Course Outline

This course is for beginner and improver directors. Through games, exercises, small group work and scene study we will consider what a director does – from selecting a play, mining the text, working with actors and the creative team, creating an ensemble, blocking and staging. The course will provide a toolkit of resources and techniques to instil confidence and enjoyment in your future performances.

During our action-packed 6 days together, we will work on:
• Drama exercises and warmups
• Ensemble Building
• Text analysis and scene study
• Blocking
• Voice Work
• Movement
• Working with the creative team
• Building to the final production

Participants are asked to bring with them a short monologue or duologue from a play that excites them. Directing students should be willing to act as well as direct. Creative collaboration and teamwork are core directing skills. This course provides a group-orientated, dynamic and imaginative approach to theatre directing in a fun, relaxing and collaborative atmosphere.

I will send out the play texts that we will be working with a few weeks before the course, for those who would like to familiarise themselves with them, but there is no obligation to do so.

About the tutor

Maisie is a Director interested in work with a strong storytelling element. Her work spans theatre for adults and young audiences, radio drama and documentary. Recent work includes Prickly by Caoimhe O’Malley; The Dead House by Martin Beanz Warde for Dublin Theatre Festival; The Shape of Quiet Feelings, commissioned by Baboró International Arts Festival for Children; Her Sive, Abbey Theatre; Lúminaria, National Tour; Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands (Audio-Winner of Gold IMRO Award 2021), commissioned by Baboró International Arts Festival; EMBARGO, Fishamble New Play Company and In Our Veins, Abbey Theatre. Maisie is passionate about new writing and also works as a dramaturg.

Maisie has also worked with Druid Theatre, The Gate Theatre, Town Hall Theatre Galway, Bewley’s Café Theatre, Project Arts Centre, The Ark Cultural Centre for Children and RTE2FM. Maisie was Artist in Residence for Backstage Theatre Longford 2019 – 2021 and Baboró International Arts Festival for Children 2021-2023. She facilitates their inaugural Children’s Panel.

Website: https://www.maisieleedirector.com/