• Saturday 25 October 2008 10.30am - 4.30pm

Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, London E1

This one day course gives you an opportunity to learn the skills required in directing a play for the stage. With an emphasis on a practical approach, participants will work with professional theatre director David Farmer in exploring how to tell a story through performance. Topics covered include working with a script, blocking a scene, sub-text, character development, mime and movement. The day is suitable for teachers, drama workers, actors, amateur or semi-professional theatre directors and anybody else who would like to extend their skills.

'I have been a professional actor and drama teacher for thirty five years and would recommend David Farmer's approach to drama to everyone. You may have read David's book but it is not until you have taken part in his workshop that you can see and appreciate the benefits to yourself and the students. This course is exceptionally good value for money.'
Norman Fisher, Suffolk New College

• Use drama games and practical techniques to discover new ways of approaching rehearsal
• Discover activities designed to enhance creativity and encourage group co-operation
• Enjoy the opportunity to direct scenes - and to be directed!
• Explore games and exercises from David's popular book 101 Drama Games and Activities
• Discover activities ranging  from warm ups to group dynamics, mime, storytelling exercises and easy voice exercises
• Find out how to use improvisation as an effective approach to creating scenes
• Get away from the words - discover physical theatre and sub-text

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. 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.

'I spent a wonderfully interesting and productive day at David's workshop which resulted in my learning new techniques, skills and games. These I am already using and putting into practice. I enjoyed myself SO much!'
- Judith Vaughan

'David Farmer's wealth of practical knowledge and his encouraging approach are appreciated by newcomers as well as the more experienced, creating a relaxing atmosphere highly conducive to learning.'
- Gareth Dent, Chief Executive, Open College of the Arts

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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 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

The one-day course takes place on Saturday 25 October 2008 at Toynbee Studios in London. Attendance Certificates and full notes of the day's activities will also be supplied.

This highly accessible day is ideal as professional development 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.

If you have any enquiries, please email David Farmer or telephone 01603 465973 or 0797 321 7876.

Booking

The cost for the day is £65. We are also able to offer up to five subsidised places for students/concessions at £40. Check availability for subsidised places.

Individual bookings (£65): please complete the booking form below and pay by cheque, or online with Paypal or credit card (click the button below).

School/College bookings: please complete the booking form below and return with your purchase order or payment.  An official invoice will be dispatched - payment terms 30 days.

NB This course is also available across the UK as a training session for theatre companies, youth theatres etc and can be adapted to your needs as a short training session or a whole day.

What to bring

Yourself - and a friend or colleague if you like! Comfortable clothing to move in. Light refreshments are included and at lunchtime we will walk to Old Spitalfields Market where there are several yummy options available (lunch not included).

Toynbee Studios is part of the Toynbee Hall complex at 28 Commercial Street, London E1. Download directions to Toynbee Studios by car, tube, bus, train or bike.