We today announce a pair of exciting, new opportunities for developing artists in our region, as part of the next evolution of our Bank programme: Bank Director-in-Residence and Bank Writer-in-Residence.

Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, commented:

“We are thrilled to share the news of two new opportunities for a director and a writer to be in residence at Sheffield Theatres for eighteen months. Since the Bank’s formation under my predecessor, Robert Hastie, with the generous support of Chris and Jo Hookway, it has passionately supported many writers and directors.

Drawing on the experiences of alumni and conversations with artists across the region, and inspired by the ways artists have benefited from being embedded within organisations—such as Brian Friel’s time at the Guthrie—we are excited to expand the programme this year and offer two eighteen-month residencies, giving both a writer and a director a more in-depth and ongoing attachment to Sheffield Theatres.

We hope this extended opportunity will create space for deeper creative development and lasting collaboration—an inspiring chance for artists to become part of the life of the theatre and to develop ambitious new work. On a personal note, I’m very much looking forward to working closely with these artists and to learning from them during their time with us."

There will be two Bank residencies available to apply for; one for a theatre director and one for a playwright. Both associateships feature an 18-month attachment from October 2026 to March 2028, an £18,000 bursary to support the artists, and plus a wide range of personal, professional, and project development opportunities at Sheffield Theatres.

Artists can learn more about the openings as part of a Q&A with Elizabeth Newman later this month, details of which will be shared via Sheffield Theatres’ Making Room Newsletter.

Applications are open now and will close at midnight on Sunday 21 June.