Directors - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres

Create new worlds

Recruitment for Class of 2027 is now closed.

If you’re aged 18-25 with an interest in creating theatre and directing, this group meet weekly on Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm and includes a 5-week placement on one of our Made in Liverpool productions. 

Sessions, guided by our team of professional artists, give you the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, styles of directing and art forms. Through a placement on one of our in-house productions, you’ll gain insight into approaches to directing plays, learn about being part of the creative team, and develop your skills in working with actors. 

This activity is free and no previous experience is needed!

Here's all you need to know

What will I be doing?

YEP Directors offers the unique opportunity for 18-25 year olds to get exclusive access to our rehearsal room.

YEP Directors will include the following: 

A placement on one of the Everyman shows as YEP Assistant Director.

Directing skills and techniques.

Direct a monologue or duologue for a YEP sharing.

The process of theatre making.

Working collaboratively.

Developing confidence, resilience and social skills.

Increasing aspiration.

Theatre masterclasses.

Mentoring.

Exploring creative opportunities.

Going on trips and seeing theatre.

Meeting other young people and networking to build your own community and connections.

Engaging with the creative process of at least one professional production.

The group size is up to 6 people.  

You should be:

•    Aged 18-25.
•    Living in Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral).
•    Creative.
•    Imaginative.
•    Open to ideas.
•    Expressive.
•    Willing to learn, play and make mistakes.

You could be:

•    Interested in a career in the creative industry.
•    Disengaged from education.
•    Limited by opportunities in the arts.
•    On an Education, Health and Care plan.
•    A young carer.
•    In care.
•    D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.
•    Global Majority.
•    LGBTQIA+.

You would like to:

•    Meet new friends.
•    Be creative in a new space.
•    Work on performance skills as director.
•    Direct a play.
•    Have somewhere to be safe and not judged.
•    Build a network of creative people like you.

Who runs YEP Directors?

YEP Directors will spend time with expert professionals at weekly sessions to explore directing skills, how theatre companies work, the relationships between directors, designers and the writer, practical understanding of production meetings and how to work with text. 

You will take part in a placement as a YEP Assistant Director on one of the Everyman’s four produced shows. During this placement you will be supported by a bursary to cover expenses. 

Our Young People’s Advocate will provide support throughout and can give guidance on submitting your application, setting personal goals and deciding on your next steps at the end of your course. There will also be support from our Young People & Community Producer, as well as other creatives in our building. 

What dates do I need to know?

The deadline for applications is Sun 1 November 2026. 

YEP Directors is Wed 13 Jan 2027 until Wed 28 Jul 2027 (unless you are on a placement taking place after this).

YEP Induction Sat 24 Jan, 1-5pm.

Weekly sessions on Wednesdays, 5-7pm.

YEP Writers Showcase Development, 21 & 22 Jul 2027.

You will be offered a placement on one of the shows below and we will discuss this with you at your recruitment meeting. Placements include weekday rehearsals and attendance at show previews and guest night performances. We understand that you may not be able to commit to every day, however we do encourage you to get the most out of the experience and we can support you with a bursary to cover some of your costs. If you are a student, this placement could support your studies which we would be happy to discuss with you.

Placement One – Mon 15 Mar-Thu 22 Apr 2027

Placement Two – Mon 10 May-Mon 7 Jun 2027

Placement Three – Mon 16 Aug-Thu 23 Sep 2027

Placement Four – Mon 11 Oct-Thu 18 Nov 2027

You will be given a full schedule at the beginning of your programme, or you can request one from us during the recruitment process to check you can commit to the dates.

You must be able to attend these dates to apply. If you are unsure, please get in touch with us. 

If you have any questions please let us know by emailing yep@everymanplayhouse.com

How do I sign up?

If you are aged 18-25 and live in the Liverpool City Region apply here. Recruitment opens 14 Oct 2026. Contact us on YEP@everymanplayhouse.com if you would like to apply in a different format. 

What happens next? 

You will need to complete a short application form and then you will be invited to an informal meeting where we will ask you about your skills and experience.  

Meetings and workshops with successful applicants will take from 9 Nov-4 Dec and there will be a several times for you to choose from.

If you would like some more information about YEP before you apply, you can sign up for our Open Day here.  

I know a young person – how can I sign them up?

Listen to two of our YEP Directors talk about their experience on our LivEveryPlay Podcast!

YEP Directors is supported by The Mackintosh Foundation.

Interested in theatre but want to know more about different roles behind the scenes and on stage?

Check out YEP Actors 18-25, YEP Producers, YEP Technicians 18-25, or YEP Writers.

The workshops combined with the hands-on experience and network development have all been invaluable for my understanding of theatre making - I didn't consider myself a director at all before YEP and now I do!

YEP Directors Graduate