The JMK Trust

The JMK Trust provides talented young directors with awards, guidance and development opportunities

JMK Award 2024

Applications for the JMK Award 2024 are now closed.

Unless you have contacted us previously on award@jmktrust.org we can no longer accept your application. This page is still active to help you prepare for any future JMK Awards.

JMK Award 2024 Details – LARGE PRINT information

JMK Award 2024 Details and Application – Audio JMKAWARD 2024

To apply for the JMK Award 2024 you need to choose from a list of plays. The play list will be sent out in a newsletter on Friday 29th December 2023 and Friday 5th January 2024. After that date, you’ll need to email award@jmktrust.org to have access to the list. Click here to sign up to the newsletter and select “JMK Award” to receive all the latest information.

Please read the below information and click “Apply now” to begin your application. If you find this format inaccessible and can better communicate your ideas through an audio application please email award@jmktrust.org to receive file formats and arrange. We are available to talk through the application process after applications open on January 5th 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I apply for the JMK Award?
You can apply for the Award if the following statements apply to you:

  • I have not directed more than three professional productions. A professional production is defined here as a full-length piece performed by professional actors (whether paid or unpaid) to a paying audience for a full production run (3 weeks or more)
  • I have some professional training or practical experience in the performing arts
  • I am not in full or part-time education or currently undertaking a degree between now and November 2024.
  • I am no more than 35 years of age on 1st January 2024.*
  • I am a resident in the UK, have permissions in place to work here, and am UK based during the application process.

*The JMK Award was set up in memory of an early career director who died young, and therefore, unlike our other free bursaries and workshops, is supported specifically by funders who align with the charitable aim to support young artists. However, we are aware that people may encounter barriers to participation in the arts at a young age, specifically people with intersecting protected characteristics, that prevent them from engaging with opportunities like  this sooner.

If this applies to you, email us and we will call to discuss the basis on which you can still be an applicant for the Award. Email award@jmktrust.org with your contact details so we can arrange a time for a call.

Please bear in mind the JMK Trust is a charity and is therefore sometimes staffed on a voluntary basis.

How do I apply?

  1. Look at the play list and read plays that are of interest to you. The play list will be sent out on Friday 29th December 2023 and Friday 5th January 2024 via the newsletter. Click here to sign up to the newsletter and select “JMK Award” to receive the list. After Friday 5th January, you’ll need to email us on award@jmktrust.org to have access to the list.
  2. Choose one play to develop for the stage. Pick a play that you have something to say about, as you may be spending up to a year or more with it!
  3. Fill out our application form below. If you find this format inaccessible and can better communicate your ideas through an audio application please email us award@jmktrust.org to arrange.

The play list is released with a good amount of time before the application deadline closes. All scripts are accessible via Issuu. If you require a different format, PDF copies are available on request.

What should I include in my application?

Section one: The online part of the application form will ask you for some personal information such as contact details and equal opportunities monitoring. Please note the application process is anonymised so this information is not passed onto the panel and names will be removed from your CV. 

Section two: You will be asked to upload the written part of the application as a Word Document. Click here to download a blank version of this section.

Section three: Upload a copy of your CV as a Word Document. Please indicate on your CV which productions are professional.

Dates for your diaries:

There are some key dates you will need to be available in order to apply for the award:

February 2024: Some time to contact creative peers and develop your ideas

17th February: Director/Designer Day at the Orange Tree Theatre, London. This will be for the 20 directors longlisted in the 2nd round, and their designers. Whilst not part of the selection process, this is a workshop opportunity, where creative and practical work process will be explored, along with an invitation to meet peers and see the Orange Tree space, production team, and matinee.

22nd/23rd March: An hour interview for eight designer/director pairs. Some time to prepare the ideas you have developed. This is likely to take place online.

Easter 2024: A practical workshop day, rehearsing with professional actors to show how you like to direct

The current dates for  previews and press period for the production run at The Orange Tree are October 26th – November 16th 2024 with rehearsals from late September.

Please do not apply if you are not available, and potentially London-based, for these dates. Travel bursaries are available for those outside of London to attend.

Applications opened on January 5th 2024 and closed on January 26th 2024 at 12 midday.