You can express an interest at any time of year by emailing committee@phoenixplayers.org.uk and telling us to add you to the list of interested directors.

To be considered for next year’s show, you must express an interest by September this year. We will email you with further instructions about the application process in September.

Our next call for autumn directors will be in 2025.

We will ask you to provide an initial short written pitch for a show, and then attend an interview with the committee. We will work with candidates to make this process as inclusive and un-stressful as possible.

We will circulate more specific advice on how to get involved closer to the time.

In the meantime you are welcome to get in touch with us to find out more.

Keen to help out with Phoenix a different way, like running a showcase or workshop?

The best way to hear about opportunities is to subscribe to our newsletter.

Feel free to reach out to us any time if there’s something you are specifically keen to do - committee@phoenixplayers.org.uk

Check out our current call for scripts

In 2024 we outlined that Phoenix was particularly keen to hear pitches for:

• The Prom

• Made in Dagenham

• The Lightning Thief

• Rock of Ages

We will update this list in 2025.

The list is not exclusive - we welcome other ideas from directors with clear artistic vision, as long as it meets our criteria for a good Phoenix show (see below).

Directors of Phoenix shows are responsible for the practical and creative interpretation of a dramatic script or musical. They are involved in the whole process from the design and pre-production planning right through to the final performance.

They work closely with the musical director, creative and production teams, performers, and the committee to create a performance which both performers and audience will enjoy, always maintaining the spirit and core values of the Phoenix Players. This includes casting the show, designing and running the rehearsal schedule, and communicating to the cast and crew.

If you’re interested in applying to be a director, you can do so as an individual or as a team. Your team might include a co-director, assistant director, choreographer, designer and/or other roles. Phoenix Committee will assign you a musical director and lead producer, and can help you fill other roles where needed.

For spring shows, the script must be available at extremely low cost or free. For autumn musicals, amateur rights must be available in the UK.

Some helpful sites with rights information include:

MTI

Concord Theatricals

It must have a large cast or be adaptable for a large cast.

Ideally there should be several lead roles rather than one ‘star vehicle’.

There should be a good amount of stage time for the ensemble,

The more named roles the better and gender switchable small roles are ideal e.g. Principal/Doctor/Cop. It should not be too male heavy from a casting perspective.

Ideally there should be a wide age range (Phoenix does not have child members but we have previously cast one or two children in smaller roles where needed).

It should avoid cultural offensiveness or insensitivities. Talk to us if you’re unsure if something is appropriate.

It must not have been put on by Phoenix Players in the last eight years or our neighbours Quay Players in the last five years. We are also not a Gilbert and Sullivan society and leave that for other groups.

Remember that Phoenix’s budget and theatre constraints regarding the production should be considered. The committee will also get specialist advice on the band size and musical difficulty to help determine if it’s appropriate.

At Phoenix, we tend to find that good directors:

• Are able to motivate and inspire others

• Have good organisation and planning skills

• Have experience of co-ordinating/leading people

• Are tactful, diplomatic and welcoming to all

• Are able to ‘read the room’ and amend approach accordingly

• Are willing and able to accept and act on feedback from the committee

• Are comfortable working with amateurs in a relaxed environment – including working around individuals’ unpredictable absences, holidays, illnesses and ‘life stuff’.

All our members pay to be a part of Phoenix and do it in their spare time as a hobby. Creating a wonderful show should never be at the detriment of the members’ enjoyment. Our experience demonstrates that the happier the cast, the better the show.