Introduction to Directing: First Steps

This two-day course will introduce you to the role of a director. Through practical exercises and discussions, you will understand the collaborative role and process that is required of this exciting role.

A woman in red stands next to two other women, one kneeling & one seated. She is directing a scene for the rest of the class who are sat on chairs facing her.

Key information:

Course dates:: Easter Course: Sat 12 – Sun 13 April 2025/ Summer Course: Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025
Course times:: 10am–5pm
Age:: 16–18
Art form:: Drama
Fees:: £275
Deadline:: Easter Course: 5pm, Monday 31 March 2025/ Summer Course: 5pm, Monday 30 June 2025 or when the courses reach full capacity
Level of study:: Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
Mode of study:: In-person
Venue:: Guildhall School of Music & Drama
When:: Easter Courses | Summer Schools (July–August) | Weekend Courses
Contact details:: shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk; +44 (0)20 7382 2310

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Ages 16–18

Course Dates & Times

Easter Course
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 April 2025
10am–4pm

Summer Course:
Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 July 2025
10am–4pm

About Introduction to Directing: First Steps

This new two-day course will introduce you to the role of a director. Through practical exercises and discussions, you will work with a professional director, an actor and a designer to understand the collaborative role and process that is required of this exciting role.

Who is the course for?

Anyone aged 16 to 18 interested in learning more about directing theatre.

What can I expect?

The course is practical and there will be discussions and Q&As.

You can expect to learn about:

The responsibilities and possibilities of a director’s role
Finding your creative voice as a director
How to bring a scene to life in collaboration with actors and a creative team

"This course was one of the best things I’ve done. I learned so much and feel so inspired to carry on with my work in the industry."

– Lucy, participant on Introduction to Directing: First Steps, 2024

Course Fee

£275

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Eligibility

For everyone aged 16–18
No prior experience required
Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Lucinda Dawkins.

Lucie is co-Lead of SCRUM Theatre, and an associate with Cheek by Jowl. She hosts the theatre podcast ‘Not True, But Useful’. She trained as a director at the Yale School of Drama, where she was the Cullman Scholar in Directing. Lucie has worked with Guildhall School of Music & Drama as a tutor on several short courses. She is passionate about giving young people their first taste of a career within theatre and the many different job roles on offer.