THE DIRECTORS APPRENTICESHIP

Our bespoke 40-week directing program. The Directors Apprenticeship Full Time Program prepares passionate directors with the skills to work professionally in the Australian and global industry, designed exclusively for emerging directors.

Building on the repertory model of immersive, performance-based learning, this course offers directors the opportunity to first assist on and then lead productions throughout the year. Through a blend of intensive workshops, masterclasses, and real-world rehearsals, participants will work closely with established professionals – including Iain Sinclair, Harry Haynes, and a roster of esteemed guest directors – to refine their directorial voice and craft.

Craft Development: Enhance your directorial techniques and vision through practical, on-the-floor experience.

Repertory Excellence: Work alongside directors on theatrical productions, learning to integrate script analysis, actor collaboration, and staging in a real-world setting.

Diverse Repertoire Mastery: Explore and interpret a broad range of theatrical styles – from Shakespearean classics and Psychological Realism to Contemporary plays.

Leadership & Collaboration: Develop your ability to lead creative teams, inspire actors, and manage complex production processes.

Professional Portfolio: Build a robust portfolio of productions that demonstrate your directorial skill and prepare you for a successful career in theatre.

In conjunction with their studies, our participants will be professionally attached as a production dramaturg to at least one Red Stitch production during their course*

COURSE FACILITATORS

TERM 1

Foundations of Directing & Dramaturgy with Professional Exposure.

23rd June - 14th August

  • Group Workshops & Foundations

    • Begin with group workshops and tutorials in directing and dramaturgy led by Iain Sinclair and Harry Haynes.

    • Develop a foundational understanding of directorial principles, the art of text analysis, and the role of dramaturgy in shaping a production.

  • Professional Production Immersion

    • Assist and observe a professional production of an acclaimed playwright at a theatre of note, under the direct mentorship of Harry Haynes.

    • Experience the complete production process. From initial rehearsals through tech week and post-opening maintenance—gaining insights into working with renowned actors and understanding the mechanics of professional rehearsal.

  • Reflective Tutorials

    • Participate in weekly sessions with Iain Sinclair to reflect on your observations, discuss directing strategies, and hone your craft in dramaturgy and interdepartmental collaboration.

TERM 2

Contemporary Repertoire & American

15th September - 6th November

  • Repertory Exploration & Scene Work

    • Explore extensive repertory as you assist Iain Sinclair in directing scenes with professional actors, learning the language and mechanics of acting.

    • Gain practical stage time by directing peers in short scenes, fostering a collaborative environment and experimenting with different directorial approaches.

  • Mainstage Production Preparation

    • Observe the preparation, rehearsals, and technical plotting of a mainstage production of a 20th-century American play under Iain Sinclair’s mentorship.

    • Engage in the rehearsal process to understand how to shape and refine a production from script to stage.

  • Directing Acting Students

    • Take charge in directing short contemporary scenes featuring acting students, applying the techniques learned to lead and inspire emerging talent.

TERM 3

Original Work & In-House Production

19th January- 12th March

  • Original One-Act Play Direction

    • Develop and direct your own original one-act plays in-house, experimenting with personal directorial vision and creative storytelling.

  • Apprenticeship Continuation

    • Continue your apprenticeship by assisting either Iain Sinclair or Harry Haynes on additional in-house productions, deepening your practical experience and refining your leadership skills.

  • Production Integration

    • Participate in post-production review sessions to reflect on your original work and your contributions to the in-house productions, integrating feedback to enhance your directorial practice.

TERM 4

Shakespeare & Directors’ Showcase

13th April - 4th June

  • Shakespearean Directing & Masterclasses

    • Collaborate with Iain Sinclair to explore the directing techniques inherent in Shakespeare’s works, emphasizing language, metre, and dramatic intensity.

    • Engage in masterclasses and workshops with esteemed guest directors, further elevating your understanding of classical text interpretation and innovative staging.

  • Directors’ Showcase Preparation & resentation

    • Apply your rigorous directorial approach to select monologues and scenes from Shakespeare’s repertoire.

    • Develop and refine a unique directorial interpretation culminating in a public directors’ showcase.

    • Participate in final critique sessions, portfolio reviews, and networking opportunities to solidify your readiness for a professional directing career.

ZOE TERAKES

Winner of the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Newcomer - A View From the Bridge: Directed by Iain Sinclair.

“Working with Iain Sinclair has been the closest I have ever come to real magic. He has the ability to conjure things within you that you didn’t know existed. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to generate electricity between you, your scene partner, and the audience is unmatchable. 16th Street actors are in the presence of greatness, with Iain at the helm. Do whatever you can to be in their Full-Time Program, he is a true master of his craft.”

DETAILS

  • 23rd June - 14th August

  • The course comprises four 8-week terms, with Thursday designated as the recurring contact day.

    Please note that contact hours are contingent upon the projects to which you will be attached to, and so may differ weekly.

  • Cost - $15,150, (GST inc.)

    Upfront Payment - $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

  • Applicants will initially provide a CV and Letter of Intent.

    Then, directors are selected via a rigorous audition and interview process, ensuring that candidates are prepared for the intensive, hands-on training that Company 16 Directors’ Apprenticeship offers. Auditions will be held in-person with the Head of Acting, Iain Sinclair and Associate Artistic Director, Harry Haynes.

    Places may fill prior to applications closing. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, do not hesitate to contact us at admin@16thstreet.com.au.

  • Directors must be 18 years old.

    Directors must be residing in Melbourne for the duration of the program.

  • FAQ’S and Policy Information