Actors' Feedback

StartFragmentGergana DobrevaEndFragment

"My director has created a casual and cosy atmosphere of work that has earned the attention and respect not only of myself but also of my stage partner. The friendly atmosphere and trust between the director and the actors were excellent. The very personality of the director is creative inspiring and motivating. The very process of work was challenging and personally enriching from the point of view of the message and story that we recreated on stage. We did a series of exercises that helped clarify and clear the mother-son relationship. The contrast in the relationship and metamorphosis of both characters is multi-layered, which makes the audience become involved with what is happening.My director made a script based entirely on the improvisations we did during the rehearsals. His incredible organisation and style were inspiring and motivating. The director's concern and dedication helped build trust between us. We were also given the freedom to give ideas and together to continue the development of the piece. The atmosphere of work was pleasant and inspiring. The exercises and the hangouts we did during the rehearsals sometimes brought me "on the edge", thanks to which I was able to develop my acting skills."

Harry Whittaker

"The premise of my director's piece focused on an autistic boy who suffered from sensitive hearing. I was assigned with playing the boy, a challenging role which is precisely what an actor can ask for! At the start, my director envisioned the piece to reflect his world and aspects of his relationship with his mother. He tasked me with completing research on my own relationship with my mother and had me perform exercises in rehearsal that worked to establish a connection between me and my co-star. On the subject of rehearsals, they became a highlight of the process because my director made every second count. He planned extremely engaging and fun exercises and invited appropriate personnel to give advice, such as Susan from the disability support team, who gave me a detailed insight into autism.

Following feedback, the perspective of the piece changed halfway in the process. My director took this in his stride and continued to give myself and my co-star the freedom to improvise content for the piece, although he had final say. I wasn't just a performer, I was a co-collaborator, a position which helped to inject the piece with fresh ideas all because of his inclusive style of direction. Another positive aspect of his direction was his constant consideration for my personnel well-being. He would often question how I was feeling each day, which made me feel valued and illustrated that he recognised the relationship between an actor's well-being and the effect it can have on a performance. My director expressed significant risk in his piece's theme, but that is what made him it such a challenge to bring to life. His enthusiasm and inclusive style are further qualities that made the process a joy to be under his direction."