Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 8/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kenneth, I'm a theater actor from Israel and i intend to go abroad and study theater directing next year.
I already graduated a three-year acting course (diploma, not a degree) and had a nice experience in acting professionally for four years in top theaters in my country.
My interest in the directing field only grows deeper, so i was wondering what advice you could give me regarding good institutions in Europe or the U.S. that will accept me with my good-but-not-academic resume.
I know you're a believer in the "school-of-experience", but i really am interested in formal training, for various reasons.
thank you so much in advance..
"Actor".

ANSWER:  Dear Actor:  Best school in USA for directing is Yale Drama School, noteworthy school in UK is Birkbeck University. Best wishes, Doc


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you again for your response.
Are you sure these schools accept candidates who do not have an academic background?
The reason i ask is that i noticed, from the brief glance i took, most institutions only offer mfa's in directing, and my former studies-as i mentioned in the original question- were for a diploma and not a degree.
and (if i may, another follow-up question) what about places like RADA for example? you chose to mention two academic places.. is it by chance, or not?

thanks again.

ANSWER: I think there is only a rare chance, as you may be able to test in-- pass a test that would give you admission. write and ask them.  I thought you just wanted the best schools. I don't think there are any non academic schools that teach stage directing. One of the problems is that there are so very few professional stage directing jobs. Less than a hundred in NYC and similarly in London. Most of the directing jobs go to actors and playwrights whose background has given them the gravitas to get the jobs.  I have no idea if RADA teaches directing.  If you find out they do, let me know. I hope this answers your questions.  Professional Directing is such a limited career. God bless, Doc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, first of all, I'm letting you know.. RADA teaches directing, as well as a few other non academic schools in London. Apparently, this is my option, unless you know of any academic institutions that have a directing course for a first degree (B.A. and not M.A.)?
And another thing: from what i understand from you, my background as a working actor might actually help me more to get a directing job, than any formal training?

Answer
I agree that the London schools are your best option.  I am not aware of any BA courses in directing.  What happens is that often actors with a fine reputation move into directing. I should think if you were working in London as an actor and became a "star', then  you could probably move into directing that way. Good luck, Doc