The Jmk Trust

The JMK Trust is a charity within the performing arts dedicated to training and supporting the next regeneration of theatre directors in the UK. This is achieved through the annual JMK Award, a National Programme of development opportunity and an Assistant Director Bursary scheme. Each year we need to raise the funds to enable all elements of our work to continue and rely on the generosity of donors, trusts and foundations to do so. At the age of 26 James Menzies-Kitchin staged his first production. In June 1996, at the age of 28, he died suddenly and unexpectedly. In the intervening year and a half he had established himself as a theatre director of thrilling promise. His clarity of vision, his tenacity of purpose and above all his courage, inspired all those who worked with him. The JMK Trust commemorates James through its James Menzies-Kitchin Young Director Award (The JMK Award), which encourages others in the same spirit of enterprise, vision and inspiration. The JMK Award is the single most sought-after prize for outstanding young theatre directors. The prize kick starts the careers of inspiring young directors with an opportunity to direct their own production of a classic play at an acclaimed London venue. Past winners include Thea Sharrock, Polly Findlay and Roy Alexander Weise MBE. Since 2012, the JMK Trust has facilitated a National programme of work with young and emerging directors at major UK theatres outside of London. We form Director Groups for emerging directors at each venue, who have access to free workshops, residencies, masterclasses, networking events and mentoring. We also fundraise for Assistant Directors Bursaries to support individuals engaged in the National Programme to find paid work at their local venue. The scheme offers an early-career director a chance to assist on a mid to large-scale production at one of our partner theatres, receiving mentorship from the Artistic or Associate Director.