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

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.