Taunton Brewhouse are looking for an emerging Assistant Director with strong roots in Somerset/the South-West and ideally, a home base within 25 miles of TA1 1JL. They encourage applications from graduates and those at the start of their career in directing. This is a full-time freelance role (7-hour days) between 9 November and 4 December.
The successful applicant will gain hands-on experience across the full professional rehearsal process, from the initial read-through through to the final performance.
Treasure Island - About the Show
Will you risk everything for gold? Or is some treasure worth more than money?
Jim Hawkins is growing up in the salt-aired historic harbour town of Watchet on the coast of West Somerset, but wants more from life than one day becoming the owner of the family B&B.
The arrival of a mysterious sailor and the treasure map he brings with him turns Jim's ordinary world upside down. Home comforts are soon a distant memory as Jim is aboard a ship bound for who knows where in search of stolen gold, sailing alongside a crew of colourful rogues, brave adventurers, and one utterly unforgettable, silver-tongued pirate: Long John Silver.
Digging for buried treasure brings many things to the surface and Jim must face a question that no map can answer.
Bursting with rousing folk music, crashing waves, daring adventures, and a great deal of laughter, this is a story about loyalty, courage, and the most important journey of all - growing up and working out what really matters.
The Assistant Director will need to be available for the following periods of time:
Rehearsals (in Taunton): from Monday 9 November 2026 - Friday 27 November 2026
Tech: from Monday 30 November 2026 - Friday 4 December 2026
And will be given free tickets for one preview and Press Night:
Previews: from Tuesday 8 December 2026
Press Night: Thursday 10 December 2026
This is a paid position. The fee is £1780.
Hertford Regional College’s Higher Education provision in Performing Arts is designed to provide students with creative performance and management skills to develop themselves as independent artists and theatre-makers in the field of entertainment. The core focus of this course is to train students to produce, manage and sustain original theatrical work at a professional standard. Our facilities meet industry standards, and staff expertise and experience support students to prepare for industry.
Our students consistently demonstrate industry standard performances, underpinned by high attendance, leading to strong outcomes. This level 6 top-up year enables students to achieve a full BA Hons degree, providing them with a clear line of sight to employment.
This Level 6 provision has been produced in close collaboration with our partners and subject specialists at the University of Hertfordshire. The course develops students’ skills through technique classes, historical context lectures, application in rehearsal and performance, independent study, and reflective practice. Definitive module documents have been developed and refined to create a world class educational experience for our students’ Level 6 year.
Theatre and the arts have had a positive impact on the national economy and according to the Arts Council in 2018 ‘the arts and culture industry grew £390 million in a year and contributed £10.8 billion a year to the UK economy. The sector contributes £2.8 billion a year to the Treasury via taxation and generates a further £23 billion a year and 363,700 jobs.’ The report also states that 30% of this figure is combined arts and a direct 25% of this figure is theatre. Despite the pandemic affecting all industries in recent years, according to UK Theatre and Society of London Theatres ‘The theatre sector is normally responsible for directly and indirectly generating approximately £1 billion per annum in VAT revenue for HM Treasury, not including additional revenue in the form of PAYE and NI contributions. It will therefore play a vital part in the nation’s recovery.’ The arts have been supported during the time of the pandemic through the cultural support fund with the government recognising the importance and continued importance this industry has for the UK economy.
What will I be doing?
The programme consists of three modules: Advanced Character Performance, Planning New Theatrical Work & Creative Project.
Advanced Character Performance: This module enables students to critically analyse and interpret research to create a character through a devising process of original performance material informed by research. Students will perform original material in character, making choices in response to the character’s world. At the end of the module students will apply a critical self-reflection using reflective writing tools on planning, process, and product.
Planning New Theatrical Work: This module enables students to develop their own creative vision and investigate funding streams, audience markets and statutory requirements for producing and performing theatrical work.
Creative Project: This module enables students to work collaboratively to create a new original performance. Using skills and knowledge gained in previous modules students will work to create a new full-scale production. Students will explore and implement the cornerstones of performance creation.
Successful completion of:
In addition you will also need:
If you do not have the above grades in maths and English we will expect you to enrol in adult classes at the college.
Entry to this programme will also be determined by a self-tape audition submitted via an online platform.
We also welcome applicants with industry experience and will require a self-tape audition and portfolio of work.
How to Apply?
Applications are via UCAS to the University of Hertfordshire. Please use the below codes:
This 2-day training course and 4-month apprenticeship scheme are ideal for drama, arts and occupational, therapists; arts practitioners; community arts workers; oral historians; group workers; reminiscence practitioners; and professionals working in health and social care. An interest in, or experience of, positive approaches to dementia care is beneficial.
The training course runs from 17th to 18th September 2026 in Camden, London.
For more information, please see the URL in the Opportunity Info section of this listing.
Mountview’s one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Stage and Production Management is designed for those looking to enter the profession with limited theatre experience, consolidate existing training, or progress to the next stage of their career.
The course particularly welcomes career-changers and graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds who have developed an interest in stage and production management through university drama societies, amateur theatre, or other practical performance-making experiences. It is also well-suited to applicants who have already undertaken relevant training or built-up industry experience and are seeking further professional practice, a recognised postgraduate qualification, or the opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills within a conservatoire-style environment.
Students work in a fast‑paced, professional production setting, engaging with a broad range of productions while developing essential practical, creative, organisational and critical thinking skills. The programme balances hands-on production work with theoretical and professional development, preparing students for a sustainable career in the creative arts.
The Diploma offers a clear route to increased employability and professional progression. For those already working in the industry, it provides the opportunity to deepen expertise, expand professional networks, and move forward with confidence into more advanced roles.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
This is a one-year full-time vocational course and is ideal for students who wish to develop their experience and skills in management, theatre production arts or technical theatre through practical work in professional theatre environments.
The course is delivered through:
The course is taught by Mountview’s resident team of tutors, alongside industry professionals who work alongside the students on productions. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from Punchdrunk, Hamilton, The Globe and National Theatre.
This 2-year, part-time MA is a creative and challenging exploration into the power of socially engaged arts. We aim to develop the next generation of cultural leaders and interdisciplinary theatre practitioners. Graduates will lead the way in providing meaningful, inclusive arts experiences that address social, political and educational issues in a broad range of settings.
The course offers a holistic programme that invites creative reflection on the power of storytelling for social transformation. Students address complex issues in critical and creative ways, considering the role of arts in education, migration and exile, health and building communities. You’ll engage with course learning through practical exploration, collaboration, group discussion, independent study and reflective practice.
Delivered part-time, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including professionals working in youth, community and/or education settings as well as performers looking to develop and diversify their practice.
VISITING AND GUEST PRACTITIONERS
In addition to the core Mountview team, students work with visiting lecturers and practitioners from a range world-class organisations. These include Turtle Key Arts, Punchdrunk Enrichment, Complicité, Clod Ensemble, Unicorn Theatre, Clean Break, Theatre Peckham, Candoco Dance Company, Brixton House, Wales Millenium Centre, Tate Modern, Glasshouse Theatre and Access All Areas.
Topics covered by visiting lecturers are varied and include:
Students are supported to discover placements for their independent research projects based on their specific interests and emerging ideas and practice. Recent partnerships include Newham Children In Care Council, Little Fish Theatre Company and Tropical Pressure Festival, among others.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
There is one day of in-person teaching each week, with one additional Friday and Saturday each term.
Throughout the course students develop skills in critical thinking, facilitating, devising, leading, producing, discussing and teaching creatively and imaginatively. Study involves workshops, lectures and seminars as well as independent collaborative and solo practice/research. Students are assigned weekly reading materials to digest course themes and engage in learning through independent study.
Reciprocal and collaborative learning is embedded into course practice. Students are provided with opportunities to design and lead practical workshops for one another, to bring topics for facilitated discussion with their Course Leader and to choose areas of focus for specific assessments, based on their interests and experiences.
Practical areas of study include collaborative and ensemble techniques, forum theatre, arts for wellbeing, devised theatre, inclusive and trauma informed practices, arts and money, decolonial feminist approaches, facilitating in multilingual and multifaith spaces, and ethics in artistic practice.
Students gain practical experience running workshops in schools, both in Peckham and further afield – previous locations include Spain and Nigeria.
Students engage in a wide range of texts such as Theatre of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal, Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom by bell hooks and Theatre for Living: The Art and Science of Community-Based Dialogue by David Diamond.
Assessments are varied and include essays, talks, education packs, presentations, and workshop samples.
This full-time vocational course provides students with an artistically safe and supportive environment to develop their creative instincts while also preparing them for future training and career opportunities within the performing arts
The Certificate of Higher Education course is framed by a focus on discovery. You’ll be trained to develop your own personal skill strengths, cultivate independent growth, expand your artistic vocabulary and grow as a creative artist.
You’ll also gain an understanding of different vocational routes and will be given career tutorials to explore your next steps, alongside focussed audition preparation and 1:1 coaching on auditions.
A CertHE course is a great option for students from a wide range of backgrounds, whether you want to develop your skills before progressing to a three-year training option or as a standalone course before entering the industry directly.
The CertHE Acting course runs in several locations in partnership with leading arts venues, giving students the opportunity to study in some of the most creatively vibrant and exciting locations within the UK.
All course locations are led by Mountview staff and will cover the same syllabus.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
Spanning over two terms of study, the CertHE course offers a fast-paced, vocational training environment.
Throughout the course students will investigate and develop their existing practical skills in Acting, as well as having the opportunity to work in a rehearsal setting and ultimately present a shared performance.
Students will develop acting, movement and associated skills and the training will also include:
This full-time vocational course provides you with an artistically safe and supportive environment, to develop your creative instincts and prepare for future training and career opportunities within the performing arts.
Gain an understanding of different vocational routes and benefit from career tutorials to explore your next steps, alongside focussed audition preparation and 1:1 coaching on auditions.
The Certificate of Higher Education course is framed by a focus on discovery. You’ll be trained to develop your own personal skill strengths, cultivate independent growth, expand your artistic vocabulary and grow as a creative artist.
A CertHE course is a great option for students from a wide range of backgrounds, whether you want to develop your skills before progressing to a 3-year training option or as a standalone course before entering the industry.
The CertHE Musical Theatre course runs in several locations in partnership with leading arts venues, giving students the opportunity to study in some of the most creatively vibrant & exciting locations within the UK.
All course locations are led by Mountview staff and will cover the same syllabus.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
Spanning over two terms of study, the CertHE course offers a fast-paced, vocational training environment.
Throughout the course students will investigate and develop their existing practical skills in Musical Theatre, as well as having the opportunity to work in a rehearsal setting and ultimately present a shared performance.
Students will develop acting, singing, dance, artistic agency and associated skills, including:
Actor-musicians are increasingly in-demand performers who combine first-rate acting ability with a high level of musicianship.
Mountview’s Actor Musicianship course develops these dual skills to the highest level, enabling graduates to combine them in their performance.
Whilst a high level of prior musical experience is a pre-requisite, it is not necessary to have achieved formal music qualifications before applying.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
Study takes place over three 12-week terms a year for three years. It is an actor training programme with specialised music elements. Students work in small classes and receive over 25 hours of direct teaching time each week, including one-to-one singing and instrumental lessons.
The course is delivered through classes, projects, workshops and performance opportunities. During the course students engage in a range of performance projects, working on Shakespeare, contemporary plays, and musicals as well as devising original work. The first half of each term is devoted to skills classes whilst in the second half of each term these skills are applied to performance projects.
In the second year, skills are further explored in collaboration classes which include peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help you to make connections between subjects.
Additionally, there is time given to tailored ‘surgeries’ to focus on detail and help develop independence and confidence in each individual’s practice.
Mountview is currently the only UK drama school to offer Directing, Dramatic Writing and Producing as three distinct, specialised pathways within a single, unified Creative Practice MA framework. The course is designed for multi-hyphenate practitioners who are excited by collaboration and meeting the demands of the twenty-first century creative industries.
By bringing directors, writers and producers into one ecosystem, the course mirrors the professional world by fostering creative partnerships through shared engagement with modes of collaboration, creative enterprise, dramatic structures and critical contexts.
Students on the Dramatic Writing pathway develop an in-depth knowledge of dramatic structures and the core competencies for writing across different forms and styles. The course develops an understanding and critical awareness of current practice through engagement with industry practitioners and academics. You will be mentored by award-winning playwright Roy Williams OBE (Death of England National Theatre, Sucker Punch Royal Court), who oversees aspects of the course as Distinguished Visiting Artist.
The course concludes with the opportunity to put your learning into practice through the staging of a public facing, fully-realised festival of new work. VIEW Festival allows students to develop their pathway specific skills while also collaborating closely with the Producing, Directing and Performance students.
Our MA Creative Practice graduates leave with an established network of industry contacts and prepared for high-impact careers as Playwrights, Screenwriters, Dramaturgs, Directors, Creative Leaders, Theatre Makers, Artistic Directors, Commercial and Independent Producers and Venue Leaders.
STAFF AND PRACTITIONERS
The Creative Practice teaching team is led by Hamish Pirie and Dawn Ingleson as Joint Course Leaders, alongside Roy Williams as Distinguished Visiting Artist. Dawn worked extensively at the National Theatre as a creative producer and has also taught at LSBU, while Hamish’s directing credits include work at the Royal Court, Donmar Warehouse, Paines Plough and Traverse Theatre. Roy is a multi-award winning writer whose credits include Death of England: The Plays (National Theatre), The Lonely Londoners (Kiln and Jermyn Street Theatre) and Sucker Punch (Royal Court, Olivier Award nomination).
In addition to working alongside the core teaching team, MA Creative Practice students also benefit from industry masterclasses specific to their pathway, led by the world’s most prestigious creative powerhouses. Recent MA Creative Practice sessions have featured:
The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) forms part of the Opera North Youth Company. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.
Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra prepares and performs two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra provides opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire.
Central to the programming of the Opera North Youth Orchestra is creating opportunities for the ensemble to work together and perform with soloists, conductors and ensembles from Opera North’s performing company. The Orchestra is led by conductor Oliver Rundell, and sections are coached by members of the orchestra of Opera North. Repertoire in the 26-27 Season will include:
Project 1: Dewsbury Town Hall, 1 November 2026, 3.30pm
Paul Dukas Fanfare from ‘La Péri’
Edward Elgar Serenade for Strings
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Arvo Pärt Fratres
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17
Project 2: Dewsbury Town Hall, Sunday 21 March 2027, 3.30pm
Doreen Carwithens ‘Bishop Rock’ Overture
Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, Op.11
Amy Beach Symphony in E minor (Gaelic Symphony), Op.32
Members benefit from mentorship from the musicians and artistic team of Opera North, in addition to connecting with a variety of professional orchestral and opera conductors. The Opera North Youth Orchestra is designed to complement participants’ existing study schedule, rehearsing during school and university holidays and on selected weekends over the academic year.
The Orchestra currently has vacancies for the following instruments*:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
Woodwind: Bassoon
Brass: French Horn
Percussion* Depending on current membership, some instruments may not be auditioned this term. If your instrument is not listed, you are welcome to apply to register your interest for future opportunities.
If you play an orchestral instrument not listed above, please fill in the application form if you would like to register your interest for any future opportunity to audition.
Eligibility
Project 1 will be open to musicians aged 15-21 and performing at Grade 7+ standard on their instrument. Project 2 will be open to musicians aged 16-21 and performing at Grade 8 standard. Please refer to the FAQs section below for more information.
Application deadline
Friday 18 September
(Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to vacancies)
Audition date
Saturday 26 September
How to apply
Complete the application form at the top of this page, making sure you’ve noted the audition date and requirements.
If you have any questions please get in with touch with Youth Orchestra team via onyo@operanorth.co.uk.
