Olivier Award–winning director Matthew Xia reveals how professional theatre directors actually stage a play, from first read to final performance. In this practical directing breakdown, Matthew shares his process for building world, story, and character, creating clear playable intentions, staging scenes so every audience member can see and understand them, and designing transitions that keep momentum alive.

Drawing on productions at the Donmar Warehouse, Actors Touring Company, and Royal Exchange Theatre, including Skeleton Crew, Tambo & Bones, and the Olivier-winning Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show, this episode is essential viewing for emerging theatre directors who want to direct with clarity, confidence, and professional-level craft. If you want to learn how Olivier Award winning directors think in rehearsal, avoid common blocking mistakes, and stage plays that truly work, this episode is for you.

🎭 GUESTS:

➡️ Matthew Xia: https://www.matthewxia.com/

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In this episode, Olivier Award–winning director Matthew Xia breaks down how to stage a play with clarity, strong storytelling, and professional-level direction.

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🔥 WATCH NEXT:

Watch Directors Bring Stories to Life: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTv1DMQJj07F_geZSjrzvqAGK7_TlbHt_

Explore More Acting Coaches: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTv1DMQJj07GWINwJFQ7lJdjMBIImN37C

Hear from Recent Drama School Grads: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTv1DMQJj07FKmgsWm5EUeuEN80OIpZ8-

Welcome to a full-length movement workshop and scene study filmed at LAMDA’s Linbury Studio.

In this episode, movement practitioner Samuel Adebayo works with actors Marion Githegi and Tolu Kingba to explore how mind, body and spirit shape a character’s emotional truth.

Whether you're an actor, director, or drama student, this episode breaks down:

✔️ How movement influences emotional connection

✔️ Laban effort actions for character work

✔️ Psychophysical techniques for screen performance

✔️ How to use breath, intention & physicality in scenes

✔️ A full before/after transformation in performance

We also dive into character psychology, abusive relationship dynamics, and how actors can stay grounded and connected during difficult scenes.

🎭 Featuring:

• Samuel Adebayo — Movement Practitioner (https://www.samueladebayo.co.uk/about)

• Tolu Kingba — Actor (https://www.instagram.com/t_kingba/)

• Marion Githegi — Actor, Founder (https://www.instagram.com/mariongithegi)

📚 TOOLS & TECHNIQUES MENTIONED:

Laban Efforts

Psychophysical Acting

Breath Work

Intention & Physical Impulse Training

Inner/Outer Life Alignment

Emotional Preparation for Scenes

💬 Comment Below:

What movement or acting technique would you like us to explore next?

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In this engaging episode, we reconnect with Kalungi Ssebandeke to delve deeper into his experiences and insights as a director. Following our previous conversation, we explore his initiative, "Direct Your First Play," a seven-week online course designed with practical tools and guidance to empower aspiring directors, from script analysis to rehearsal prep, and what it means to truly facilitate a writer's vision. Kalungi shares the inspiration behind this project, stemming from his own journey, including winning the prestigious JMK Award. 

🎬 Connect with Marion:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariongithegi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/marion-githegi

Spotlight: https://app.spotlight.com/0618-8970-6314

Featured Guest:

🎬 Director: Kalungi Ssebandeke

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalungifresh

Twitter: https://x.com/kalungi_

Website: www.directyourfirstplay.com

Want to be a guest:

Submit a form here: https://beacons.ai/mariongithegi

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In this episode of Be Scene: Director's Cut, Actress Marion Githegi sits down with Kalungi Ssebandeke, an award-winning Director, Actor, and Writer. Kalungi, the 2023 JMK Directing Award winner, who shares his journey from acting to directing, highlighting the importance of fostering a nurturing creative environment.

Joined by actor Kay Bridgeman, they dive into the nuances of directing writers, the audition process, and navigating the actor-director relationship. The episode also sheds light on the unique challenges of the industry and provides valuable advice for aspiring actors.

Featured Guests:

🎬 Director: Kalungi Ssebandeke

https://www.instagram.com/kalungifresh

🎭 Actress: Kay Bridgeman

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1527332/

🎬 Connect with Marion:

🎭 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mariongithegi/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/marion-githegi

Spotlight - https://app.spotlight.com/0618-8970-6314

📢 Follow Be Scene: Director’s Cut

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🎬 https://www.tiktok.com/@mariongithegi

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In this insightful discussion, we explore the dynamic relationship between acting and directing, where both art forms come together to breathe life into a play. Discover how directors and actors collaborate to enhance each other’s craft, with a focus on the creative process, challenges, and the shared journey of discovery that unfolds during rehearsal. Whether it's the delicate balance of honoring a script or allowing space for improvisation, this conversation delves deep into how writing and performance intertwine to create a memorable theatrical experience.

Join the Be Scene Community!

Are you an artist, actor, director, or producer? Let's connect!

Marion Githegi (LAMDA Graduate) - https://beacons.ai/mariongithegi

For guest director/actor submissions or suggestions complete the form here: https://beacons.ai/mariongithegi

Guest Director: Toby Clarke: https://www.tobyclarkedirector.com/

Guest Actress: Laura Pujos

  / laura_puj  

Guest Actress: Mahaila Palmer

https://www.lamda.ac.uk/students-alum...

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In this episode of "Be Scene Director's Cut," host Marion Githegi interviews Kevin Bennett, a Vancouver-born theatre director based in London, about his journey into directing and his focus on Shakespearean theatre. Kevin shares insights on working with classical texts, emphasizing the importance of understanding Shakespearean language and making it relatable to modern audiences. Later, scene partner Katie Burke joins the discussion, sharing her experiences with Shakespearean performance. The episode offers practical advice for actors and directors, highlighting the collaborative and supportive atmosphere in the rehearsal room and encouraging bold, inventive choices in performances.

Key Topics Discussed

• Interview with Kevin Bennett, a theatre director
• Kevin Bennett's background and insights as a theatre director
• Focus on Shakespearean theatre
• Challenges of classical text and understanding Shakespearean language
• Advice for actors in the audition process
• Katie Burke, a scene partner, joins the conversation
• Kevin Bennett's approach to working with actors on Shakespearean text
• Embracing the heightened language and making bold choices in performance
• Techniques and exercises for actors to connect with the text
• Collaborative and supportive atmosphere in the rehearsal room

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Welcome to Be Scene: Director's Cut! Hosted by Marion Githegi. Here, I pull back the curtain on filmmaking, with in-depth conversations with directors about how they translate vision to reality. This episode focuses on Penny Woolcock an Award Winning Director for shows such as Ackley Bridge now available on Netflix, and 30 years experience in the industry. The episode talks about the importance of finding the light, preparing for screen roles, mastering stillness, and building trust between actors and directors. The director emphasizes creating a safe space for actors to perform authentically, while the actor shares insights and concerns about casting and character work. The episode offers valuable perspectives on the collaborative nature of storytelling. For a visual taste of their work, head over to our YouTube channel and look for Episode 3 with Penny Woolcock.

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This episode of Be Scene: Director’s Cut features Kerry Frampton, the Founder/Artistic Director of Splendid Productions and Co-Director/Writer of the Olivier Award-nominated 2022 production, 'Midsummer Mechanicals' at the Globe Theatre. In it, Kerry breaks down how to embody roles, the intricacies of character development, script interpretation, and the actor-director dynamic.

We then pull back the curtain and delve into the world of Directing by going behind the scenes with myself, our featuring actor Reba Ayi-Sobsa, and Kerry. This is your chance to peek into the rehearsal room and see firsthand how Kerry shapes performances and bring scripts to life.

Whether you're a seasoned performer, an aspiring actor or simply intrigued by the world of acting, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to enhance your craft. Tune in to this episode and join Myself, Kerry and Reba on our journey of exploration, discovery, and artistic growth. Subscribe now and unlock the secrets to bringing characters to life on stage and screen.

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