What does a director really mean when they give you a note—and how can you translate it into a stronger, more nuanced performance? In this practical, actor-focused session, Sarah Esdaile shares her approach to shaping performances across rehearsal rooms, sets, and recording studios.

Drawing on her experience directing high-pressure, large-scale television dramas such as Call the Midwife, Sarah offers a behind-the-scenes look at how directors work under tight schedules, fast turnarounds, and multiple stakeholder expectations. She’ll explore what actors can do to stay flexible, deliver consistently under pressure, and adjust quickly when time is limited but the stakes are high.

The session also covers how to build a collaborative relationship with directors—understanding different directing styles, responding clearly to notes, and knowing when (and how) to offer your own creative input. Sarah will break down common types of direction, from technical adjustments to emotional recalibration, and how to respond in a way that keeps the process moving efficiently.

In addition, Sarah brings insight from directing audio performances for platforms like Audible, highlighting the unique demands of voice-led storytelling. Learn how working without the camera changes your performance choices, how to take direction in an audio environment, and how to create compelling, detailed work using only your voice.

Whether you’re working on a major TV set, an intimate rehearsal process, or in the recording booth, this session will give you the tools to interpret direction with confidence, adapt in real time, and turn every note into an opportunity to elevate your performance.