The Directing Labs: The Actor and the Target

Missed this the first time? You’re not alone.

After an early run with limited numbers, many later participants expressed disappointment at having missed this session - so it’s back!

Inspired by Declan Donnellan’s seminal book The Actor and the Target, this focused two-hour lab explores one of the most liberating ideas in directing: that actors thrive when their attention is placed outward on a clear target, rather than inward on emotion.

• Through practical exercises and scene exploration, we will examine:
• What a “target” is and how it transforms performance
• How to help actors avoid self-consciousness in rehearsal
• Giving clear, actionable direction
• Building momentum and truth without forcing results

This session is ideal for directors, actor-directors, and theatre-makers looking for simple, powerful tools they can immediately apply in rehearsal.

As with all Codex Theatre workshops, this is a collaborative, low-pressure space designed to demystify process and strengthen your confidence in the room.