theatre translator mentorship

empowering & supporting
emerging theatre translators

The Foreign Affairs Theatre Translator Mentorship (or FATT, as we like to call it) is a part-time mentoring and workshop programme dedicated to empowering and supporting emerging theatre translators working into English. The aim of the mentorship is to equip participants with the necessary skills and experience for a professional career.

This 8-month programme is rooted in a ‘page-to-stage’ process, offering a comprehensive and practical learning journey. Participants engage in readings with actors, group mentoring sessions, practical workshops, professional industry masterclasses, and rehearsals. Additionally, they receive one-to-one sessions with professional translators.

We are thrilled to announce that applications for the next edition of the programme will open on Tuesday 12 March 2024. Further details and resources, such as programme details, eligibility criteria, application form and more, will be made available soon. This edition is made possible with the generous support of the Jerwood Foundation, which will enrich the programme, expand activities, and allow us to build new partnerships, providing even more opportunities for emerging theatre translators.

The programme culminates in an exciting showcase for the general public and invited industry members, including theatre producers, directors, and publishers. We’re excited to collaborate with Jermyn Street Theatre to deliver this showcase, renowned for presenting the work of both established and emerging theatre artists and makers.

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applications are closed

a bit of history

In 2016, we launched the mentorship with nothing but passion and a firm belief in the need for the programme, with invaluable support from translators Paul Russell Garrett, Roland Glasser and William Gregory.

Since then, we have successfully run five small-scale editions of the programme, primarily self-funded with additional support from cultural institutes and organisations. We have continuously sought opportunities to advance the programme and provide even more enriching experiences.

We take immense pride in our mentorship’s success. To date, we have mentored 19 talented translators, many of whom have gone on to collaborate with prestigious UK theatres such as the Royal Court Theatre, New Earth Theatre, and Theatre 503. Their work has also found stages in international venues in Chicago, Ithaca, NY, and Tokyo.

As we look back on our journey, we’re filled with gratitude for the impact our mentorship has had on the theatre translation community and the industry at large. We are excited about the future and remain committed to nurturing the next generation of theatre translators.

Learn more about our past participants, mentorship plays, and our mentorship journey so far by clicking here.

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