Direct Approach

Encouraging new directing talent

Our Direct Approach project is a regular opportunity for aspiring directors to direct new plays by local writers, all performed by community actors in the relaxed environment of a room in a York pub.

These 30-40 minute plays for between four and five actors are an ideal project to equip new directors with the necessary skills to direct a successful production. Directors are supported throughout by the YSCP committee with planning and publicity, and are also paired with an experienced local director to act as a mentor.

Writers! The script window for Direct Approach 2025 is now open. Find out more about submitting a script.

Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor
Direct Approach, The Price (2018) in rehearsal. Photo by Sam Taylor

Previous Direct Approach productions

  • It’s Complicated by Sally Mitcham, directed by Simon Copper (June 2024)
  • Leaves by Natalie Roe, directed by Josie Connor (September 2023)
  • Boxes by Helen Sant, directed by Natalie Roe (October 2022)
  • Night Secrets by Andrew Crowther, directed by Rosy Rowley (June 2022)
  • Slip Sliding Away by Mick Taylor, directed by Jennifer Etherington (June 2018)
  • Shed by Sophie Buckley, directed by Sally Mitcham (July 2018)
  • Safe As Houses by Alexander King, directed by James Phillips (November 2018)
  • The Price by Sophie Buckley, directed by Jim Paterson (November 2018)
  • Pub Quiz of the Sexes by Mark Wakeman, directed by Casey Harris (November 2017)
  • After the Division by Sophie Buckley, directed by Alexander King  (November 2017)
  • Dogwalkers by Anna Rose James and Alexander King, directed by Andrew Isherwood (October 2017)