2017 Company of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Image by Adam Trigg

Ken Pickering

Future Directors Scheme

It is harder than ever to gain first hand, on-the-job experience.

The KPFDS supports an emerging Director with a passion for classical text and ensemble work to take that all important first step in their professional journey by joining us as Assistant Director on a workshop, R&D or full-scale production of a classic play.

The successful recipient will receive mentorship, training and ongoing support post production.

We need to raise £3000 for each Director which covers a fees and material costs.

Below are suggested donation amounts, if you would like to donate a different amount please email us, to set up a direct transfer.

Join us and become a KPFDS Supporter.

"Working closely with the Lazarus Theatre team has had a huge impact for me, not
only because this was my first professional experience as an assistant director, but also
because of how much I learned about encouraging playfulness and building creative
partnerships between actors and artists.

I have never been part of a theatre-making process like this before, and I certainly won’t forget it!"

Tobias Millard, KPFDS Director on Hamlet 2023

Mentor, supporter and friend Ken Pickering sadly passed away in September 2021. In honour of Ken's passion for Drama Education and his love of classical plays we established The Ken Pickering Future Directors Scheme.

Ken successfully combined the careers of playwright, theatre director, academic, examiner and writer. With over twenty published plays to his credit and a similar number of books on theatre.

Ken was Professor of Theatre at Universities on both sides of the Atlantic and Chief Examiner for a number of major awarding bodies including lead assessor for the Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. Ken was Chair of the Marlowe Society between 2016-2020.