ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – TREASURE ISLAND

CLOSING DATE MONDAY 24 AUGUST 2026 17:00

We are looking for an Assistant Director for Taunton Brewhouse’s forthcoming Christmas production of Treasure Island written by Mike Aykers, directed by Steph Kempson and composed by Elizabeth Westcott.

We are looking for an emerging Assistant Director with strong roots in Somerset/the South-West and 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.

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:

Full time:

Rehearsals (in Taunton): from Monday 9 November 2026

Tech: from Monday 30 November 2026

Previews: from Tuesday 8 December 2026

Press Night: Thursday 10 December 2026

About the Assistant Director role:

This is a great opportunity for an emerging artist from the South-West to develop their skills and take the next step in their career, gaining hands-on experience of making theatre on the mid-scale. We're looking for someone who is curious about the process of theatre-making, excited by the world of family work, and keen to grow their directing practice.

We welcome applications from directors at the very start of their careers. This role is designed for someone who has not yet had significant experience assisting on more than one mid-scale production. It’s desirable that applicants have at least one directing credit even if that’s a community or education production.

We're especially keen to hear from applicants who are excited by interdisciplinary theatre-making, with an interest in movement, puppetry, or working with music. Experience in these areas is welcome but not essential, curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore different theatrical forms matter just as much.

As Assistant Director, you will:

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.

Support the show during its run, in collaboration with the Director. This may include:

o Watching performances and giving notes

o Running weekly maintenance/notes sessions

o Providing emergency cover if needed

o Other run-related duties as required

• Help deliver relaxed performances where needed.

Fee:

The fee for this role is £1780

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 vic@tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk 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 theatremaking 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?

Interviews will be held in early September. If there are any dates in September you aren’t available for, please let us know.

A note on the application questions

These questions are here to help us get to know you as an artist, and to understand what excites you about making theatre. We want to hear your honest, personal thoughts, not a perfectly written answer. Bullet points are acceptable.

We'll be looking at your ideas, curiosity, and personal perspective so be sure to address this in your application!

If you have any questions about the role, please contact, Vic Hole, Producer and Programme Manager: vic@tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk.