Directing theatre: beginners
Time: 18:15 - 21:15
Location: KS - Keeley Street
This course takes place in the classroom, please follow this link to find out what we are doing to keep you safe: Staying COVID-19 secure at City Lit
Course Code: DRB091
Please choose a course date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
To introduce you to the practical work of directing scenes and plays. To develop your confidence through the application of useful tools and techniques. As a tool of supporting the other aspiring directors you will also act in some scenes. No acting experience necessary.
What will we cover?
The course will provide knowledge of a range of plays and their directing requirements. You will get an opportunity to explore the relationship between the actor and director, as well as the rehearsal process.
Please note that acting classes by their very nature can involve exercises and the exploration of material that some students may find challenging.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Through practical exercises, understand how to block (shape) a scene.
- Understand character motivation, the use of actions and units, and incorporate these into scenes.
- Work on and adapt to a range of plays.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for those who wish to experience directing.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Listen actively and communicate clearly.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and analyse scripts to find meaning and clarity.
• Take notes.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group work and pair work depending on the casting requirements for each play.
HEALTH CHECK
You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Sets of plays will be provided but if you would like your own copies you must buy them. The choice of plays will always be announced in advance.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Consider another directing for theatre course to increase confidence and help to define your style and directors voice. A solid class in general acting would be very useful to learn and become aware of the 'actors process'.
Simon Bowen’s credits as a professional actor include appearances at The National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, as well as dramas for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. He wrote ‘Free’ for the National Theatre, ‘From London With Love’ for BBC Radio 4, and ‘Whitebaby’ and ‘Waterloo’ for Paines Plough. He has also been a writer on attachment at Soho Theatre and the National Theatre Studio. Simon has directed plays and development workshops in a wide variety of settings including Soho Theatre, The Arcola, The Park Theatre, Theatre 503 and The Bunker Theatre. At City Lit, Simon currently teaches theatre-directing and play-reading.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
