The National Theatre of Scotland is hunting for a new generation of theatre directors.

The national company wants to hire young or in-experienced directors in a scheme backed by the Bank of Scotland. They will become assistant directors on one of three major new productions for the NTS.

The young directors will get a chance to work on The Missing, based on the book by Andrew O’Hagan, directed by Black Watch director John Tiffany, or 27, a new play by Abi Morgan, directed by the artistic director of the NTS, Vicky Featherstone, or the adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted, designed and directed by Graham McLaren.

This New Director initiative is taking place as part of Pioneering Partnership -- a new sponsorship connecting Bank of Scotland and the National Theatre of Scotland over two years.

It will also provide support for Dunsinane by David Greig, Men Should Weep by Ena Lamont Stewart, The Missing and a series of other intiatives.

Ms Featherstone said: “There has not been something for young directors to try and get on the career path and this support from the Bank of Scotland really gives us the chance to get to know people who we may want to work with in the long term.”

Susan Rice, managing director, of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, said: “We are very excited to see the next generation of theatre directors benefit from the on-site experience and advice that this special scheme will provide.”

A job pack can be found at: nationaltheatrescotland.com/jobs