Creative Assistant Bursary

Programme
The Creative Assistant Bursary Programme operates as a partnership between the proposed placement and the theatre company, and any submission to the programme must be jointly developed.

It is anticipated that the specific nature and responsibilities of each agreement will vary and will be negotiated between the participant and the company prior to application. There is a project specification provided below outlining the key elements the programme will be seeking from potential applications.

Flexibility is the key to this project’s success; a company and the Assistant should be able to work together for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 12 weeks full time equivalent. Weeks need not be consecutive.

Project Specification
The FST seeks a joint proposal from the potential Assistant and their host company. This proposal should be in the form of a written application, up to a maximum of 2 sides of A4, which may be supported by additional information, such as applicant’s CV or any other relevant information (please try to keep to a minimum).

The application should include:

•Evidence of Assistant’s commitment to Scottish theatre, either through previous training or directing/designing/choreography/dramaturgy experience at an appropriate level.
•A strong rationale for the partnership expressing why the host company and placement have chosen to work together, focus on the respective artistic and creative vision of both host and Assistant. We expect a statement outlining this from both parties.
•A clear articulation of how the placement will extend the assistant’s knowledge of directing approaches and how this will benefit the professional development of the Assistant.
•A clear outline of how the host company will integrate the placement into the creative process.
•An articulation of how the assistant will be supported during the placement including supervision and coaching/mentoring.
•An imaginative and bold approach to building the relationship between the Assistant and host
•A budget incorporating the weekly bursary stipend of £275 and the 15% contribution (£41.25 per week) from the host organisation

Whilst we recognise that having a Creative Assistant is beneficial for the host company please note that the key aim of this programme is to ensure an effective learning experience for the Assistant. The application should clearly outline what the key areas of development will be, why this is the right environment/partnership to ensure this development and how the Assistant will be supported throughout.

Selection Process

Closing dates
Round 1: 30th September 2010
Round 2: 21st January 2011

Panel meeting dates
Round 1: 7th October
Round 2: TBC

Proposed placements should not start within one month of the panel meeting.

Productions must be completed by the end of December 2011.

Once applications have been received by FST, a panel comprising of industry professionals, FST and Creative Scotland will evaluate them against the above criteria and select the successful recipients of bursary support.

Funding
Successful applicants will receive bursary support from FST to enable them to concentrate fully on their creative learning experience. Host companies will be expected to make a commitment of 15% of the total bursary cost. A bursary will be paid at a stipend of £275 per week. Travel expenses will not be covered by FST.

Bursary support is not available to enable established directors who are employed by Creative Scotland Foundation or Flexibly funded companies to be Assistants. We do however welcome applications from a range of creative practitioners. FST is committed to treating all candidates equally and is keen to increase the diversity of the Scottish theatre community. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Monitoring and Evaluation:
The assessment panel will evaluate each successful project against the initial criteria and defined expectations of both the Assistant and host company. A joint evaluation should be submitted, which explores the benefits and outcomes of the partnership project against those outlined in the original application.

Application:
Please send your proposal to kirsty.bailey@scottishtheatre.org

If you have any queries, please call Kirsty Bailey on 0131 248 4842

Funded by Creative Scotland

Cost:

Documents

FST Assistant Creative Assistant Bursary Scheme 2010.11.doc