Masterclass and Sonia Friedman Productions are seeking applications for an Assistant Director Internship on the London production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This is an exciting development opportunity for someone who wishes to further their career and gain the necessary experience to become a Resident or Associate Director on a large-scale commercial production.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a uniquely complex and busy show, with over 40 cast members and a huge team off stage across multiple departments, all working together to realise the production. The Assistant Director Intern will shadow and work closely with the Associate and Resident Directors across recast, technical and understudy rehearsals, learning how a show of this scale balances rehearsing new and continuing company members with maintaining the quality of the performances.

The internship will run from August to November 2023 across the production’s recast rehearsals. Standard working days will be Monday to Saturday.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Script supervision, rehearsal supervision and support as required, Scheduling support and liaising with company management. Gathering and sharing research materials. Liaising with creatives and technical departments. Taking notes as required by the directors. Attending understudy rehearsals, including tech and dress rehearsals of Understudy company and supporting the directors as required.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, this play written by Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany received its world premiere in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre in summer 2016. The critically acclaimed production is the most awarded West End play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards, including Best New Play and Best Director in 2017.

Criteria for Applying

Candidates should:

• Have worked as a Director or Assistant Director on a commercial show
• Be able to demonstrate that they understand the role and requirements of an Assistant Director
• Be eager to learn through observation
• Work well under pressure and within a team
• Not have had a long-term attachment to a mainstream theatre or production company (for example, a member of The Old Vic 12 or an Associate)

Given the nature of this role* we are exceptionally accepting applications from candidates aged over 30 who can demonstrate that they have faced obstacles to progression. Candidates aged under 30 must be a Masterclass Member (click here for more info & to join for free)

*Our internships vary from entry-level placements to later career development opportunities. This role is a career development opportunity, specifically for Directors or Assistant Directors who have experience working on a mid-scale, but might be lacking the necessary skills to make the step up to large scale productions.

Please note if you have completed a degree or higher education qualification you are still eligible to apply.

We particularly welcome and encourage candidates from backgrounds which are currently underrepresented in the offstage workforce, although we regret that due to the nature of the venue there is no step-free access.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete this Application Form.

You can download the questions to prepare in advance here.

OR, if not accessible to you, please send a video or audio file explaining your directing experience to date, and how you would benefit from the placement to info@masterclass.org.uk with the subject heading: AD - HPCC INTERNSHIP

Key Information

Period of Engagement:

24 August – 5 November 2023  Please Note: All applicants must be able to commit to the full contract. Any accrued holiday will be paid at the end of the contract.

• Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19 June
• Interviews: w/c 3 July

This is a paid placement, paid at London Living Wage. The position advertised is in addition to any professional roles on the production.

With grateful thanks to Sonia Friedman Productions for making this opportunity possible.

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions, please contact the Masterclass office by email: info@masterclass.org.uk