Private Consultation
(Rehearsal Intensive)
For Directors

The Rehearsal Intensive Consultation offers directors the opportunity to learn and practice directing techniques that can be used in rehearsal with actors – or on the set when there is no time for formal rehearsal. The goals: expanded skills and confidence for directors when working with actors.

This one-on-one work is offered for directors who are prepping for a particular project. I will work out with you a plan to fit your situation. Here are some of the areas that could be covered:

• How to communicate your vision to actors
• How to maintain your vision without shutting actors down
• Demonstration of rehearsal techniques, including improv and warm-up exercises
• Instruction and guidance in “scene-shaping”
• Guidance in blocking techniques (movement and activities)
• Issues of pace, tempo-rhythm, tone, and style
• Script analysis and preparation for rehearsal

Judith’s Acting for Directors course is a requirement. It is also a requirement to have read one of Judith’s books – Directing Actors, or The Film Director’s Intuition.

The cost is $200 per hour, with a minimum two-hour session. Plus $90 for the time I spend reading your script before we meet (if you send or deliver a hard copy of the script). If you wish to send the script by email attachment (Word doc, PDF file, or Final Draft) there is an extra charge of $20. The charge for script-reading may be higher if the script is over 90 pages.

Consultation will be in Los Angeles, at Judith’s Studio. If it is necessary for Judith to travel to your location, there will be an extra charge. Scheduling of appointments is subject to Judith’s availability.

Here is a suggested format for your consultation: You have two hours to rehearse with two actors, with me observing. The director works uninterrupted for the first hour. Then the actors step out of the room while I speak with the director for 15-20 minutes. Then the actors return and the director again works uninterrupted. At about 10 minutes before the end of the session I step in and work with the director and the actors.

That format can be adjusted to meet your goals and needs.

You will be working from a script of your choice. Usually this will be a script that you are planning to direct. I will ask you to provide me with the following:

• A full script
• A synopsis
• A ten-minute dvd selection of previous directing work (if available)

You do the casting, and make the arrangements for the actors for your scenes. You can choose any actors you wish – they can be the actors who are going to be in the film, or not. They do not have to be actors from my studio, but if you wish you can have me forward your casting notice to actors from my studio (see Casting Announcements for details). If you need to hold casting sessions, you can use the studio for this purpose, as available. But you will not be rehearsing with the actors outside of class.

There is no cost to the actors for participating in this workshop. It will be up to you to provide the actors with a script, and have them read the full script and learn the lines to their scene. You are not restricted to two-person scenes (although they are easier to set up).

You will be expected to have prepared (script analysis) for your Rehearsal Intensive session. If you want guidance from Judith in your script analysis preparation, that can also be arranged. (see Private Consultation - Script Analysis)

To arrange a session, call 310 392-2444 or john@judithweston.com. To send or deliver a hard copy of the script, please contact us for the address.