How the RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award 2017 Worked
Candidates pitched a bold, radical re-working of a classic British or European text to respond to contemporary issues, particularly those relating to our national identity. The re-imagination had to be based on either: (i) the original text of a classic English-language play; or (ii) a literal translation in English of a classic foreign-language play.
A candidate could, if they chose, specify an ideal choice of writer to write a new English-language adaptation of their chosen play. If applicable, the candidate had to give reasons for their choice and how they would like the adaptor to approach their adaptation.
Short-listed candidates were invited to workshops on 1 and 2 May 2017, at which they were required to demonstrate their directorial skills by directing actors in a text-based scene of a play. Candidates were notified of the particular scene by the RTST in advance of the workshop.
Up to four finalists were selected for interview, this being the final stage in the selection process.
The Shortlisted candidates who were invited to the workshops were selected from a Long-list of entries by a Selection Panel of distinguished theatre practitioners appointed by the RTST. The Selection Panel observed and judged the workshops and selected the ultimate Award winner and runner-up. The winner and runner-up were announced after the workshops, and there will be an Award ceremony later in the year.
Although there is only one Award winner and one official Runner-up, the Scheme is designed to provide a positive professional experience for all the candidates (up to eight) who are selected on the basis of their written entries to participate in the workshop stage of the selection process. They all received constructive feedback from the Selection Panel after the winner of the Award is announced.
It is intended that the Award winner will benefit from the spotlight of publicity generated by the promotional activities of the RTST, NST, ETT and Theatr Clwyd in relation to the Award and the Production.
The RTST has agreed to make a grant of £50,000 to NST to be applied towards its costs of staging the Production. It is a condition of the grant that NST participates in the Scheme and facilitates the Production. The Award winner will not be required to seek funding for the Production.
The Award winner will be the sole director of the Production and be paid a market-rate fee for undertaking this role at NST. The Production’s cast and stage crew will be paid Equity/UK Theatre minimum rates or higher.
For rules and information about the 2017 scheme, visit our Rules & Information page.