In Training
Donnacadh has taught, created work and mentored across many of the UK’s top Drama Schools, and several major Universities, working with hundreds of young actors, designers, directors and writers on Bachelors and Masters Degrees.
In his work with writers and directors on concept development, structure, and on shaping the final piece, Donnacadh brings years of experience along with a keen interest and enthusiasm for what this piece can be and what this maker wants to make.
Donnacadh’s particular rehearsal processes as a director drives much of his work in training actors. His focus is on immediacy, connection and on bringing the freedom of improvisation to bear on scene work. He has a wide array of influences, from Anne Bogart, Suzuki and Viewpoints, to Uta Hagen and Stanford Meisner, to Cicey Berry and Kirsten Linklater.
Teaching and Directing in a training context includes:
Cambridge University
Donnacadh has been a key Visiting Director and Mentor on the Mst Writing for Performance at ICE since it’s inception in 2020.
RADA
Donnacadh has directed three final year productions: From Both Hips by Mark O’Rowe, Mercury Fur by Philip Ridley and Gorky’s Philistines, adapted by Andrew Upton. In each case he engaged the playwright in the process, bringing that additional and hugely beneficial element of the process into the room.
BOVTS
Donnacadh has directed projects on the BA Acting, working with the 2nd yr in The Three Sisters and the MA Acting in Lungs by Duncan Macmillan. For the final year, he has directed productions Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale and The Tempest. He is also a guest lecturer on the MA Directing.
LAMDA
Donnacadh recently worked with Jon Brittain, developing a new play called Lads, which they worshopped with the 2nd year BA students, and he directed with the same group in their 3rd year. For many years he has enjoyed teaching on LAMDA’s Foundation course, favourite projects include: As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Revolt She Said. Revolt Again, Philistines, The Cherry Orchard, The Three Sisters and The Seagull as well as a devised graduation show.
CSSD
Donnacadh has mentored for a number of years on the MA and MFA Playwriting, as well as running writers rooms, feedback sessions and workhopping new scripts.
Royal Birmingham Conservatory
Donnacadh has directed for the final year, as well as having a great experience directing Time and the Conways with the BA Acting 2nd year.
Central Saint Martins
Donnacadh was a visiting lecturer for the BA Directing and the MA Writing, as well as taking Drama Centre students as Assistant Directors on several productions.
GSA
Donnacadh directed a rehearsal exercise on Twelfth Night with the 2nd year, one of his first drama school jobs.
Mountview
Donnacadh’s first Drama school job, was teaching a rehearsal exercise on the MA Acting on Chekhov’s The Seagull.