There are very few opportunities for young theatre directors to get the chance to direct their own production. For many the transition from working as an assistant director to working as a director in their own right is difficult to achieve. Without the opportunity to direct their own work they cannot fully learn how to do the job. The JMK Award gives one young director the chance to direct their own production with the freedom to make their own decisions and learn through this experience.

The JMK Award gives young directors an opportunity to learn through a rigorous three-stage application process, which involves going through all the stages that are needed to mount a production. The Award is given to one outstanding individual. They are given a cash prize with which to direct their own production at the Young Vic. This is an important and rare opportunity, vital to the development of talented young directors.