Directing Workshop: Craft, Presence and the Work Beneath Words

Ready to take your directing skills to the next level? This hands-on workshop is designed for ambitious Theatre Directors looking to deepen their craft and lead with confidence. Delve into actor-centred directing through deep listening, emotional truth, and collaborative curiosity.

This is an intensive 3-day workshop for emerging & mid-career theatre directors, facilitated by award-winning Director and Tamasha’s Artistic Director, Pooja Ghai (Lions and Tigers, A Tupperware of Ashes, Hakawatis: Women of the Arabian Nights). Come with an open mind and a sense of curiosity and exploration - expect hands-on experience, personalised feedback and plenty of opportunities for artistic growth.

Who’s it for?

• Global Majority Directors with at least one professional production under their belt (including Fringe)
• Directors who are passionate about anti-racist and decolonial approaches in their work, and who are equally committed to new writing and storytelling through a global lens
• Anyone ready to dive deep into process, leadership, and collaboration

What will you cover?

Day 1: Understanding the Actor's Process

• Learn how actors think and how to collaborate with them effectively
• Break text into beats and directional intent
• Deepen contextual and thematic insight

Day 2: From Table to Floor - Subtext & Play

• Move from thinking to instinctive, physical work
• Explore what's unsaid in the text
• Foster healthy rehearsal environments

Day 3: Crafting the World - Stagecraft & Leadership

• Hone spatial and visual tools
• Strengthen leadership and team communication
• Apply directing tools in practice

What will you take away?

• Script breakdown & Prep: Learn how to disassemble and prep a script with precision and insight
• Sharpening Rehearsals: Use games and techniques to deepen the rehearsal process and bring out the best in your actors
• Effective Communication: Master the art of giving feedback, keeping actors energised, and maintaining momentum
• Leading a Team: From juggling logistics to inspiring your crew, you’ll build your director superpowers!

We positively encourage applications from ethnically diverse backgrounds/those who identify as being part of the Global Majority due to the nature of this work.

For any questions about this workshop, please contact Harris@tamasha.org.uk

About the Facilitator

Pooja Ghai is an award-winning director, actor, and mentor, recognised for championing marginalised voices and driving leadership change in UK theatre. She is Artistic Director of Tamasha, Chair of Artistic Directors of the Future, and Co-Chair of Stage Directors UK.

Her work includes Lions and Tigers (winner, Best Director – Eastern Eye ACTAs), Rapunzel (Theatre Royal Stratford East, box office record-breaker), and Approaching Empty (Tamasha/Kiln/Live Theatre).

A Clore Fellow and former Associate Director at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Pooja has worked across major theatres and drama schools, led initiatives like Up Next (with BAC & The Bush), and served as a mentor for The Old Vic. She’s also judged the James Tait Black Prize for Drama and is an Associate Artist at Kali Theatre.

With a deep commitment to anti-racist practice and new writing, Pooja continues to inspire change and nurture the next generation of diverse theatre leaders.