Upgrade your skill set & invigorate your vision with practical exercises and industry insights from Edinburgh Fringe First Award-Winning Director Helen Tennison.
DIRECTOR'S BLUEPRINT is designed to facilitate your unique vision as a director.
"I loved exploring concepts and ideas that I've heard about but didn't have the confidence to actually put into practice when directing. This course has given me the confidence... " - Oliver Stephens, Director.
This course is divided into 5 easy to digest on-line modules and an online or in-person workshop. This structure enables me to offer the course at a lower cost whilst increasing accessibility. During the online sessions, practical exercises will involve small group break out rooms and solo tasks. If you have to miss one of the online sessions you can still watch the playback.
Director's Blueprint is for early career directors and actors, writers, teachers or theatre-makers looking to expand their skill set.
WEEK 1
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DIRECTING: LEADERSHIP, CONFIDENCE, ETHICS
- nurturing your unique voice
- inclusivity and ethics
- leadership models
- communicating your vision
- wellbeing, confidence and managing difficult situations
5 mini videos & worksheets introducing the week's topics delivered one mini video per day Tues 14th - Sat 18th April 2026. These are available for you to digest and reflect on before we meet so that you get the most from our group session.
7-9pm Monday 20th April online workshop, answering your questions, delving further into the topics outlined in the videos and completing practical exercises.
WEEK 2
PRE-PRODUCTION: SEEDING YOUR SUCCESS
- research - your values are visible.
- conscious casting (casting is political)
- script preparation your way
- production meetings
- scheduling is half the job
5 mini videos & worksheets introducing the week's topics delivered one mini video per day Tues 21st - Sat 25th April. These are available for you to digest and reflect on before we meet so that you get the most from our group session.
7-9pm Monday 27th April online workshop, answering your questions, delving further into the topics outlined in the videos and completing practical exercises.
WEEK 3 - NEW MODULE FOR 2026
PRACTITIONER FOCUS: REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES FROM GREAT DIRECTORS
- Mike Alfreds
- Katie Mitchell
- Uta Hagen
- Augusto Boal
- Joan Littlewood
5 mini videos & worksheets introducing the week's topics delivered one mini video per day Tues 28th April - Sat 2nd May. These are available for you to digest and reflect on before we meet so that you get the most from our group session.
7-9pm Monday 4th May online workshop, answering your questions, delving further into the topics outlined in the videos and completing practical exercises.
WEEK 4
IN THE MOMENT IN THE ROOM: REHEARSAL METHODS
- my process/your process
- new writing
- devising
- classics
- troubleshooting
5 mini videos & worksheets introducing the week's topics delivered one mini video per day Tues 5th - Sat 9th . These are available for you to digest and reflect on before we meet so that you get the most from our group session.
7-9pm Monday 11th May online workshop, answering your questions, delving further into the topics outlined in the videos and completing practical exercises.
Week 5
REALISE YOUR VISION
12-15th May - prepare an exercise, or scene selection to direct at the weekend.
FULL DAY PRACTICAL WORKSHOP
- lead a segment of rehearsal and participate in other peoples processes
- a safe space to challenge yourself
- an opportunity to apply insights from the course
- individual supportive and constructive feedback on your rehearsal methods
- individual, supportive and constructive mentoring on your directorial goals
- individual, supportive and constructive guidance with your leadership and communication aims
- peer to peer learning, connections and support
Saturday Saturday 16th May in-person Theatre Deli, Leadenhall Street, London
OR Sunday 17th May 2026 Online 11-4pm UK time.
WEEK 6
SUSTAINING YOUR CAREER: WELLBEING AND THE HUSTLE
- pitching
- working to a brief/keeping your integrity
- finances and wellbeing
- networking and PR
- celebrate your own path
5 mini videos & worksheets introducing the week's topics delivered one mini video per day Tues 19th May - Sat 23rd May. These are available for you to digest and reflect on before we meet so that you get the most from our group session.
7-9pm Monday 25th May online workshop, answering your questions, delving further into the topics outlined in the videos and completing practical exercises.
BONUS VIDEO :RUNNING A TECH!
Free when you sign up for the complete Blueprint
"Helen's directing process is from a holistic perspective, where craft and creativity is aligned in the actor and blends seamlessly with the artistic creation. Furthermore, her pedagogical approach to the work always ensures that the creatives are continually morphing and merging their own talents and skills. You will never enter and leave the endeavour the same entity with Tennison at the helm." - Gigi Srehler, actor and theatre-maker
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"Helen has led this course with warmth and generosity. I've found it informative, validating and energising - thank you!" - Georgia, Artistic Director.