The Directing Labs: First Rehearsal of a Scene

How do you actually begin work on a scene with actors?

This practical lab focuses on the craft of tackling a scene for the first time in rehearsal. Drawing on techniques explored across the wider 2025 Directing Lab series, this session blends methodologies from different practitioners into a flexible toolkit you can adapt to your own process. You do not need to have attended a previous Lab. 

We’ll explore:

• Preparing a scene before stepping into the room
• Structuring a productive first rehearsal
• Moving from text analysis into action on its feet
• Giving clear, actionable direction

Participants will work actively with text and professional actors, testing approaches and refining their rehearsal language in a supportive environment.