“If you are like me, and you like to get the feeling, when watching a play or film or whatever, not that the actor is performing for you, but that you are being let in on a secret viewing of someone’s most private life…if you want to know what it feels like to do that in your work…then Seth Barrish is your guy. And moreover, what he teaches is simple, without ego.”
—Jennifer Landon, Three-time Emmy winner
The Barrow Group’s approach to directing focuses on communication between actors and directors and evoking natural, spontaneous performances. These classes focus on in-depth script analysis, design approach, and The Barrow Group tools as compiled in Seth Barrish’s book “An Actor’s Companion – 99 Bits of Craft.”
Directors Workshop I
Our Directing Workshop I is an introduction to The Barrow Group’s approach to directing. Directors will explore the early stages of the directing process including; the role of the director, script analysis, demos of a first rehearsal, and facilitated rehearsals in class. Students will explore The Barrow Group acting tools, as found in An Actor’s Companion by Seth Barrish, and how to apply them to work as a director. The instructor will select a full-length play for the class to explore. Directors then select scenes from this play to work on in class.
>> Click here to view upcoming Directing I classes (choose “Directing” and “Level 1” class level)
Directors Workshop II
Prerequisite: By invitation only. Students must have completed Directing Workshop I to be considered.
In our Directing Workshop II, students continue to sharpen storytelling skills by exploring The Barrow Group tools. This class takes a deeper dive into script analysis, tools, and communication skills between actor and director. Directors will also explore audition techniques.
Directors in this class will select 1-2 scenes of their choice to work on in class.
>> Click here to view upcoming Directing II classes (choose “Directing” and “Level 2” class level)
One-Year Directing Program
The 1-Year Directing Program imparts The Barrow Group approach and tools, as found in Seth Barrish’s book, An Actor’s Companion.
Directors learn specific and actionable tools to communicate more effectively with actors, sharpen storytelling and observation skills, and learn from industry professionals (lighting/set/costume/sound designers, producers, and stage managers).
The program culminates in a performance of one-acts in TBG’s Studio Theatre.
This program is designed for professional directors (theatre or film) who want to learn The Barrow Group approach to directing or for professional actors who have training with The Barrow Group approach who are looking to begin a directing career.
Sample Curriculum
1st Semester
The year begins with an introduction to the Barrow Group approach, in depth script analysis, audition technique, and scene work with actors. During facilitated rehearsals in class, directors are introduced to The Barrow Group acting tools, as well as specific and actionable tools to focus on communication between actor and director to evoke natural, spontaneous performances.
Material: A full-length play will be selected by the instructor as material for the fall session from which all directors will on scenes.
2nd Semester
In this semester, facilitated rehearsals continue in class on new material. Design elements, approaches, and communication are discussed by working with professional industry guests.
Material: Directors will select their own scenes.
3rd Semester
In the final semester, directors select one-act plays for the culminating showcase. These fully produced plays are rehearsed in class and tech protocol is learned and applied.