific requirements for each role can be found in the job descriptions linked via the Apply button.

What the Application Form Will Ask For:

Your personal details

Your programme preference – Trainee Director, Assistant Directors' Pool, or both

Your preferred start date (if applying for the Trainee Director role)

Your preferred application format – written or audio

A response to the question:

Tell us about your professional experience to date, and why you feel this is the right next step for you. Word Limit - 800 words or Time Limit - 8 minutes

Your CV

You don’t have to complete the form all at once! If you start filling it out and need to come back later, your answers will be saved—just make sure you’re using the same browser and device (and not in Incognito or Private mode). Your progress will be safely stored in your browser for up to 15 days. When you return, you’ll start at the beginning of the form, but your previous answers will still be there. You can review, edit, and continue from where you left off before submitting.

More information and guidance will be provided on each page of the form.

Our Commitment:

In your application, we’ll ask if you identify as Black and/or Global Majority, Working Class, and/or D/deaf or disabled. As part of our commitment to addressing systemic under-representation on stages across the UK, we prioritise ensuring that at least half of all places across our artistic programmes are held by individuals who identify as Black and/or Global Majority, Working Class and/or D/deaf or disabled.

Important Application Information:

Applications are now open and will close on 31st August 2025. (this advert will close on 8th August)

Everything you need to apply is available via the Apply button, including:

Links to the job adverts and descriptions

The application form itself

This application form is only for the recruitment process of the two roles mentioned above. Please do not apply here should you be looking for more information on events as we won't be retaining the email information here for that purpose.

Please include in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.