Origins 5.0

Applications Now Open

Are you an early-career theatre director based outside London looking to take your work to the next level?

Headlong Origins 5.0 is now accepting applications. This 12-month artist development scheme, from January to December 2025, is designed to support emerging directors in moving towards main-stage productions.

What You’ll Get:

  • £5,000 bursary

  • Two in-person residentials with masterclasses (11-13 July & 18-20 Sept 2025)

  • Tickets to Headlong productions (plus travel & accommodation)

  • Allowance for theatre tickets and play-texts

  • Mentoring from Headlong

  • Two online mentoring sessions with a leading industry practitioner

  • Travel, accommodation, and day rate to observe Headlong production processes

  • Access to Headlong activities like team meetings and artistic planning sessions

Who Should Apply? If you live outside of London and have directed at least two substantial theatre projects for a public audience, this could be for you. Headlong is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applications from disabled, Deaf and neurodiverse artists, those from lower-income backgrounds, the Global Majority, and others facing significant industry barriers.

How to Apply: Submit your application in any format (written, video, audio, or visual) addressing the following three points:

  1. A piece of work that inspired you.

  2. An artistic project you were involved in that you're most proud of.

  3. What you’d gain from Origins.

Download the application pack here for full details, including eligibility and application instructions.
Large print version available here.
Audio version available here.

Deadline: 10am, Wednesday 27th November 2024.

Got questions? Email Carla-Marie at carla-marie@headlong.co.uk.

Let’s shape the future of theatre together.

Headlong Origins is generously supported by Backstage Trust

Testimonials

  • “I've been part of several directing programmes over the years, but I can honestly say that Origins has had the biggest, most positive impact on my career as a director.”

    Origins Director, Cohort 1

  • “I am still in the early stages of my career, but I can say with total certainty that the guidance and confidence Headlong have consistently shown me over the last few years has been one of the most significant supports to me.”

    Origins Director, Cohort 2

  • “I still can't quite believe we got the bursary. It literally felt like magic money. [It] bought me time and space - as a freelancer I constantly feel like I should be in work and jump project to project, never leaving time to think / dream / rest. The bursary was vital in allowing me to do all these things whilst paying my rent and living bills too.”

    Origins Director Cohort 3

  • “Being recruited for the Headlong programme was a game changer for me. As an artist based in Cumbria, having the backing of Headlong has been a huge boon; even just from the confidence boost it has given me in being a ‘Headlong Origins Artist’ which has pushed me to take on roles/job opportunities I may not have felt worthy of in the past."

    Origins Director, Cohort 4

  • “I am truly honoured to be associated with Headlong, a company whose name I have always known and whose work I greatly admire. During my time, I had the opportunity to observe their work, which was a highlight in learning how to lead a rehearsal room with so many people involved."

    Origins Director. Cohort 4

  • "The time they spent with me to develop a new project I am working on was invaluable. I have felt the team's genuine support of my practice.”

    Origins Director. Cohort 4

  • "It has allowed me to meet and learn from industry creatives at the top of their game and get my name out there with them; connections that otherwise could have taken years to make. The team all feel like they care about you as an artist, and your development; the support offered feels tangible and thorough. It has been a privilege to be part of this year's cohort.”

    Origins Director. Cohort 4

Testimonials

Our current cohort

Hey there, theatre enthusiasts. Welcome to our electrifying world of Headlong Origins – now in its fourth year. This groundbreaking scheme is about championing budding theatre directors from every corner of the UK.

Picture this: a whole year jam-packed with mentorship from top-notch industry pros and our stellar producing and creative teams. We're talking hands-on experience. Directors selected for this journey will immerse themselves in Headlong’s R&D sessions, dive into workshops, and get up close and personal with the rehearsal process. 

But that's not all – they'll soak up the best of UK theatre, shaping their artistic vision every step of the way. We're thrilled to announce that we have our Origins 4.0 cohort. We want you to meet them: they have exciting stories to tell.

Headlong Origins is generously supported by Backstage Trust