Introduction to Directing: Preparing for Rehearsals
Join this six-week evening course led by Olivier Nominated theatre and film director Amy Hodge, for an introduction into directing for theatre.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Tuesday evenings, 20 Jan – 24 Feb 2026
- Course times:
- 7pm–9pm
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Drama
- Fees:
- £295
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 16 January 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Evening Courses | Spring Courses (January–March)
Course info
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 27 October. Join our mailing list before Friday 24 October to receive priority booking.
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Tuesday evenings on 20, 27 January, 3, 10, 17, 24 February 2026
7pm–9pm
About Introduction to Directing: Preparing for Rehearsals
Join this six-week evening course led by Olivier Nominated theatre and film director Amy Hodge, for an introduction into directing for theatre.
You will learn key techniques in order to analyse text and understand character objectives, make performance decisions and apply these in the rehearsal room.
Who is the course for?
Anyone aged 18 and over interested in an introduction to directing plays, with emphasis on the preparation required and how to apply this practically within the rehearsal room.
What can I expect?
Rigorous, skills-based exercises that you can interpret in your own way as you go forward.
You will learn how to:
- Prepare a text for rehearsals: exploring facts and questions, actions and events, and understanding the underpinning intentions of each character.
- Translate this preparation into practical work with actors to include scene preparation and noting actors.
By the end of the course you will have gained practical experience of how you use these techniques to work with actors, and will feel confident approaching text.
There will be some light homework in between sessions and advance reading of The Seagull (further details below).
Do I need anything for the course?
We will be using The Seagull in a version by Martin Crimp as a set text. You will need to source your own physical copy (preferable). Please read the play in preparation for the course.
Course Fee
£295
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 27 October. Join our mailing list before Friday 24 October to receive priority booking.
Eligibility
- We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by Amy Hodge.
Amy Hodge is an award-winning theatre director; having directed in some the most prestigious venues in the UK including the National Theatre, The Globe, and The Young Vic. She is moving into screen, her recent short film The Date (proof of concept for a feature) is about to premier at the prestigious London Film Festival and she is currently under commission to co-create a TV series for FilmNation.
She has been a visiting tutor at a number of drama schools including Central School of Speech and Drama, Guildhall, LAMDA and Rose Bruford.
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