The prestigious JMK Award, a vital platform for the next generation of talented theatre directors, is returning to the Young Vic Theatre, with applications officially open today.
Established in memory of the late young director James Menzies-Kitchin, the award offers an unparalleled opportunity for an early-career director to helm a full-scale professional production in the Young Vic's esteemed Maria Studio as part of the autumn 2026 season.
The JMK Award has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful theatre-makers, with previous winners including Natalie Abrahami, Polly Findlay, Thea Sharrock, Bijan Sheibani, and Joe Hill-Gibbons, among others.
Nadia Fall, Young Vic Artistic Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “I am thrilled the JMK Award is returning to the Young Vic in our ongoing commitment to champion incredible directors and be a home for the next generation of artists. This is a fantastic chance for an outstanding artist who wants to really develop their skills and career as a director.”
Emma Baggott and Derek Bond, Co-Chairs of the JMK Award, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the award's goal to level the playing field. “At a time where the industry needs to be carving out more space for young artists... we are delighted to be working closely with the Young Vic to facilitate and nurture the next generation of theatre directors,” they said. “We hope that this opportunity offers some positivity.”
The award is open to directors aged 18 to 35 who have some professional experience but have directed no more than three professional productions.
To apply, directors must detail their artistic vision for a production chosen from a shortlist of five contemporary plays: Attempts on Her Life by Martin Crimp, Girls by Theresa Ikoko, The Funeral Director by Iman Qureshi, Black Men Walking by Testament, or All The Little Lights by Jane Upton.
The successful candidate will be announced in spring 2026, ahead of their four-week run opening in October 2026.
Applications are open now and will close promptly at 10am on Monday, 12 January 2026.
For full application details and to apply, visit the Young Vic website.
Apply Here: https://www.youngvic.org/jmk-award
