Associate Director for The Hungry Ghost
New Earth Theatre Closing date: Thu, 09 Jul 2026
- Part time
- Under £10K
- Apply now
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
New Earth Theatre is looking for an Associate Director for our production of The Hungry Ghost by Mei Leng Yew, which will be at the Bush Theatre Studio in October.
About New Earth Theatre:
New Earth Theatre presents and develops work with British East and South East Asian (BESEA) artists that asks key questions of identity, of the world we live in and our place in that world. They create work that nurtures and amplifies an authentic exploration of BESEA identity, experience and perspective of the world through their national touring productions. They develop world-class BESEA talent through their multi-regional Academy programme, festivals and commissions, alongside extending BESEA perspectives beyond theatre with their digital projects, touring installations and engagement work.
www.newearththeatre.org.uk
Synopsis of play
New Earth Theatre in association with Bush Theatre
The Hungry Ghost
By Mei Leng Yew
Directed by Ailin Conant
"I feel like a newborn out in the world for the first time. I feel… ravenous."
Tonight's the night. She's got a plan. And it involves her (secret) girlfriend, and the house they're about to move into together.
And it doesn't matter to her that her mum warns tonight is the first night of the ghost month. Because parents will say anything to keep you home. Swiping an orange from the family altar and pocketing a coin she finds on her way over to the new place, she steps through the doorway - and unwittingly invites a hungry ghost into both of their lives. As the ghost starts to take over and she wrestles for control of her own body, her carefully constructed house of lies comes tumbling down around her.
A sexy, queer horror rom-com exploring what takes root in the space between superstition and rationality, The Hungry Ghost is the debut play from Mei Leng Yew, directed by New Earth Theatre.
Job Requirements
Key Dates:
Rehearsals: 7-26 September
Tech week and previews: 28 September - 3 October
Press night: 5 October
London run: 6-31 October
Availability and Schedule:
Must be available for the entire rehearsal period, as well as tech week, previews and press night, through to 20 October (inclusive). Total period 7 Sept - 20 October.
During rehearsals hours are expected to be approximately 10:00 to 18:00 (or 09:30 to 17:30/18:00) TBC
Candidates should ideally be interested in and available in principle for the tour dates in 2027/2028.
Rate:
We work on an ITC contract, rehearsing and performing Monday to Saturday inclusive. Rate of pay will be:
£631/week for six weeks plus 2 days at £139/day, which covers 7 Sept - 20 October. Any additional days will be paid at the day rate.
Job Responsibilities
The Associate Director will support director Ailin Conant. Key Duties include but are not limited to:
Attending production meetings during the lead-up to the rehearsal period where available
Contributing to the daily smooth running of rehearsals, including note taking
Taking primary responsibility for leading understudy rehearsals, which will be integrated into the schedule starting in the third week and continuing through previews
After press night, attending and "noting" the show at least twice a week during its run to ensure quality
Conducting prep rehearsals with understudy and providing notes on their performances in the event they are required to go on for a principal actor
In the event that the show tours in 2027/2028 (TBC), we will be looking to the Associate Director to potentially lead rehearsals for the remount and go on the tour
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Associate Director for The Hungry Ghost
- Salary: Under £10K
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Thu, 09 Jul 2026
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Location:
London
How to Apply
To apply:
Please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected]
Tell us about your skills, experience and employment history and why you are interested in being an Associate Director on this production.
A video or audio file up to 5 minutes in length can replace the cover letter if preferred. If you would like to submit your application in any other format please email [email protected] to discuss this further.
The deadline for applications is 11pm on Thursday 9 July.
We will be inviting shortlisted applicants to a short meeting via Zoom during the week of 13 July to discuss the role.
- Contact name: Marina
- Contact email: [email protected]
About New Earth Theatre
New Earth Theatre presents and develops work with British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) artists that asks key questions of identity, of the world we live in and our place in that world. They produce touring plays and readings across the year, nurture BESEA talent through their Academy acting, backstage and writing courses, as well as bring artists to communities, museums and schools.