Baylis Assistant Director

**Department/Team**: Production

**Responsible to**: The Associate Director and General Manager

**Contract**: Fixed Term Contract

**Location**: The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

**Salary**: £828.60 - £905.59 per week

**Introduction**

The Baylis Assistant Director scheme was initially launched during season two of Matthew Warchus’ tenure in order to open up The Old Vic’s paid assistant director positions to a wider range of director talent. It is a short term attachment to The Old Vic, providing unique opportunities for aspiring directors to work with and learn from experienced professionals in the industry.

Our next Baylis Assistant Director opportunity will be to assist Matthew Warchus and his associate, Jamie Manton on The Old Vic’s forthcoming production of _A Christmas Carol._

**A Christmas Carol**

Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, His Dark Materials).

A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

**The Role**
The Baylis Assistant Director on _A Christmas Carol _will be working on the rehearsal period as well as the run of a Christmas Carol spanning 12 November 2025 - 10 January 2026. During this time the Baylis Assistant Director will:

- Act as an Assistant Director to Matthew Warchus alongside the Associate team.
- Support with preparation work on behalf of the Director and Associate team.
- Spend time with other departments in the building, becoming part of The Old Vic family, networking with staff and learning from creatives.
- Act as an ambassador and attend Development events where appropriate, learning about how the funding model works for an unsubsidised not-for-profit theatre.
- The Baylis Assistant Director might also be called upon to assist with casting the production, and collaborate with our education and community outreach work.

**Fees**
Fees will be in line with the Society of London Theatre and UK Equity rates at the time for Assistant Directors.

The payment details here are for The Old Vic’s performance run of_ A Christmas Carol _only.

**The Florence Kleiner Bursary**

The Old Vic is working actively to ensure emerging directors from the regions are fairly represented. Our aim is to reach out to those that might not otherwise assume they would be eligible for the role.

The Florence Kleiner Bursary is **£14,000** across 12 months and will be offered for living expenses to include relocation costs, rent, food and travel in addition to and any other paid work at The Old Vic or otherwise throughout the year.
- Mentoring throughout the placement
- Setting needs out at the outset
- Checking in throughout the year and
- Preparing for next step after residency comes to an end
- Press Night invites so that they remain connected to the theatre’s productions throughout the year
- Invitations via the Connect network to build connections with like-minded theatre makers
- Opportunities to take part in production workshops
- Facilitator roles on Old Vic Education programmes

**Person specification**
- Have directed at least one professional production (not rehearsed readings or runs of less than 3 weeks), and/or assisted on a number of professional productions
- Have experience working on large scale productions
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to becoming a professional theatre director
- Be able to articulate their experience thus far in defining their approach, style and taste and how this fits with The Old Vic’s daring programming

**How to Apply**
- 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

**The Process**

The recruitment process for this role will be **two**_stages_**:

- 1st stage virtual/in person conversation
- 2nd stage virtual/in person conversation
- You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is **29 June 2025**. **First** Conversations are likely to take place **w/c 11 July 2025.**

**Equal Opportunities**

In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.

We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs.

**FAQs**

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here**_._