Q&A with Theatre Directing Tutor Eoghan Carrick
This course is suitable for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of directing as beginners or people with some experience of stage work. Not sure if this course is for you? Learn more via the Q&A below.
This course is open to newcomers who would like a chance to gain knowledge of the tools needed to become a director, as well as those with some stage experience who want to evolve their work. This course is led by theatre and opera director Eoghan Carrick. Our next course begins April 23rd, you can book your place here.
Not sure if this course is for you? Learn more via the Q&A below.
Q: What will people learn on the course?
A: People will learn how to navigate the different stages of directing a show from prep to rehearsals to tech. Over the 10 weeks, we will cover interpretation of text, relationships with writers and working with new work.
The course will explore directing actors as well as creating a safe, collaborative and focused rehearsal room. We will also develop the skills of how to communicate with designers and translate a script and a vision into a cohesive visual story on stage. The course is a mix of practical and theory. Through discussions, analysis of text and workshops, we will begin developing the skills it takes to become a director and to gain an understanding and practical experience of the craft.
Q: What kind of people participate in the course?
A: This course is suitable for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of directing as beginners, or people with some experience of stage work. This includes actors and writers who have worked in different areas and want to evolve their work, as well as newcomers who would like a chance to gain knowledge of the tools needed to become a director.
Q: What experience do people need?
A: Having some experience with the stage (any area really) will help, but as it is a course on the fundamentals, it is more important that you are ready to participate and engage as fully as you can in the prep work and sessions.
Q: What makes a good director?
A: Lots of things, an individual’s different strengths and points of view will help give rise to the variety we see theatre. But fundamentally, a good director combines artistic vision, clear communication and strong leadership. Their job is to see a play’s bigger picture, while also paying attention to details. They don’t have to know the answers all the time, but they have to know when to guide, and when to listen. Theatre works best when it’s collaborative. A strong director brings the best out of their team, ensuring the constituent parts of a production are unified and harmonious.
Q: What would you tell someone who was wondering if this course was for them but wasn’t sure/ nervous about joining
A: If you are interested in theatre or performance or plays, come; you will learn something.
Q: Do you have to have any previous training or experience in the arts?
A: No. Just a willingness to do the prep and get stuck in.
Q: What will participants walk away with?
A: A clear sense of where to start and move forward in bringing a play to production.
Students will learn how to:
- Navigate the different stages of directing a show from prep to rehearsals to tech.
- We will cover interpretation of text, relationships with writers and working with new work.
- The course will explore directing actors as well as creating a safe, collaborative and focused rehearsal room.
- We will also develop the skills of how to communicate with designers and translate a script and a vision into a cohesive visual story on stage.
- Through discussions, analysis of text and workshops, we will begin developing the skills it takes to become a theatre director and to gain an understanding and practical experience of the craft.