Help to sustain future generations of theatre makers
At the age of 26, James Menzies-Kitchin staged his first production. In June 1996, at the age of 28, he died suddenly and unexpectedly. In the intervening year and a half he had established himself as a theatre director of thrilling promise. His clarity of vision, his tenacity of purpose and above all his courage, inspired all those who worked with him.
The JMK Trust was set up in his memory and commemorates James through the JMK Award (James Menzies-Kitchin Young Director Award), which encourages others in the same spirit of enterprise, vision and inspiration.
The JMK Trust has been instrumental in talent-spotting and launching the career of some thrilling young directors, and the winners and runners-up over the years that the award scheme has been running make a starry list – Caroline McGinn in Time Out
Previous winners include Thea Sharrock, Bijan Sheibani, Orla O’Louglin, Joe Hill-Gibbins, Polly Findlay, Roy Alexander Weise MBE and Natalie Abrahami.
We work to find and support the next generation of talented theatre directors. Each year we engage with over 600 young and emerging directors around the UK through our National Programme and the JMK Award.
If you were to leave a legacy to The JMK Trust your donation would enable us to continue this work and James’s legacy and ensure that in the years to come talented young and emerging theatre directors will still receive the support and opportunities they need.
A gift in left in your Will is wonderful way to help us to continue the memory of James and ensure that the opportunities we currently provide are there for future generations.
A gift will ensure that The JMK Trust will continue to:
• Run the annual JMK Award which provides one outstanding young director the opportunity to direct their own production of a classic text as well as offering a rigorous and challenging application process
• Support finalists and the runners up of the JMK Award through development opportunities and mentoring
• Work with theatres around the country to set up opportunities for young and emerging directors
• Collaborate with other organisations in the industry that work to support young and emerging directors as we do.
By leaving a legacy to The JMK Trust you will help to preserve and protect these opportunities and help to secure the future of theatre in the UK.
How do I leave a gift to The JMK Trust?
It is very simple to include a legacy in your Will. We recommend that you consult a solicitor to have it drafted. If you have already made a Will, but would like to leave a gift to The JMK Trust, you can do so by making an addition (a codicil) to your existing Will.
There are several kinds of gifts you can leave and you will need to specify which kind you would like to leave.
A residuary gift is where you choose to leave a share or the whole of whatever is left in your estate after all other payments and legacies have been made.
A cash (or pecuniary) gift is where you choose to make a gift of a fixed amount of money to the Trust.
A specific legacy is where you choose to leave a particular asset to the Trust such as property, shares or personal possessions.
Our Trustees will make sure your gift will be spent in the most cost effective way where it is needed most.
Please remember to use our full name, correct registered address and charity number:
The James Menzies-Kitchin Memorial Trust
Registered address: Talton Farm Cottage, Newbold on Stour, Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8UB
Registered Charity No. 295080
For further information, in the strictest confidence, please contact:
Rowan Riley, General Manager
Email: rowan@jmktrust.org
