WORK WITH US

We are seeking an emerging Assistant Director for Revolutions, a new youth-led devised production directed by Tristan Jackson-Pate and produced by People’s Theatre Collective.

Revolutions is a major co-created theatre project supported by Arts Council England, bringing together professional artists and young people from Banbury to create an ambitious new performance exploring identity, community, belonging and the future of our town. The production is funded through Arts Council England and forms part of People’s Theatre Collective’s wider Revolutions programme (2026–2028).

This opportunity is designed for an emerging director interested in collaborative, socially engaged and youth-led theatre-making. The Assistant Director will work closely alongside Tristan Jackson-Pate throughout the rehearsal and production process, gaining hands-on experience supporting a devised production involving both professional actors and young performers.

We are particularly interested in directors committed to a career in theatre who are excited by co-creation, facilitation and ensemble processes and who are interested in developing their practice within inclusive community and youth theatre contexts.

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Revolutions is a long-term youth-led cultural programme exploring how young people can shape Banbury’s cultural future through theatre-making, creative leadership and collaboration.

The Summer 2026 production will feature three professional actors performing alongside an ensemble of approximately 15–20 young people aged 11–18. The work is being developed through a collaborative devising process with young people contributing creatively across performance, design, technical theatre and production.

Performances will take place at The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury in August 2026.

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About the Role

The Assistant Director will support the Director, Tristan Jackson-Pate, across rehearsals, devising sessions and performances.

The role is intended as a meaningful development opportunity for an emerging director wishing to deepen their experience of:

• devised and ensemble theatre-making

• inclusive youth-led and participatory practice

• rehearsal room facilitation

• collaborative dramaturgy

• collaboration with the designer and wider creative and technical teams

The Assistant Director will contribute to the creative development of the work while also supporting the practical running of rehearsals and communication between the wider company.

We are particularly interested in applicants who:

• are committed to a career in theatre

• enjoy collaborative and devising-led processes

• are excited by participation and co-creation with young people

• are interested in facilitation and ensemble leadership

• are reflective, organised and responsive collaborators

• are interested in developing their own directing practice through mentorship and hands-on experience

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Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Director will support duties associated with the rehearsal and delivery of a devised theatre production, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the Director during rehearsals, workshops and devising sessions

• Assisting with rehearsal planning and preparation

• Supporting facilitation of ensemble and devising activities

• Recording and organising rehearsal notes, improvisations and emerging material

• Assisting with script development and structuring of material as it evolves

• Supporting communication between the creative team, performers and production team

• Assisting with rehearsal room management and pastoral support where appropriate

• Supporting young people to engage confidently within rehearsals and creative processes

• Attending technical rehearsals and performances

• Supporting reflection and evaluation throughout the process

• Contributing creatively to discussions around staging, storytelling and audience experience

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Person Specification

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Essential:

• An emerging director with a strong interest in theatre-making and collaborative performance processes

• Interest in devised, ensemble or participatory theatre

• Some experience facilitating or supporting creative activity with young people, community groups or ensembles

• Strong communication and organisational skills

• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-moving rehearsal process

• Enthusiasm for socially engaged and youth-led arts practice

• Based within Banbury, Oxfordshire or within reasonable commuting distance

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Desirable:

• Previous assistant directing or facilitation experience

• Experience of youth theatre, community arts or education settings

• Interest in dramaturgy and new work development

• Experience supporting devised rehearsal processes

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Dates & Location

All activity will take place in Banbury.

Rehearsal period at The People’s House, Castle Quay, Banbury
W/C 20 July – 12 August 2026

Technical and dress rehearsals at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
13–14 August 2026

Performances at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
14–15 August 2026

Fee

4 weeks at £631 per week (Equity/ITC rate)

Travel expenses can be discussed where required.

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Safeguarding & DBS

Due to the nature of the project and the involvement of young people aged 11–18, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check or subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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Access & Inclusion

People’s Theatre Collective is committed to creating accessible and inclusive working environments.

A personal access budget is available to support disabled practitioners and those with additional access requirements. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to complete an Access Rider so we can work together to support access requirements throughout the process.

We actively welcome applications from individuals currently underrepresented within the theatre sector.

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Application Process

Please apply by completing the google form, you can also send the answer to your questions as a voice recording or a video recording. The deadline to apply is Tuesday 26th May at 9am. 

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Interview Process

Interview will be via zoom between 1st and 3rd June. 

If you have any questions relating to the project whatsoever, especially regarding access requirements, please contact:

Michael Deacon, Company Manager: michael@peoplestheatrecollective.org.uk

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