Directing for the Theatre
Course overview
Participants will learn, and have ample opportunity to put into practice, the principles involved in bringing a play fully to life on stage. Issues explored will include:
- What is a play?
- Wherein lies a play’s meaning?
- What exactly should a director be directing?
- How do you identify the key turning point of any play or scene?
- What is meant by ‘interpreting’ the text?
- What decisions are useful/not useful to make before rehearsals begin?
- How do I go about deciding on a setting for a play?
- How do I most creatively communicate with actors, helping them shape the best performances?
Participants will direct both classic and modern texts, and have the invaluable learning opportunity of being directed by fellow participants.
This is a 6-day course, taking place on Mondays and Tuesdays over 3 consecutive weeks.
Entry requirements
- Selection: Please complete an application form and tell us about your previous experience as an actor, director or writer and tell us why you are interested in this course.
- Participants must be over 18 and have fluent, confident use and knowledge of the English language.
Who are these courses suitable for?
- Actors who want to extend their skills in directing.
- Directors looking for new tools to build confidence.
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Course information
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
You will be asked to be familiar with one well-known, readily available play text before the course starts.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
Between the three 2-day sessions, participants will be asked to read another readily available play and to prepare answers to a number of directing questions regarding that text. You will also be expected to prepare yourself for directing individual scenes from other plays allocated to you by the tutor.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
What materials or equipment do I need?
You need to wear loose clothing that you can move in freely.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A Certificate of Completion is available for this course. Certificates are awarded to students who had no unexcused absences or lateness and operated within the obligations laid out in the Terms and Conditions.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form or information form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive at RADA up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.