The Genesis Directors Project is made possible by a substantial commitment from the Genesis Foundation to the Young Vic's work with young directors. It is the only scheme of its kind in the UK and has continued to grow from strength to strength since it launched in 2003. The unique project gives emerging directors the chance to acquire rare and valuable skills, as well as offering a range of other professional development activities. these include workshops, discussions, assistant directorships, research and development projects and tickets to Young Vic shows.

The Genesis Directors Project is open to any professional director in the early stages of their career (defined in terms of experience rather than age).

The project focuses on three core areas:

• Skills
• Research and Development
• Making Work

More detailed information on each of these areas can be found on individual pages.

At the heart of the project is the Directors Network. Run through the website, this provides an invaluable forum for members of the Genesis Project to communicate with each other, exchange experiences and seek advice. Directing can be lonely - particularly in the early stages of a career - and the network encourages a sense of community and peer support. Through the website members can also receive information about current activities, job opportunities and special ticket offers.

The Genesis Directors Project aims to support all directors, whatever their particular area of interest. However, it also inevitably stems from and feeds into the Young Vic's artistic vision. As a result the project is predominantly aimed at directors based in London and focuses on work related to classical drama, modern classics and international work. Opportunities to develop work with writers or organise rehearsed readings are therefore limited. All workshops take place at the Young Vic's newly rebuilt theatre in London and anyone joining should be happy to travel here.