Jerwood Assistant Director - Gem of the Ocean
Creators Program - Young Vic Theatre Closing date: Fri, 09 Oct 2026
- Full time
- Under £10K
- Apply now
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
About August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean
"'I can't wait. I have to see you now. They say you can help me. They say you wash souls.'"
Pittsburgh 1904, young Citizen Barlow is restless and camped outside Aunt Ester's house, desperate for her help. She is said to be 285 years old, a sage and healer of the Hill District community, where slavery and the South are still in living memory.
But the merciless sheriff Caesar is circling, feared for his ruthless reputation. Can Citizen be saved before his past catches up with him?
Following her critically acclaimed production of King Hedley II, Young Vic Artistic Director Nadia Fall directs August Wilson's moving exploration of resistance, redemption, and the enduring search for freedom.
The scheme provides each Jerwood Assistant Director with:
An assistantship on a production at the Young Vic
A paid two-week placement at the Young Vic, observing day to day running of the theatre, attending planning and management meetings and spending time in departments such as Marketing & Audiences, Production, and Development
A small pot of money to see shows
Key dates
Applications close - 10am, Friday 9 October 2026
Interviews - Friday 30 October 2026
Rehearsals start - w/c Monday 12 April 2027
Technical rehearsals - start w/c Monday 17 May 2027
First preview - Friday 21 May 2027
Final performance - Saturday 17 July 2027
Fee & Availability
£5,000 to cover the period from appointment to the end of the run.
The Jerwood Assistant Director will be required on a full-time basis throughout the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and previews up to and including Press Night. They will be required to attend at least once a week for noting and supporting the production during the run, on a schedule to be agreed, as well as supporting the understudy/cover process throughout the run.
Rehearsals typically take place Monday to Saturday between 10am - 6pm, with possible evening calls.
Rehearsals take place at Young Vic
theatre.
Job Requirements
Eligibility requirements
For the Jerwood Assistant Director role, we are looking for someone who:
Is resident in the UK at the time of application
Has the right to work in the UK for the duration of the
assistantship
Is fully available for the duration of the assistantship (see key dates above)
Has experience as an Assistant/Associate Director on at least two mid-scale professional* productions
Has experience as a Director on at least one professional production of any scale.
Has experience working with understudies
Has knowledge of the production process
*We would define 'professional' as: The team who created and realised the production have or hope to have theatre as their main career focus and source of income.
Job Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities include:
Working in collaboration with the Director and Creative Team to realise the artistic aims of the production
Attending, supporting and participating in production and creative team meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals and preview performances of the Production up to and including the Press Night Performance, as required
Supporting the director and stage management team with scheduling and overseeing rehearsals
Research, preparation and support during the pre-production period, as required
Assisting with the creation of the programme
Checking and noting the Production on a weekly basis following the Press Night Performance
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Jerwood Assistant Director - Gem of the Ocean
- Salary: Under £10K
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Technical & Production
- Contract: Temporary
- Closing date: Fri, 09 Oct 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Jerwood Assistant Director - Gem of the Ocean
Job: Jerwood Assistant Director - Gem of the Ocean
Organisation: Creators Program - Young Vic Theatre
Postcode: SE1 8LZ
How to Apply
Please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
- Contact name: Sylvian Cunningham
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Creators Program - Young Vic Theatre
The Young Vic Theatre has been one of London’s leading theatres for more than fifty years. It was founded in 1970 as a space for world-premiere productions as well as unexpected takes on classic plays that speak to our present.