AITA/IATA Masterclasses

AITA/AITA Masterclasses

AITA/IATA offers a series of online Masterclasses each one in a different language for the benefit of both AITA/IATA Members and those interested in amateur theatre. There is a small charge for each event and a benefit of AITA/IATA Membership is the cost to Members will be a discount of 50% of the cost.

AITA/IATA Masterclass in English:

Feedback as Dialogue in Amateur Theatre

held on 28 March 2026 from 14 :00 to 15:30 (UTC+1)
via ZOOM

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Speakers

Sanna Saarela and Lilian Lloyd

This masterclass focuses on how to give meaningful, constructive feedback in amateur theatre. Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for learning, artistic development, and building trust within a group. Our approach combines positive pedagogy with clear, concrete observations that help participants grow both individually and collectively.

We work from the idea that feedback should strengthen what already works. Positive pedagogy does not mean avoiding critique; rather, it means recognizing and reinforcing strengths while offering precise and actionable suggestions for development. Participants will learn how to articulate feedback that is specific, observable, and useful—moving beyond vague comments toward responses that genuinely support artistic work.

A central principle of the masterclass is that feedback is always a dialogue. Instead of feedback being delivered from a position of authority, we explore ways of creating a shared reflective space where participants, directors, and facilitators think together about the work. Through questions, active listening, and collaborative reflection, feedback becomes part of an ongoing conversation rather than a final judgement.

The session will offer practical tools and structures for feedback situations in rehearsals, workshops, and performances. We will look at how to frame observations, how to ask productive questions, and how to create a culture where feedback feels safe, respectful, and motivating. Special attention will be given to working with amateur performers, whose motivations often come from passion, curiosity, and community rather than professional training.

The fee to attend the event is €20 + service fees.

For AITA/AITA Members, there is a 50% discount using a code which is available from the secretariat and reduces the fee to €10 + service fees.

The recording of the Masterclass is also available for €10 + service fees and for AITA/IATA members at 50% discunt rate with same code.

Sanna Saarela is the Executive Director of the Finnish Amateur Theatre Association. She is a theatre director, pedagogue, and professional supervisor whose work focuses on artistic processes, learning, and collaborative rehearsal practices.

Sanna has long worked with amateur theatre groups, developing methods for constructive and dialogical feedback. She has led workshops and trainings in Finland and internationally, promoting feedback cultures that strengthen trust, creativity, and shared learning within theatre ensembles.

Born in March 1973, Lilian Lloyd is a Paris-based playwright with over 90 plays to his name. A versatile artist, he also directs, acts, screenwrites, and composes, blending bittersweet comedies, thrillers, committed texts, and one-man shows. In 2012, he penned the internationally awarded short film Nous sommes tous des êtres penchés, directed by Simon Lelouch. Stage hits include Des accordés (400+ performances, 5x at Avignon Festival) and works like Nationale 666 and some others.

In 2014, Francis Perrin starred in his Comme un arbre penché at Théâtre La Bruyère, directed by Jean-Luc Tardieu, published by L’Avant-Scène Théâtre. Supported by Sarcelles in 2019–2021, he created This is not America, Suivant les pointillés, and Joyeux anniversaire quand même with Cie Raaah les gars. In 2022–2023, Virginie Lemoine directed La vie est une fête at Avignon, followed by a national/international tour through France and San Francisco, ending in 2024.

Previous Masterclasses

AITA/IATA Masterclass:

Les différentes phases de l’écriture théâtrale.

Le samedi 25 Janvier 2025 de 14 H.00 à 16H.00

Intervenant: Jean Paul Alègre , auteur dramatique dont les oeuvres sont traduites dans plusieurs pays dont le Japon.

Thème: “Les différentes phases de l’écriture théâtrale : le thème, les dialogues, les personnages, l’action dramatique “

Durée: 50 minutes d’exposé suivi de 40 minutes de questions et d’échanges.

Tarifs : 10,00 euros pour les adhérents / 20,00 euros pour les non adhérents.

Quelle histoire je veux raconter et sous quelle forme ? comment seront mes personnages, mes décors, mes lieux d’action ? quels seront les leviers dramatiques de ma pièce ? Autant de questions auxquelles Jean Paul Alègre donnera ses réponses en s’appuyant sur son expérience d’auteur dramatique joué et traduit dans près de quarante pays

AITA/AITA Masterclass Intimacy in Theatre with Elodie Foray
held 21 April 2024

AITA/IATA offered the first in a series of Masterclasses on how to address and work with actors and directors on intimacy in the rehearsal room.

The fee to attend the event was €20. For AITA/AITA Members, there was a 50% discount using a code which was available from the secretariat and reduced the fee to €10.

This was the first AITA/IATA Masterclass to be offered to AITA/IATA Members and was in English. Within the next 12 months, it is planned to also offer a Masterclass in French, and one in Spanish.

Elodie Foray, from the Archway Theatre, in South London addressed the subject of Intimacy in Theatre. A trained practitioner she has gained practical experience of working with directors and cast members in a number of amateur theatres in the UK. President Aled Rhys-Jones introduced the event and Elodie spoke for around 40 minutes which was followed by a most interesting Q & A.

Intimacy Directing

Theatre can often feature various moments of intimacy between different characters. Clear, sensitive intimacy direction is essential to create a safe, secure environment for our performers, allowing them to thrive on stage.

Using a combination of physical exercises, open discussion and boundary-conscious choreography, Intimacy Directing aims to leave scene partners feeling more aligned, empowered and prepared for their performance.