PTE Directors Unit
Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE) is pleased to invite applications for the inaugural PTE Directors Unit. This new program offers emerging and mid-career theatre directors a vibrant community for skill development and professional growth over a two-year period, starting in February 2026. This program is open to Manitoba-based artists.
Led by Artistic Director Ann Hodges and supported by other guest artists, a small cohort will
follow a creative journey tailored to the interests and needs of the group. Activities may include discussions on artistic leadership, collaboration, script interpretation and preparation, observing rehearsals and technical work, skill-building in technical theatre knowledge, and small independently-selected directing exercises. The unit may also collaborate at times with members of the PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit.
Whether you are an emerging director or already have a few professional projects under your belt, if you have a desire to deepen your directing craft, we encourage you to apply! We value a diversity of experience and backgrounds within the cohort.
Applicants should possess a minimum of four years’ experience in any theatre-related role,
which may include performer, stage manager, playwright, designer, administrator or director. Your experience does not need to have been full-time, and may include time spent in training.
In your application please describe how you have been pursuing the craft of directing through self-initiated projects, independent productions, training, assistant directing or professional experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, December 19, 2025
Email your application to: education@pte.mb.ca
What You Will Receive:
• Monthly meetings with the Unit, led by Artistic Director Ann Hodges and other guests. Meetings will take place in person, with remote options as needed.
• Space to work on small directing projects related to Directors Unit activities
• Invitations to attend PTE rehearsals and productions
• Promotion through the PTE website, events and other networking opportunities
• Access to a dedicated workspace at PTE for focused work and reflection Dec 1, 2025
• Access to PTE’s resources in support of unit-related activities
• Informal advice and guidance from PTE staff and production teams
• Discounted admission to selected other PTE education opportunities
Expectations:
• Commit to attending monthly meetings once a month for two years, excluding July-August. (The schedule will be determined by the group.)
• Support the work of your Directors Unit colleagues
• Undertake and independently manage some small independent projects to deepen your directing skills with other members of the Unit and/or the greater theatre community. (This may occasionally require a time commitment outside the monthly meetings.)
• Occasionally represent the PTE Directors Unit at talkbacks and donor events, etc.
• This is a free professional development activity offered by PTE, with no cost to the selected
participants.
Application Requirements:
• Application process includes anonymous review: Submit your application with a cover page that contains your name, email address and phone number. All other documents should not include any personal identifiers.
• Letter to the Selection Committee including:
• What drives your passion for directing?
• How have you begun to act on this passion so far?
• Why would you like to be a part of the PTE Directors Unit?
• Any other information you would like to share? (Max 2 pages or 1000 words)
Prairie Theatre Exchange is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community and our
country. We encourage submissions from individuals of all genders, cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We are committed to providing accommodation for persons with disabilities in all parts of the selection process. Please contact PTE if you have accessibility needs in applying for this
opportunity.
Not 100% sure of your qualifications? If your experience looks a little different than what we have outlined, but you believe you could excel in the PTE Directors Unit, we encourage you to apply.