Direct Access open days are free, professional workshop opportunities to learn about the craft of theatre making from the country’s finest directors at partner theatres throughout the UK.

Supported by Arts Council England in 2009, Direct Access took the work and ethos of the JMK Trust into the regions for the very first time helping to inspire the next generation of theatre makers.

Our first series of five workshops ran from October to December 2009 and reached a massive 282 participants in Newcastle, Plymouth, Bristol, Manchester and London.

Workshop leaders were: Tom Morris, Roxana Silbert, Bijan Sheibani, Stephen Fewell, Mark Rosenblatt, Orla O’Loughlin, Joe Hill-Gibbins, Hannah Bentley and Patrick Burnier.

Whether you have little or some experience, these full day workshops will give you an expert and practical introduction to developing the skills and techniques needed to fulfil your potential as a director and to succeed.

Direct Access is not an age-specific opportunity. It is directed at early-stage career directors of all ages or those wishing to pursue directing as a career. During our pilot scheme in 2009, 28% of all participants were aged over 30.

“It exceeded my expectations by a long way. It was relaxed, informal, non-scary and very, very informative.”

“I learnt about awards, funding, and avenues to pursue that I hadn’t been aware of before as well as very helpful advice about the JMK Award itself.”

“I was worried the day might focus on those applying for the JMK Award. This wasn’t the case.”

“I was delighted they addressed the issue of fear and felt hugely comforted by understanding that this is common.”

“I felt I learnt from everybody there because of the way a genuine exchange was set up between the workshop leaders and participants.”

“This was the first time in 15 years I have encountered a workshop of this sort in the South West.”

We hope to provide more Direct Access workshops during the last quarter of 2010, so check back here for more news.