Directing

This class focuses on engaging with and developing the actors’ relationships to illuminate the text / narrative / story / characters. We will cover investigating the basics of directing; articulating your own directing style; leading the creative rehearsal room; and tools to coach actors. We take a peer-supportive approach wherein we learn to discuss each other’s work, addressing challenges by seeking solutions together. The theoretical work is matched with practical application as students will direct the Advanced Acting class in multiple short scenes with the guidance of the tutor. This is an intensive week and students may receive text work to complete prior to the start of school.

Prerequisite: This is an advanced class designed for older, more experienced students. Applicants should be 16+ and provide a CV of experience or a letter of recommendation.

TUTOR: sara brodie

Sara is a New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate from Ōtautahi, recognised for her work as a director and choreographer.  Her work spans theatre, music theatre, and opera.  She has directed over 120 productions in Aotearoa, and internationally.  

For Auckland Theatre Company, she was the director and movement director for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and the premiere of Under The Mountain. Other directing roles have been for Uneasy Dreams And Other Things at Circa Theatre (Wellington) and Riverside Drive for the Wanaka Festival of Colour. She created the immersive, deconstructed Tracing Hamlet for the Wanaka Festival and the Erupt Festival (Taupō).  Sara’s most recent shows are the musical The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate at the Hannah Playhouse, and the European premiere of Dive at London’s Bridewell Theatre.

Sara was previously Programme Leader of the NZ Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (2021 - 2024) and is an accredited Intimacy Choreographer with the Intimacy Professionals Association, USA.  She has an MA in Theatre from Victoria University, Wellington.