A bit about us. Hello. We're Headlong, a theatre company based in Oxford and London, creating high-quality drama that tours the UK. We specialise in reimagining classics and commissioning future ones. Some of our past productions include The House Party, A Raisin in the Sun, untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play, People, Places and Things and Enron. We're associate partners with Leeds Playhouse, Bolton Octagon as well as Oxford Playhouse and the Cultural Programme at the Schwarzman Centre. Throughout the scheme you will have the opportunity to get to know these guys too. At Headlong, we believe social justice is inseparable from great theatre. Read our Justice Plans on our website. So, what's Origins? Headlong Origins is our 12-month artist development scheme running January-December 2026. It's for emerging theatre directors living and working outside of London, looking to develop their practice and move toward main-stage directing. Whether you've had a run in a studio space or at a festival, led a small company, or want to transition from assistant directing, this part-time scheme offers support that fits around your schedule. The expected working hours are approximately 7.5 hours/week, or 33 hours across each month. Scheme Breakdown: Who Can Apply? Not sure if this applies to you? Contact Carla-Marie at [email protected] Headlong is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applications from disabled, Deaf and neurodiverse artists, those from lower-income backgrounds, the Global Majority, and others facing significant industry barriers. Key Dates (you must be available for the following dates to apply): Thursday 29th January In person kick off day in London Tuesday 21st - Saturday 25th April In person residential in London & Oxford Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th November In person residential in Manchester Thursday 10th December In person wrap up day in London The mentoring sessions will be arranged between the candidate and the mentor. Submit your application in any format that suits you - written (up to one A4 page), a visual portfolio, video, or audio (up to 3 minutes), or any other format. Please address the following 3 points: Also: Where to Send: Email your application to [email protected] with ‘Headlong Origins 2026’ in the subject line. If the file is too large, use WeTransfer. You can also post it to our London office: Deadline: 10am, Tuesday 11th November 2025Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
Job Responsibilities
Useful Links
How to Apply
1. A piece of work that inspired you
2. An artistic project you were involved in that you're most proud of.
3. What you would gain from Headlong Origins.
- Include your CV with contact info and referees.
- Complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring (see Application Pack for the link)
Headlong Theatre, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA