Be Scene: Director's Cut

Marion Githegi

Welcome to the podcast dedicated to demystifying the audition process and uncovering the art of directing in Film, TV, and Theatre. I'm your host, Marion Githegi, and this show is an immersive experience into the world of storytelling and the art of casting. Whether you're an aspiring actor, film enthusiast/buff, or just curious about the industry, this podcast offers something for everyone. In each episode I delve deep into the minds of directors, unravelling the intricacies of their decision-making process when choosing actors. Then I take you behind the scenes, offering a front-row seat to the creative journey of the initial meeting between actors to a more refined production. Gain valuable insights, audition tips, and a sneak peek into the directorial magic that brings stories to life. Don't miss a moment – it's your backstage pass to the captivating world of film-making and theatrical brilliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. How Olivier-Winning Director Matthew Xia Stages a Play

    FEB 17

    How Olivier-Winning Director Matthew Xia Stages a Play

    Olivier Award–winning director Matthew Xia reveals how professional theatre directors actually stage a play, from first read to final performance. In this practical directing breakdown, Matthew shares his process for building world, story, and character, creating clear playable intentions, staging scenes so every audience member can see and understand them, and designing transitions that keep momentum alive. Drawing on productions at the Donmar Warehouse, Actors Touring Company, and Royal Exchange Theatre, including Skeleton Crew, Tambo & Bones, and the Olivier-winning Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show, this episode is essential viewing for emerging theatre directors who want to direct with clarity, confidence, and professional-level craft. If you want to learn how Olivier Award winning directors think in rehearsal, avoid common blocking mistakes, and stage plays that truly work, this episode is for you. 🎭 GUESTS: ➡️ Matthew Xia: https://www.matthewxia.com/ 🎭 Subscribe for more behind the scenes content & get email alerts: https://surl.li/sijzck 🎬 Follow Be Scene: Director's Cut on Socials: https://beacons.ai/bescenedirectorscut 🎬 Follow Host Marion: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariongithegi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/marion-githegi Spotlight: https://app.spotlight.com/0618-8970-6314 In this episode, Olivier Award–winning director Matthew Xia breaks down how to stage a play with clarity, strong storytelling, and professional-level direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  2. Movement Expert Reveals Hidden Layers with Samuel Adebayo

    11/23/2025

    Movement Expert Reveals Hidden Layers with Samuel Adebayo

    🔥 WATCH NEXT: Watch Directors Bring Stories to Life: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTv1DMQJj07F_geZSjrzvqAGK7_TlbHt_ Explore More Acting Coaches: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTv1DMQJj07GWINwJFQ7lJdjMBIImN37C Hear from Recent Drama School Grads: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTv1DMQJj07FKmgsWm5EUeuEN80OIpZ8- Welcome to a full-length movement workshop and scene study filmed at LAMDA’s Linbury Studio. In this episode, movement practitioner Samuel Adebayo works with actors Marion Githegi and Tolu Kingba to explore how mind, body and spirit shape a character’s emotional truth. Whether you're an actor, director, or drama student, this episode breaks down: ✔️ How movement influences emotional connection ✔️ Laban effort actions for character work ✔️ Psychophysical techniques for screen performance ✔️ How to use breath, intention & physicality in scenes ✔️ A full before/after transformation in performance We also dive into character psychology, abusive relationship dynamics, and how actors can stay grounded and connected during difficult scenes. 🎭 Featuring: • Samuel Adebayo — Movement Practitioner (https://www.samueladebayo.co.uk/about) • Tolu Kingba — Actor (https://www.instagram.com/t_kingba/) • Marion Githegi — Actor, Founder (https://www.instagram.com/mariongithegi) 📚 TOOLS & TECHNIQUES MENTIONED: Laban Efforts Psychophysical Acting Breath Work Intention & Physical Impulse Training Inner/Outer Life Alignment Emotional Preparation for Scenes 💬 Comment Below: What movement or acting technique would you like us to explore next? 📸 STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bescenedirectorscut/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/be-scene-director-s-cut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bescenedirectorscut Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  3. Unveiling the Secrets of Shakespearean Performance with Kevin Bennett

    07/07/2024

    Unveiling the Secrets of Shakespearean Performance with Kevin Bennett

    In this episode of "Be Scene Director's Cut," host Marion Githegi interviews Kevin Bennett, a Vancouver-born theatre director based in London, about his journey into directing and his focus on Shakespearean theatre. Kevin shares insights on working with classical texts, emphasizing the importance of understanding Shakespearean language and making it relatable to modern audiences. Later, scene partner Katie Burke joins the discussion, sharing her experiences with Shakespearean performance. The episode offers practical advice for actors and directors, highlighting the collaborative and supportive atmosphere in the rehearsal room and encouraging bold, inventive choices in performances. Key Topics Discussed Interview with Kevin Bennett, a theatre directorKevin Bennett's background and insights as a theatre directorFocus on Shakespearean theatreChallenges of classical text and understanding Shakespearean languageAdvice for actors in the audition processKatie Burke, a scene partner, joins the conversationKevin Bennett's approach to working with actors on Shakespearean textEmbracing the heightened language and making bold choices in performanceTechniques and exercises for actors to connect with the textCollaborative and supportive atmosphere in the rehearsal room Follow, Like Subscribe and Share LinkedIn Instagram Tiktok Facebook Guest Requests and Question Submission: niemacorp@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

About

Welcome to the podcast dedicated to demystifying the audition process and uncovering the art of directing in Film, TV, and Theatre. I'm your host, Marion Githegi, and this show is an immersive experience into the world of storytelling and the art of casting. Whether you're an aspiring actor, film enthusiast/buff, or just curious about the industry, this podcast offers something for everyone. In each episode I delve deep into the minds of directors, unravelling the intricacies of their decision-making process when choosing actors. Then I take you behind the scenes, offering a front-row seat to the creative journey of the initial meeting between actors to a more refined production. Gain valuable insights, audition tips, and a sneak peek into the directorial magic that brings stories to life. Don't miss a moment – it's your backstage pass to the captivating world of film-making and theatrical brilliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.