Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival
Directing the Non-Actor - FilmHub Workshop

The Directing the Non-Actor workshop is a two-day immersive training hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Art as the second edition of FilmHub. Designed for filmmakers and storytellers, the workshop introduces Singular Drama; a unique approach to directing that emphasizes improvisation, role play, and emotionally driven storytelling.

Instead of relying on rehearsed lines or visible scripts, participants will explore how to create emotionally authentic performances by guiding non-actors through situations that invite instinctive, real-time responses.

This workshop is ideal for directors, writers, and creatives seeking fresh, intuitive methods of working with their cast.

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Learning Outcomes

Understand the challenges and opportunities of working with non-actors.
Develop skills to direct authentic emotional performances without traditional acting techniques
Gain hands-on experience as both directors and performers.
Build confidence in creating realistic, story-driven scenes grounded in natural reactions.

Who Should Attend?

Filmmakers working with first-time or non-professional actors
Storytellers seeking authentic, emotionally driven performances
Directors looking to expand their toolkit beyond traditional methods
Artists exploring improvisation and new approaches to performance
Director, Writer, Educator

Scandar Copti

Scandar Copti is a Palestinian filmmaker and NYU Abu Dhabi professor celebrated for his intimate, performance-driven storytelling. His debut feature Ajami received the Camera d'Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award, while his latest feature film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. In his workshops, Copti guides participants to uncover truth in performance and craft writing that reveals character through action and subtext.

"I work in a system I designed that helps us react with real emotions to fiction."
Scandar Copti at 81st Venice Film Festival
Where
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah
How Much
250 AED
Duration
2 Days | 12H
When
November 22 -23, 2025
Capacity
10 Spots

Program Structure

DAY 1

Singular Drama 1

Session 1 (10:00 – 13:00)

  • Introductions
  • The Paradox of Fiction
  • Challenges in working with non-actors
  • Fundamentals of Singular Drama: actors vs. non-actors, director–actor relationship, embarrassment, concentration & liberation, casting considerations
  • Pre-production and production in Singular Drama
  • Screening: Ajami, Happy Holidays

Session 2 (14:00 – 17:00)

  • Icebreakers & group building exercises
  • Improvisation activities
  • Singular Drama practice
DAY 2

Singular Drama 2

Session 1 (10:00 – 13:00)

  • Warm-up & liberating exercises
  • Concentration techniques
  • Advanced improvisation activities
  • Singular Drama practice

Session 2 (14:00 – 17:00)

  • Warm-up & concentration exercises
  • Participant-led directing practice using the Singular Drama method

Sign up

Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention and hands-on practice.