Aspiring directors could be given the big break they are looking for by directing a production at the Octagon Theatre.

The 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award Scheme is now in its eighth year.

The award, a joint effort by the Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) and the Octagon Theatre, helps new talent to honour the late RTST co-founder, Sir Peter Hall.

The privileged winner will grab the chance to direct a fully-fledged mid-scale production of a classic or modern play on the main stage of the Octagon Theatre Bolton.

The production will eventually go on tour, touching grounds at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester and the Rose Theatre in Kingston.

In addition to a golden opportunity, the RTST will make a generous grant of £50,000 to fund the production.

The award scheme aims to fulfil the RTST’s charitable motives by supporting emerging directors and British regional theatres.

Catering to a broad range of candidates, the award plays a significant part in boosting diversity on stage, off stage, and in the audience.

Determined by a panel of judges, the winning director must exhibit extraordinary directing skills and a craving for regional theatre.

Sir Geoffrey Cass, RTST chairman, said: "We're thrilled to be running the 2024 Award with The Octagon in Bolton.

"The Award – this is our eighth – continues to serve our allied objectives of promoting the country's finest rising directing talent and supporting excellent British regional theatres."

Mark Hawes, director of the RTST, added: "We’re proud that, once again, our unique Award and associated grant will be the catalyst for a regional touring production directed by the winner who will be making their mid-scale directing debut."

Lotte Wakeham, artistic director of the Octagon, added: "Transitioning from smaller-scale work to main-stage mid-scale regional work is a really significant milestone in any director’s career, and we’re delighted to be able to support the creation of a thrilling new production here in Bolton."

The 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award is open to UK residents aged over 18.

The closing date for entries is 6.00pm on Monday, September 2, 2024.