Mel Hillyard (Eliot, 2002), who graduated from Kent with a Master of Drama and Theatre Studies in 2006, has won the JP Morgan emerging director award 2015, reports The Stage.
Mel will now have the opportunity to stage a three-week production at the Orange Tree Theatre in south-west London in April 2016, and will receive a £16,000 bursary to fund the project. She will also begin a six-month placement in August at the National Theatre (NT) Studio, as resident director in the new work department.
Mel told The Stage: ‘To be working at the NT Studio at this particular time is hugely exciting. Developing new work is where my passion lies, and I feel privilege to join the team under Rufus Norris’ helm. Being able to direct my own show at the Orange Tree is an honour.’
Speaking to The Stage, Artistic Director at the Orange Tree Paul Miller, described Mel as ‘an exceptionally gifted young director with very exciting ideas’.
Image courtesy of The Stage