In August 2025 Hampstead Theatre ran a brand-new course for first-time directors culminating in an opportunity to direct a company of professional actors.

Led by Jennifer Davis, Hampstead Theatre’s Participation Director, the course took a practical, hands-on approach to director training. It featured sessions with industry guests including Alice Hamilton (Associate Director, Hampstead Theatre) and Kwame Owusu (Revival Director on the RSC’s recent production of Titus Andronicus) giving participants a rare insight into professional practice.

Ten local directors took part in the programme and an Assistant Director bursary was awarded to Amin Ali who will join a production at Hampstead Theatre in 2026.