Applications will open soon for an award aimed at giving a young director the chance to showcase their work at the Young Vic in London.

The JMK Award was set up in 1997, after the death of promising director James Menzies-Kitchin at the age of 28.

Submissions for the award will be accepted between January 4 and January 18.

Jo Holding, the General Manager at JMK, said: “Many of our applicants are getting work as assistant directors or have done some training but getting their own work made and seen is very difficult.

“The JMK Award allows one talented individual to showcase what they can do, helping them to move on to getting regular work as a theatre director.

“Going through the Award process is designed to be like putting on a production for real, from outlining initial ideas, working with designers and producers to budgeting and pitching your ideas, helping applicants to learn vital skills.

“For the finalists too we offer development opportunities and support, enabling them to make connections and progress with their careers.”

The award will give the winning director a chance to stage a classic play in The Young Vic.

Applicants need to be under the age of 30, must not have directed more than two professional productions, and have been trained professionally.

Previous JMK Award winners include Thea Sharrock, Natalie Abrahami, and Bijan Sheibani.

Holding added: “Young directors are the future of the industry and in today’s financial climate those who are coming up need all the support we can give them.

“It’s a tough industry in which to survive and so finding and supporting those with talent is key to the work we do.”

James Menzies-Kitchin unexpectedly died in June 1996, after which the JMK Trust was set up to help aspiring directors.

Patrons include Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.

Applications for the JMK Award open on January 4. For more information, and to apply, click here.