It would be a good habit for a director to conduct workshops before every rehearsal process. There are several reasons for that.
First, investigating grey areas in your interpretation of the text. The workshop is a great opportunity to re-evaluate it and adjust your directing decisions.
Second, trying out new steps and tools in your process. For example, you could take ideas or exercises you have read about or been taught but are not yet confident enough to use in a rehearsal situation.
Third, testing some ideas that might be useful at rehearsals later. Together with the actors, you could find the best solutions to convey a particular situation.
Finally, identifying particular aspects that require further adjustments (like sound, settings etc.) These discoveries will provide you with a clear perspective at the beginning of the rehearsal process.
Then, how does a successful workshop look like?
Workshops are best done with between four and six actors. It’s more convenient to have an even number so as to work in pairs. Ask actors a series of questions that you had prepared. While answering, they’ll debate a lot. Your task here is to transform those debates into practical exercises. As actors are doing the exercises, keep a close eye, guide them if needed.
Doing workshops is one of the tools to help you be more productive at the stage of rehearsals. If you wish to go much deeper in director’s craft and get first-hand experience, as well as plenty of practice, check our certificate and diploma programs.
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