Paid Internship: Directing Summer 2026

Masterclass and Sonia Friedman Productions are offering a paid Directing Internship on the London production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This is an exceptional development opportunity for someone aiming to gain the necessary experience to become a Resident or Associate Director on large-scale commercial production. 

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, this new play by Jack Thorne received its world premiere in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre in summer 2016. The critically acclaimed production is the most awarded West End play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play and Best Director in 2017.

The Directing Intern will shadow and work closely with the Associate and Resident Directors across recast, technical and understudy rehearsals, learning how a show of this scale balances rehearsing new and continuing company members with maintaining the quality of the performances. 

Not sure what job this internship could lead to? Check out a full list of backstage careers here. 

Key Information: 

📅 Internship: 17 August 2026 – 18 October 2026 (with potential to extend part-time until the end of November)

🚀 Apply by: 9am, Monday 27 April

🎤 Interviews: Mid-May 

💰 Salary: Paid at London Living Wage 

📍Location: Based at the Palace Theatre, London (please note: no step-free access)

✍️ Contract Type: Fixed Term 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:  

• Script supervision, rehearsal supervision and support as required  

• Scheduling support and liaising with company management 

• Gathering and sharing research materials 

• Liaising with creatives and technical departments 

• Taking notes as required by the directors 

• Attending understudy rehearsals, including tech and dress rehearsals of the Understudy company and supporting the directors as required. 

Who Should Apply & Eligibility:

We're looking for Directors or Assistant Directors who: 
✔ Must be aged 18+ 
✔ Have worked on a commercial or mid-scale show  
✔ Demonstrate that they understand the Assistant Director role  
✔ Are collaborative, observant, and can work under pressure  
✔ Have not had a long-term attachment to a major theatre or production company (for example, in an Associate role)  
✔ Have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship
✔ Candidates aged under 30 must be a Masterclass Member (click here for more info & to join for free).  If you're over 30 and would like to apply, but are not currently a member, please contact info@masterclass.org.uk

We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including those from the global majority, working-class backgrounds, or those facing barriers to progression in the theatre industry. Due to funding, preference will be given to candidates under 25 and residing in the following London boroughs: Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of London, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. We will, however, consider all candidates.

To check your borough, click  here.

With thanks to Sonia Friedman Productions for making this opportunity possible.