Directors - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres

Create new worlds

Recruitment for YEP Class of 2026 has now closed.
Recruitment for Class of 2027 will open in autumn 2026.

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!

To be able to work with a full crew on a professional production is just so fulfilling. I just love the whole process and thrive on the pressure.

Sarah Van Parys, YEP Director Graduate

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 at the Hope Angel Field Festival.
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 5 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?

YEP Directors is Wed 14 Jan 2026 until Thu 23 Jul 2026 (unless you are on a placement taking place after this).

YEP Induction Sat 24 Jan, 2-6pm.
Weekly sessions on Wednesdays, 5-7pm.
Hope Angel Field Festival Mon 20 Apr 2026.
YEP Writers Showcase Development, 22 & 23 Jul 2026.

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 30 Mar-Thu 7 May 2026

Placement Two – Mon 11 May-Mon 8 Jun 2026

Placement Three – Mon 17 Aug-Thu 24 Sep 2026

Placement Four – Mon 12 Oct-Thu 19 Nov 2026

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

How do I sign up?

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

We work with referral partners to ensure that we are reaching the people who will benefit most from our creative training. If you are a professional working with young people, please drop us an email on yep@everymanplayhouse.com to find out how you can refer a young person into YEP.

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.

Photograph at top of page: Millie Gordon, YEP Directors (2025) with Ellie Hurt (Director of Romeo & Juliet (2025))