ENIGMATIC HILLS PRODUCTIONS
presents

"The rehearsal room is the playground for the actor's work"

Glenn Hayden's
popular performance-based workshop is back for 2025

Actor in the Play is a ten-weekend program designed to immerse participants in the full experience of the rehearsal room. Through the exploration of diverse acting techniques and methodologies, the program culminates in a public theatre season featuring a collection of short plays.

Theater Simple. SEATTLE, USA

Glenn has a sense of open-hearted mischief...and most important, a true desire and respect for working with other artists.

OVERVIEW

Over the course of ten weekends, participants deepen their understanding of the actor’s responsibilities—to the play, the character, the production, and the collaborative rehearsal environment. The program places strong emphasis on rehearsal craft and professional practice within a production setting.

To ensure each participant engages with meaningful material, Actor in the Play utilises short play scripts that offer substantial roles for everyone. For the 2025 cohort, four original plays will be commissioned from professional playwrights, written specifically for this season.

Each weekend is structured with morning sessions focused on actor training and technique, followed by afternoon rehearsals.

The program culminates in a theatre season, open to the public and attended by invited industry professionals including directors, casting directors, and fellow artists.

The Writers

Actor in the Play has commissioned four playwrights to bring original works into the program. Glenn has commissioned over 20 plays in his career and we are thrilled that the 2025 batch will have the added bonus of being the FIRST casts of new Indian works by these incredible writers and theatre makers.

Vijay Prateek

Vijay is a Mumbai-based writer, director, and actor. A student of theatre and film, he has worked across branded content, sports broadcasts, and digital films—often wearing multiple hats. Vijay strives to approach the creative process with sincerity and discipline across formats while building authentic stories that strike a chord among audiences. Vijay recently graduated from the Jeff Goldberg Studio and wrote and stared in the graduation production In My Absence, Directed by Glenn

Gaurav Venkatesh

Gaurav has worked behind the scenes on several projects, collaborating on screenplay, dialogues and story, for plays, short films, and TV soaps. Apart from a two-episode mini series on YouTube, he is working towards two feature length films. Gaurav has also been working as an actor for many years. Glenn and Gaurav last worked together on Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai.

Priyanka Charan

A passionate creator with over 18 years of experience in theatre, spanning acting, writing, singing, composing, designing, producing, and directing. Bringing 10 years of screen expertise as an actor, dialogue writer, producer, associate director on shorts and documentaries, and a voice artist for ad films and radio. A TedX speaker who is also well-versed in performance coaching and casting. Also working as an intimacy coordinator in training. Driven by curiosity, a love for languages and dialects. Life is about choosing between love for nature and rhe perfect steak.

Mrinal Mathur

Mrinal is a Delhi based playwright writing in Hindi and English. A former corporate professional, he has been a full-time writer since 2016. With 15 original plays and three adaptations to his credit, he is known for addressing sensitive issues with compassion; employing biting satire, humorous wordplay, and references to myth and history. His collection of plays, Natya Kumbh, was published in 2023. Many of Mrinal's plays have been performed and read by leading Indian theatre groups in India and abroad. Besides plays, he has penned essays, short stories, poems, documentary scripts, and popular advertising campaigns for global Indian brands, often featuring celebrities.

Program Director

Glenn Hayden

Glenn created Actor in the Play in Mumbai, India in 2018. He is an accomplished stage director and acting coach with a working life of 40 years in the profession. An international award-winning and respected arts leader, Glenn graduated from the prestigious WA Academy of Performing Arts / Edith Cowan University (1986).

Find Out More

Guest Faculty

Actor in the Play is privileged to have two of India's foremost professionals in their fields join the program and share their knowledge and experience with participants.

Neha Vyaso

Intimacy Director

Neha Vyaso is a pioneer in Intimacy coordination and Direction in India, as the founder of BraveSpaces Creative India. Neha's dedication to storytelling, particularly around intimacy, gender, and sexuality, shines through in their work. Their journey, spanning the globe from Prague Shakespeare Company as an actor, leading them to certifying with IDC New York, culminated in a unique approach to intimacy work – rooted in research, deeply empathetic, trauma-informed, and focused on the actor's experience. Neha's expertise is a tapestry woven from training in acting and movement that allows them to work with intimacy across mediums in India. Through their work, Neha has been instrumental in breaking taboos and creating more nuanced portrayals of intimacy in the Indian Entertainment Industry. They also continuously add to and hone their skills while sharing their knowledge and experience for a consent-forward culture, making them not just a pioneer but a prominent educator and innovator helping shape the future of consent-forward performance culture in India. Neha attended the Actor in the Play program during her training years and Glenn and her have worked many times together since.

Asif Ali Beg

Voice Specialist

Asif Ali Beg was awarded the Charles Wallace scholarship from the British Council in 2001 to study in the UK. He received a diploma in acting from the East 15 Acting School, University of Essex in July 2002. Asif has lent his vocal talent as a dubbing artiste for the voice of ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and several other Disney characters on the Disney channel. Besides this he also dubbed for the voice of Edna Mode in ‘The Incredibles’ Roger Rabbit in ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’, Pleakely in ‘Lilo and Stich’, Cedric in ‘Sofia the First’ Sid in ‘Ice Age 3/4/5’, ‘Happy Feet’, ‘The Smurf Movie’ ‘Madagascar’ ‘Cars’ Olaf in ‘Frozen’ and several other productions. He received the AVA (Association of Voice Artists) award for the ‘most innovative use of voice talent’ for his rendition of the voice of Edna Mode in the Disney animation feature “The Incredibles” starring Shahrukh Khan. He is a much sought after talent in translation, direction and dubbing of animation serials and features for ‘Cartoon Network’ and The ‘Disney’ Channels. Asif was once again felicitated last year by the Association of Voice Artistes (AVA) for his contribution to the voice industry. Asif regularly conducts workshops in ‘SPEAKOLOGY’ (voice and speech) with which he endeavours to create an awareness of ones speech, since speech has the power to impact lives. Asif trains people from various walks of life to maximize their vocal potential. He regularly works with “Sound and Vision India” Indias premier dubbing production house spearheaded by Mona Ghosh Shetty. He also works with “The Learning Curve” led by Dr.Manju Sampat, “The Arts Quotient” led by Swati Apte, “The Indian School of Image Management” led by Sonia Dubey where they train people in the corporate sector. He has also taught voice and speech at the Drama School Mumbai and Whistling Woods Film School. Asif also works regularly as English language dubbing director for Netflix feature films and web series. Glenn has utilised Asif's teaching prowess on numerous occasions and continue to have a fruitful professional relationship.

Assistant

Samarpan Singh

Assistant

Raised in Gurgaon, moved to Mumbai to pursue his passion for acting. A trained method actor from The Jeff Goldberg Studio, he is currently studying filmmaking and has been actively involved in various productions. Samarpan was recently Assistant Director to Glenn on the production of 'In Your Absence'.

Ashley Lobo

Artistic Director Navdhara Dance Theatre

Glenn understands his craft exceptionally well. He has a unique ability of translating that into his artists leaving them forever impacted by their own understanding, like only a true master.

Curriculum

ACTING TECHNIQUE Glenn draws on the rich traditions of Stanislavski and his contemporaries to create a dynamic, practical, and inspiring approach to actor training. He explores Chekhov’s techniques, helping actors tap into the powerful psycho-physical connection—using imagination and physical gestures to unlock emotional depth. From Meisner, he brings in the core principle of “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances”, guiding students to respond authentically, listen deeply, and stay present with their scene partners. Alongside these influential methods, Glenn integrates his own techniques—shaped by his training at WAAPA and over 40 years of experience making and teaching theatre—offering grounded, real-world tools that actors can apply directly in rehearsal rooms and on set.

TEXT ANALYSIS This aspect of the process explores how you bring dramatic text to life using Stanislavski’s actor-centered approach to character, action, and intention, and how to ensure a collaborative rehearsal practice. You will engage in: Text Interpretation – Unpack themes, conflict, and structure using the script as a foundation for action and intention. Character in Action – Apply Stanislavski’s Seven Questions to reveal motivation, objectives, relationships, and how these evolve throughout the text. Scene Breakdown – Analyse time, place, and changes in dramatic action to inform staging, pacing, and design—mapping beats and units to support rehearsal choices. Collaborative Practice – Develop a shared interpretive language, grounded in a common understanding of the text and the production. Applied Rehearsal – Bring the text to life through the practical rehearsing of a play, informed by analytical insights to shape performance and production outcomes. Participants will leave with a clear, collaborative process for interpreting and performing dramatic text in a production context.

MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR Integrated into the ongoing process of rehearsing a play, this aspect of the program places the actor’s body at the heart of their craft, recognizing body language as a vital means of communication in performance. As you explore your roles, physical choices are developed alongside text work, allowing gesture, posture, and movement to evolve organically with character and scene. Glenn utilises techniques such as Michael Chekhov’s psychological gestures, Viewpoints’ exploration of time and space, Suzuki’s physical control and grounding, Feldenkrais’ subtle body awareness, and Improvisation responsiveness. These methods are not only taught in isolation but are used to inform blocking, character development, and ensemble interaction. This ensures that physical storytelling becomes second nature, enriching the actor’s presence and making performances more dynamic, expressive, and connected to both the material and the audience.

THE ACTORS VOICE A strong, expressive voice is essential for any actor—on stage, on screen, or even in the rehearsal room. Glenn’s voice work throughout the program supports actors not only in mastering the technical foundations of diction, modulation, projection, and vocal stamina, but also in discovering how their voice can become a powerful tool for storytelling. At the heart of Glenn’s approach is the belief that voice is deeply connected to the body and to emotional truth. Drawing on the influential methods of Cicely Berry and Kristin Linklater, Glenn creates a practical and supportive environment for you to explore and develop your natural voice. Cicely Berry’s work emphasizes the relationship between text, breath, and physical presence, encouraging actors to release tension and connect more freely to language. Kristin Linklater’s approach, known as Freeing the Natural Voice, focuses on unblocking physical habits that restrict vocal expression, allowing the voice to flow with ease, clarity, and authenticity. Glenn guides actors through processes that align breath, body, and voice. This not only strengthens vocal technique but also builds a deeper connection to the emotional and psychological layers of a character. By tuning into the sounds our bodies can make—from subtle inflections to powerful resonance—actors are able to fully embody a role and bring their performance to life.

STAGE CRAFT Stagecraft is the practical foundation of stage performance—skills every actor needs to work confidently and professionally. It includes: Blocking – Knowing where and when to move to support the story and stay connected with the audience. Stage Types – Adapting performance to different stage layouts like proscenium, thrust, or in-the-round. Design Awareness – Understanding how set design shapes the world of the play and influences your performance. Handling Props – Using objects naturally and with purpose to stay grounded in the role. Stagecraft is more than just technical know-how—it’s a vital part of acting that enhances storytelling, ensures safety, and supports collaboration across the production.

REHEARSAL TECHNIQUE Rehearsal is not just about learning lines or blocking—it’s where character, relationships, and performance take shape. A strong rehearsal technique is essential for delivering truthful, adaptable work in fast-paced environments. It enables actors to explore creatively while staying grounded in structure and responsive to direction. Glenn facilitates rehearsals that are both efficient and actor-friendly. He supports the integration of personal techniques within a collaborative framework, encouraging empathy between actors and alignment with the director’s vision. His approach prepares actors to work flexibly, connect authentically, and deliver consistently under pressure.

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE Rehearsal etiquette is grounded in respect for the process, the people, and the work. It involves arriving prepared, being fully present, and maintaining focus throughout the rehearsal. This includes listening actively, being punctual, taking direction with openness, and contributing positively to the ensemble. Demonstrating professionalism and courtesy not only supports a harmonious working environment but also enhances creative collaboration and makes you EMPLOYABLE. When we are committed to a shared sense of responsibility and discipline, rehearsals become more efficient and productive, ultimately laying the foundation for a cohesive and compelling performance.

PRODUCTION Through Actor in the Play, you will engage with the full spectrum of production elements that directly impact an actor’s process and performance. This includes working with new play texts and understanding the collaborative relationship between the actor and other creative departments. You will explore how to interpret and respond to the work of set and costume designers, gaining insight into how design choices inform character and movement. A technical appreciation for lighting, sound, and stagecraft will enhance your spatial and sensory awareness on stage. You will also develop a strong understanding of professional theatre etiquette, as well as pre-show preparation and post-show responsibilities. From the rehearsal room to the final curtain call, this experience provides a comprehensive view of what it means to be a production-aware actor, equipped to work efficiently and respectfully within a collaborative theatre environment.

Andrew Lewis

ACTOR / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR WAAPA/EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY

It is my strong opinion that Glenn is one of the top talents to come out of WA.

What you will learn

Acting skills through exposure to differing techniques based on the methodologies of Stanislavski, Meisner, M. Chekov, View Points, Donaldson and the teaching of Robert Bennedeti and Glenn Hayden's 40 years making theatre and performance.

Character Development through Voice, Body, Imagination, Improvisation and Actor Intelligence and Analysis.

Rehearsal techniques through integrating the skills of the Actor into the Rehearsal Process.

Sustainable Acting in performance.

Performing in a stage production including working with a Professional Crew - Set, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design, Stage and Production Management, Marketing Team, Producer.

In-Rehearsal and In-Theatre Actor Etiquette

Patrick Klavins

Actor and Voice Specialist

Glenn is a superbly gifted director, teacher and coach; his warmth, humanity and unwavering commitment to the craft is infectious.

OUTCOME

Theatre Performance

4 performances in a professional environment. The performances will be open to the public and we will be inviting Stage and Screen Directors, Casting Directors and your peers to a special Industry Performance as your guests.

Video

We will supply each graduating participant with a video of the performance for you to utilise as part of your showreel and to share with your friends and family who are unable to attend the performances.

Timothy McGarry

ACTOR / PRODUCER / DIRECTOR / PLAYWRIGHT

When I think of Glenn Hayden I think – an exceptional theatre maker; an arts industry leader with drive and passion; a committed and creative theatre Director. Actors love and adore him as a director that provides a space to play, to explore, to discover.