Assistant Director – Cinderella: A Fairytale

We are looking for an Assistant Director for Bristol Old Vic’s forthcoming Christmas production of Cinderella: A Fairytale by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company, directed by Lisa Gregan. 

Cinderella: A Fairytale

We are looking for an Assistant Director who is from or lives in Bristol/the South-West and has a home base within 25 miles of BS1 4ED. The role will enable the successful applicant to experience the complete arc of a professional rehearsal process, from the first read-through to the close of the run. 

Cinderella: A Fairytale – About the Show  

Sally Cookson and Adam Peck’s much-loved adaptation of Cinderella is back in Bristol, re-imagined for 2026. 

After the death of her mother, the free-spirited Ella seeks solace in the woods surrounding her and her father’s home, enchanted by the birds that roost peacefully in the trees. 

When her father remarries, Ella’s life is turned upside down by a host of new – and most unpleasant – relations. Ella’s feathered friends begin to feel like her only true family, until a mysterious boy (who shares her love of bird watching) stumbles upon her woodland hideout. And he has in his hand an invitation to the Royal Ball... 

But Ella’s cruel and scheming Stepmother has other ideas. Will Ella ever make it to the ball? And is there more to her chirping chums than meets the eye? 

Join Bristol Old Vic this festive season for an enchanting ensemble retelling of one of the best-loved fairy tales of all time. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s story, this dazzlingly original take will set your heart aflutter with live music, modern mischief and festive joy. 

The Assistant Director will need to be available for the following periods of time:

Full time: 

Rehearsals (in Bristol): from Monday 26 October 2026

Tech: from Monday 23 November 2026

Previews: from 26 November 2026

Press Night: Thursday 3 December 2026

Part-time: 

Additional calls as agreed with the Director for noting the show and supporting the run of the production up to and including the final performance on 2nd January 2027.

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. The successful applicant will gain practical experience of making theatre on the mid-scale. We’re looking for someone who is curious about theatre-making, excited by the process of family work, and keen to learn and develop their directing practice.

We welcome applications from all directors at the beginning of their directorial careers. Before devoting time to an application, we'd ask all potential applicants to consider that this is an early-career role, designed for a director who will not yet have had the opportunity to access significant experience assisting on more than one mid-scale production. We ask that you have at least one directing credit.

We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who are excited by interdisciplinary theatre-making and have an interest in movement, puppetry and working with music. Experience in these areas is welcome but not essential; curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore different theatrical forms are equally important.

The duties of the Assistant Director will include: 

• Providing general assistance to the Director as required, including attending meetings prior to the commencement of the rehearsal process subject to availability.

• As agreed with the Director, carrying out research that will inform and benefit the production.

• Observing, assisting and working with the performing company as required.

• Leading warm-ups during rehearsals as required.

• Attending production and creative team meetings during the rehearsal and production process and supporting the Director in those meetings as required.

• Assisting Bristol Old Vic in documenting the rehearsal process for the purposes of marketing, archiving and evaluating the project through blogs, social media etc as required and mutually agreed with the Marketing department.

• Attending and participating in post-show discussions.

• Supporting the company whilst the production’s run is ongoing as agreed and in collaboration with the Director, including attending and noting the production, running weekly maintenance sessions, providing emergency cover during the run if required and other duties as required.

• Supporting with the delivery of relaxed performances of productions as necessary.

Fee:

The fee for this role is £3,645, plus a fee each time the assistant director notes the show.

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), together with a completed EDI form (which can be downloaded below), to jobs@bristololdvic.org.uk by 10:00am on 29 June 2026.

Please detail:

• Why you are interested in working as Assistant Director on this production.

• Any relevant skills and experience in theatre or the arts and what qualities you can bring to the role.

• What you hope to get out of the experience.

• Your commitment to living and making theatre in Bristol or the South-West.

In addition, please answer the following three questions. Written responses should be no more than 150 words per question. If submitting a video or audio application, you may include your responses within your recording. 

1. What is the most memorable Christmas or festive production you have seen, and what made it resonate with you?

2. What excites you most about making theatre for family audiences?

3. What artistic skill or area of theatre-making are you most excited to develop over the next few years?

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 6 July 2026. 

A note on the application questions

We recognise that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to help organise their thoughts, proofread their writing or structure their responses. While we understand that these tools are increasingly part of many people's creative and professional lives, we encourage applicants to write their answers themselves and to ensure that any response reflects their own experiences, interests and voice.

The purpose of the application questions is to help us get to know you as an artist and understand what excites you about theatre-making. We are much more interested in hearing your genuine perspective than in receiving a polished or professionally generated answer.

Applications will be assessed on the ideas, curiosity and personal insights they contain, rather than on the sophistication of the writing itself.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact, Giles Chiplin, Producer and Head of Bristol Old Vic Films  giles.chiplin@bristololdvic.org.uk