Working with actors is not a quite the mystery it sometimes seems to be. Using essential principles and exercises, for example basic knowledge about the actors process, directing actors can be a highly creative, open and rewarding process. During the workshop we enter the bodies and minds of directors and actors alike – our goal is to achieve a secure environment for the actors to work in. How can a positive collaboration be crafted? How do we talk to the actors? How can we make them understand, what we want to get from their performance? And how can we learn to let go of these ideas and open up for the work in the moment?! How can I use improvisation and the actor's training to achieve meaningful moments?

This workshop consists of two elements: in a seminar setting, we learn the techniques that will be the basis of our rehearsal process during this workshop. During the workshop settings, we actually test these techniques. Since every student has to find his or her own way to work with actors, you are encouraged to try every technique that you think might work for you. On the third day, every participant will rehearse one scene with actual actors.

The Rehearsing Actors Workshop is especially designed for directors who are searching for new and systematic ways to approach directing actors. We focus mainly on film, but all the techniques can be used during theatre rehearsals as well.

Features:

In the course of this workshop the participants obtain a broad introduction into the work of an Assistant Director at film and television productions. Starting with the first reading of the script, preparing for the shoot, working with the whole crew and calling the roll – every stage of this job is addressed and thoroughly explained. Different exercises help students understand the workings of a set and the position of the AD on it.

Please note: This workshop is only being offered in German speaking countries due to the rather different position of an AD on international sets in comparison to European sets. The differences are addressed within the workshop, but the detailed job description is directed at future ADs working on European productions first.

They are the shadows of every director. They are the ones who know who of the actors screwed up his lines or used the wrong hand for the glass he is holding. Script Supervisors are communicating geniuses and keep carrying around the largest and heaviest notebook on set. And this job might just be the best way to get into directing – not only, because you are sitting right next to (or standing right behind) the director all the time.

As a Script Supervisor one gets to communicate with all departments on set. Reports have to be written on a daily basis and the continuity of the actor’s movements, their wardrobe, etc has to be watched carefully. Script Supervisors might just be the silent heroes of every set … don’t expect much gratitude for your important work – but a large treasure chest full of experiences and insights might substitute for this.

This intensive and passionate workshop covers everything there is to know about Script Supervising and will enable students to take on their first challenge on a shortfilm set.