Associate Director – I Can Die Too

Associate Director to Bill Buckhurst for the world premiere and transfer to Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg of I Can Die Too by Frances Rufelle, Sally George and Alan Cumming.

Role Description

The Associate Director will support Director Bill Buckhurst in delivering and maintaining the artistic vision of the production, both in its world premiere at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and its transfer to Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. This role ensures the continuity, quality and integrity of the production throughout the rehearsal period, technical stages, press performance and subsequent transfer. The Associate Director will act as the Director’s representative when required.

About the Production

I Can Die Too is a play with music about a play with music — inspired by Cocteau’s La Voix Humaine and playfully reimagined during a chaotic tech rehearsal. The trouble is, our leading actress, Lily, can’t bear the role she’s playing as it mirrors her own life, and the ghosts she can’t quite leave behind. As the rehearsal spirals, she humorously descends into a world of doubt, defiance, and the insatiable desire to sing. A collision of life and art, I Can Die Too is a sharp, self-aware exploration of theatre — blurring the lines between classic drama, tragicomedy, musical theatre and concert.

Why Join Pitlochry Festival Theatre?

Set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a place of creativity, ambition and community. We’re entering a bold new chapter and investing in innovation, inclusion and artistic excellence. You’ll be joining a passionate, dedicated team – and you’ll help shape work that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Role Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director to understand and interpret the creative vision, style and staging of the production.
• Assist with scheduling, rehearsal room planning and communication between creative departments.
• Provide detailed documentation of staging, blocking and scene transitions to support production departments.
• During Technical rehearsals, assist the Director with technical notes, staging adjustment and integration of the technical design elements.
• During the Transfer, lead and maintain the artistic quality of the production across its transfer to Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, ensuring consistency with the original decision and staging.
• Note to the company following the first show at the venue.
• Other responsibilities may be highlighted as required by the production throughout this time.

Person Specification

• At least 2 years professional experience working as a director in theatre.
• Experience working on a touring production.
• Understanding and previous professional experience working as an Assistant, Associate or Resident Director.
• Confidence and ability to act on own initiative.
• Ability to act on behalf of the Director, working to maintain the vision and integrity of the production with the actors, and being comfortable holding the rehearsal room/production meeting if needed.
• A team player, collaborator and proactive, organised, hard working individual, working closely to support performers and other colleagues.
• High level of organisation and the ability to multi-task.
• Strong eye for detail and consistency.
• Ability to give clear, constructive notes and work collaboratively with performers and creative departments.
• Experience working on musicals or plays with music is desirable, but not essential.

Role Information

• Freelance fixed term contract.
• You must be available for all dates listed below:
• Rehearsals in London: 8 June until 4 July.
• Technical Rehearsals in Pitlochry: 6 July until 11 July.
• First Performance: 11 July.
• Press Performance: 16 July.
• Travel and relocation expenses offered, in line with relevant UK Theatre and Equity rates for performers.
• Travel and accommodation covered in addition in Luxembourg.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre wants its workforce to be representative of society and welcomes applications from everyone. We positively encourage applications from artists living in Scotland or Scottish, from those currently underrepresented in the industry, including individuals from working class backgrounds, individuals from Global Majority, disabled or neurodiverse individuals, and LGBTQ+ individuals. If you require any adjustments for the interview process please let us know by emailing sam.hardie@pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com.