“For any director that wants to stay sharp, improve their craft, meet actors & workshop a script the AD Lab is an essential practical course. It’s also a tribe of fun, friendly professionals who love what they do and are passionate about creating through a collaborative process. I can’t recommend it highly enough and will be back asap!”

~Nick Norman-Butler (director)

“There aren't enough words to convey how game changing Mandi and the Lab has been. I approach scene work and collaboration with a director in a whole new way and have a career-long toolkit to pull from in any situation. Everyone should do this Lab if they're keen on learning and becoming a better writer, actor, director and creative. Mandi has created a hardworking safe space where everyone is held accountable for their work.”

~Esmonde Cole (director)

Testimonials

“The Director's Lab offered me the chance to practice working closely with actors in a no-pressure environment. I found observing other director's scenes and hearing them discuss their rehearsal experiences/techniques incredibly insightful. Overall, the lab helped me to streamline finding the emotional event of a scene, improve my approach to working with actors and I've met and bonded with a wonderful community in the process."

~Alessio Cala (director)

“The Directing Actors Lab was the perfect space to practice my craft. Mandi has created a safe space full of talented people and is giving us powerful tools to shape and craft our stories. How special to work with like minds and empowering to collaborate with actors in creating magical performances.”

~Olive Nwosu (director)

“The directing actors LAB has been an invaluable resource for me to delve into the actors process and relationship with the director. It’s already taught me so much, not to mention it’s just a blast to get together and watch performances from a cohort of talented actors. There’s a great community spirit and I’m excited to attend more LABs in the future. One of the best decisions I’ve made.”

~Alex Corona (director)

“This Intensive LAB has been one of the best experiences I have had this year. Truly has been amazing working with such amazing actors. I have definitely learnt so much end a lot to take away from this. Thank you Mandi Riggi for creating this space for us.”

~Temi Yussuf (director)

"The lab has been an incredible experience. Directing talented actors in a short time is a privilege, and I learned so much quickly. Mandi creates a safe and welcoming space to play and make mistakes, which leads to discovery and learning. Mandi is an excellent teacher, knowledgeable and intuitive. She guides without imposing or being superior. The community she creates is kind, genuine, and supportive. We laughed, cried, and had a blast together. We even stay connected through a WhatsApp group to continue supporting each other's work beyond the lab."

~Desi Ivanova (director)

“The LAB provided a rare and valuable opportunity to work with talented actors and workshop scenes from my script. Moreover, it allowed me to become part of a cherished community that I can continue to engage with beyond the classes.”

~Somayeh Jafari (director)

"Judith Weston's Actor-Director Lab, brought by Mandi Riggi, is a dream come true for directors. It offers a supportive space to learn and practice amazing tools alongside talented directors, writers, and actors. Mandi is a gifted facilitator and guide, helping to change your creative processes and build trust with actors. The Lab has strengthened my confidence and elevated my filmmaking abilities. Attending the Lab makes me feel like a part of a special and enduring community."

~Andy Mihov (director)

“I have learned more about how to be a good writer in this LAB than in any screenwriting course, workshop or textbook. Understanding what actors need from a script in order to play a scene is so important, and noticing when that stuff is missing from your own scripts is invaluable.”

~Martyn Thomas (director)

Judith Weston’s ‘Directing Actors’ is my directing bible, and Mandi’s London Actor-Director lab has not only given me opportunities to experiment with actors but also improved my writing skills when I rehearsed my own script. Moreover, I connected with so many like-minded directors and actors. So grateful for the lab and highly recommend it!

~Wendy Wong (director)

“Thank you for giving me such a moving experience. I feel exhausted and alive at the same time! I’ve felt that fire going out for a while now and the LAB has ignited it. Mandi, your teaching was so insightful and carefully crafted to each of us in the room.”

~Claire Pinegar (director)