Martha Henry is the Director of the Michael Langham Workshop for
Classical Direction. The Langham workshop offers emerging directors the
opportunity to gain critical insight into mastering the art of directing
classical theatre. Participants work as Assistant Directors on Festival
productions and tasks include research, script analysis, attending production
meetings, understudy preparation and liaising with production departments. Classes with guest artists, Festival coaching
staff and directors are also scheduled. The Directors’ Workshop Presentation is
the culminating project, for which directors choose and direct a classical
scene in the Studio Theatre in October.
Participants have access to tours, mentoring, shows and events, the
Festival’s Archives and libraries, and both formal and informal opportunities
to speak with senior staff and visiting artists. Assistant Directors are paid a fee, a housing
subsidy, and travel.
The Workshop is open to Canadian citizens or residents only.
Your Commitment as a Participant
Your main focus is to be the assistant director of a specific
production. You will be on site for eight to 16 weeks – from the first day of
rehearsal until the opening or the understudy run of your show, whichever comes
later. In the fall, selected participants return to the Festival to direct a
short piece of classical theatre at the Directors’ Workshop Presentation for an
invited audience.
Fully Immersive Instruction
Specialized classes are taught by guest artists to explore specific
textual, vocal and physical skills used to rehearse a classical play.
Additional Benefits
You can take advantage of everything the Stratford Festival offers,
including company classes taught by the Festival coaching staff, tours, tickets
to productions, invitations to special events, access to the Festival’s
Archives and libraries, and both formal and informal opportunities to speak
with senior staff and visiting artists. You will be paid a fee and housing
subsidy, and all travel is covered.
Selection
Directors are chosen by application and/or recruitment. The Festival is
open to new directors from all backgrounds and areas of Canadian theatre, and
we are delighted to have our visiting directors recommend talented artists whom
they wish to work with in Stratford.