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A fortnight ago, I became a director.
I’d said Yes - somewhat on a whim - to join a six-week Introduction to Directing course.
As fledgling directors, each of us got to stage a scene from a play of our choice. But we only had one hour to rehearse with the actors. So the pressure was on to select the most powerful ways to quickly get to the heart of what’s going on between the characters.
My favourite practice so far is to ask ‘What’s the game?’
This gets the actors taking turns to put into words what’s happening from the perspective of their character, in one or two sentences.
The essence of what’s going on gets revealed with wonderful clarity.
From my coaching work, I know that this task is much harder when we’re actually inside the situation. The details tend to crowd you in.
On the flip side, when you manage to name the gist of what’s going on - or at least, how it seems to you - the mists of confusion get lifted. You can see the wood, as well as the trees.
After which, the next question is, as ever: What would you like to happen next?
What wood are you wandering in right now? I’d love to hear what’s on your mind!
Not sure what comes next?
Sometimes the first step is just saying this matters.
A Nesting Call is a gentle conversation to meet you where you are — no fixing, no rushing, just deep listening and space to notice what wants to unfold.
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