This unique one day course gives you an opportunity to explore many of the skills required in directing a play for the stage. With an emphasis on a practical approach, participants work with professional theatre director David Farmer in considering how to tell a story through performance. Topics include: finding ways into a script, blocking a scene, sub-text, character development, ensemble working, physical theatre, mime and movement.

The course is suitable for anyone who wants to develop their directing skills, or is looking for new ideas and guidance. It is aimed at those working with teenagers or adults, although many of the ideas can be adapted to work with children. Using active learning methodologies we will explore extracts from a number of scripts, including Pool, No Water by Mark Ravenhill (Frantic Assembly production - see image above), Too Much Punch For Judy by Mark Wheeller and Our Country's Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker. The approaches can of course be used with any script.

This highly accessible day is ideal as professional development for teachers, drama workers, actors, amateur or semi-professional theatre directors, or as an enjoyable experience for those wishing to explore and extend their drama skills. The emphasis will be on a relaxed and informal atmosphere - you will leave inspired, refreshed and with a new skill set of ideas and approaches. We will use script extracts which will be provided in advance (no need to learn your lines, though) and everybody will be given a chance to direct during the day.

'Every activity taught me something new. The work on physical theatre was the most valuable for me as I have never done it before. It was amazing to see how a combination of reading text and movement could flow together to make a powerful piece of theatre. I have students who hate the concept of dance but I feel they will respond well to physical theatre! Thank you for the resources you gave us. They have already proven to be very useful!'
Susie Ankah, Participant, February 2009

'I found the workshop very enjoyable and stress free. I learned some great tips for running a class and it gave me a taste of directing actors and I feel inspired to do some more. I also just really enjoyed being in a group of people that were open and keen to learn and explore!'
- Fergus O'Donnell, Participant, February 2009

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David Farmer's plays have appeared in the West End, in theatres and schools across the UK, at international festivals and tours of Germany, Norway, Canada and the USA to half a million young people. He now works freelance, running drama courses, writing, directing and managing this website.

'David Farmer's direction encourages a sense of wonder and wit'
- Sunday Telegraph

'Inventive, humorous and intelligent theatre that does not shy away from emotional issues'
- The Evening Standard

'A beautifully imagined account of this children's favourite, performed with gusto and real storytelling suspense' - The Sunday Times