We 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. We encourage applications from graduates and those at the start of their career in directing. This is a freelance role. Full time (7 Hour days) between 9 November - 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 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: And will be given free tickets for one preview and Press Night: Previews: from Tuesday 8 December 2026 As Assistant Director, you will: Support the show during its run*, in collaboration with the Director. This may include: *Any of the above tasks that support the show during it's run would be covered by an additional fee. How to apply Interviews will be held in early September. If there are any dates in September you aren’t available for, please let us know.Job Description
Will you risk everything for gold? Or is some treasure worth more than money?
Full time:
Rehearsals (in Taunton): from Monday 9 November 2026 - Friday 27 November 2026
Tech: from Monday 30 November 2026 - Friday 4 December 2026
Press Night: Thursday 10 December 2026 Job Requirements
Support the Director with general tasks, including joining pre-rehearsal meetings when you're available.
Carry out research to help inform and support the production, as agreed with the Director.
Work with the cast observing, assisting, and joining in rehearsals as needed.
Lead warm-ups during rehearsals when required.
Attend production and creative meetings, supporting the Director as needed.
Help document the process (e.g. blogs, social media) for marketing, archiving, and evaluation, working with the Marketing team.
Take part in post-show discussions with audiences.
o Watching performances and giving notes
o Running weekly maintenance/notes sessions
o Providing emergency cover if needed
Help deliver relaxed performances where needed.Useful Links
How to Apply
Please send a CV and a covering letter (no longer than one side of A4 each) or a video/audio recording (no more than 2 minutes in total) to [email protected] by 17:00 on Monday 24th August.
Please tell us:
1. Why you want to be Assistant Director on this production.
2. What skills and experience you have in theatre or the arts and what you'd bring to the role.
3. What you hope to gain from the experience and what area of theatre-making do you most want to develop over the next few years.
4. Your commitment to living and making theatre in Bristol or the South-West.
And answer these two questions:
1. What's the most memorable Christmas or festive production you've seen, and what made it stick with you?
2. What excites you most about making theatre for family audiences?