Ben Kidd receives new Genesis Future Directors Award

Ben Kidd has been chosen as the first recipient of the Genesis Future Directors Award, a major new award established by the Genesis Foundation as part of its longstanding partnership with the Young Vic.

The Award has been created to nurture emerging young directors by providing them with an invaluable opportunity to explore and develop their craft as they create their first fully resourced production at the Young Vic.

Ben will be mentored by Genesis Fellow Carrie Cracknell as he works on The Shawl, a suspense drama by the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright David Mamet, which runs from 3 to 15 December 2012.

Ben says:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this wonderful, little seen play, which I absolutely love. Genesis is interested in promoting genuine artistic development, not just professional development, which I find very exciting. The Young Vic has always been a unique and invaluable hub for me and so many other directors. So many shows I have seen at the Young Vic rank among the truly inspirational. The Genesis Foundation's links with the building have helped to foster that, and I am thrilled to be able to join that conversation.”

Ben recently directed Anne and Zef at Salisbury Playhouse as recipient of the Young Angels Theatre Makers Award. His previous credits include Richard III (Riverside Studios and UK tour), Apart From George (Finborough), and Kin (Brighton Fringe and UK tour). He has also worked as Assistant Director on the West End production of Laura Wade’s Posh, as well as productions at the National Theatre and The Globe.

John Studzinski, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation, says:

“Ben Kidd is a highly skilled young director and we all look forward to following his journey as the first Genesis Future Directors Awardee at the Young Vic. The Genesis Foundation enjoys an ongoing partnership with the Young Vic and we have shared values in our commitment to provide opportunities for directing talent to shine. Ben is joining a remarkable creative network that includes our current Genesis Fellow, Carrie Cracknell. For his directorial debut in the Clare Theatre, Ben has chosen a new production of The Shawl by one of the heavyweights of the theatre world, David Mamet. It’s not to be missed.”

The Genesis Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the professional development of directors in the UK and through its partnership with the Young Vic has established two further key initiatives: the Genesis Fellowship and the Genesis Directors Network. Find out more here.

For more information about The Shawl, visit the Young Vic website.