Headgate Theatre Productions, an amateur group, is looking for expressions of interest from directors who might wish to direct for the 2026 season (January – December).
We will be looking to put together a programme of 5 productions in the main theatre. Â These are in addition to a production to be delivered by Headgate Young Company in early September.
Within that programme we would want to include:
- A “classic” play
- A comedy or “crowd pleaser”
- A relatively modern play
- A pantomime (already subject to a separate call out)
Proposals that would help diversify our audience and performance opportunities are particularly welcome,  and we are also happy to consider “small scale” musical theatre. The latter should be a joint proposal from director/MD .
We also want to encourage possible productions of  new writing or studio style productions in the Rehearsal Room or as part of our Studio Sessions. Let us know if you have ideas for performance in these spaces.
Production dates are provisionally booked for HTP as follows:
- w/c 22nd February 2026
- w/c 19th April 2026
- w/c 14th June 2026
- w/c 11th October OR 18th October 2026
- w/c 29th November 2026
Directors may be experienced or new to The Headgate. For those not familiar with The Headgate, there are two main ways of having the seating –
- Standard “end on” or
- Traverse
The floor plan can be found on our website at Auditorium – Headgate Theatre
In submitting outline ideas, Â potential directors should
- identify two possible choices and be able to say why their chosen productions excite them
- identify who holds the performing rights
- be able to describe any key issues regarding set, costume, light props and sound
- be able to identify any specific assistance that they may need to help deliver the production
- indicate their preferred date of performance (there will be a 12 -14 week rehearsal schedule – usually some time on a Sunday plus another evening to be agreed)
- be aware that we run an open audition process, and any proposal for pre-casting must be indicated at submission stage.
Potential directors will be invited to discuss their ideas with a small panel, and a reading of shortlisted plays will be arranged before the final programme is agreed. It’s possible to see which productions have taken place at The Headgate over recent years by visiting our website – Past Performances – Headgate Theatre
Please let us have your initial ideas to htp@headgatetheatre.co.uk by 31st March 2025. We will aim to have confirmed the programme by 31st May 2025.