Introduction to Directing
Course dates: Saturday 03 October - Saturday 21 November 2026
Class timetable: 5 sessions (View class timetable for Saturday 03 October 2026 to Saturday 21 November 2026)
Timetable data for Saturday 03 October 2026 to Saturday 21 November 2026
| Day of class | Date of class | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 03-Oct-2026 | 8:30am - 4:00pm | Birkbeck Campus, Central London |
| Saturday | 17-Oct-2026 | 12:30am - 4:00pm | Birkbeck Campus, Central London |
| Saturday | 31-Oct-2026 | 9:30am - 5:00pm | Birkbeck Campus, Central London |
| Saturday | 07-Nov-2026 | 9:30am - 5:00pm | Birkbeck Campus, Central London |
| Saturday | 21-Nov-2026 | 9:30am - 5:00pm | Birkbeck Campus, Central London |
Location: Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Fees: £550.00
RegisterCourse Overview
This Introduction to Directing short course equips you with the skills and knowledge required to practise as a professional director or independent theatre artist in today’s industry. Led by leading practitioners, you will understand the role of a professional director and the relationships with key collaborators such as actors, writers, designers and the industry. You will gain a greater understanding of the relevant theory and methodology, supported by practical sessions to enhance your knowledge.
The course will cover:
- leading acting methodologies such as Stanislavski’s techniques
- the relationship between director and writer
- how to collaborate with professional designers on staging
- the financial and organisational structures of the UK theatre industry
- how to apply for funding sources, for instance from Arts Council England (ACE).
Practical sessions will include:
- hands-on directing exercises
- pitching exercises
- stage configuration exercises.
This Introduction to Directing course is well suited to emerging or aspiring directors. It closes with a panel discussion with an artistic director and freelancers to provide you with insights on your potential career paths. The course also offers a great taster for those wishing to study on the MFA Theatre Directing course in the future.
As a learner on this course, you will study alongside fellow professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in the subject area, giving you the opportunity to make connections with like-minded colleagues and network.
You will receive a Birkbeck certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
This course is non-credit bearing, so carries no credit points.
Fees
Students are charged a tuition fee for each short course on registering. Please view details for this course, including dates, location and fees at the top of this page. Short course fees may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.
Discount information
We offer a 20% discount to Birkbeck students, alumni and staff. If you are eligible to claim this discount, please contact the Innovation Support Unit so that we can process your booking.
Entry Requirements
Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
This short course has no prerequisites.
As part of the registration process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
How to Register
You can book directly onto the short courses you would like to take, using the Register button above which will direct you to the relevant booking page. Courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early if you're interested.