Dramaturg

I specialise in designing and facilitating rehearsals for film and television productions. In collaboration with the director, I tailor rehearsals to meet the needs of the production whilst ensuring every actor is able to put their best foot forward.

My approach is a culmination of 23 years of experience, with a focus on understanding the needs of the script, bringing the actors unique qualities to the project and revealing story through behaviour and relationship. I cultivate a strong ensemble, ensuring all players are on the same page prior to shooting and throughout production.

I regularly work with ensemble casts and seasoned actors, with a specialisation in working with minors and actors with limited experience.

Past work includes: Boy Swallows Universe, Black Snow, Mortal Kombat II, Critical Incident, Furiosa, Thor - Love and Thunder, Mad Max Fury Road, Hardball, The PM’s Daughter, GoKarts, Rake, Secret Daughter, BlueMurder: Cop Killer, Brock, Soulmates, Lunacy - a Dan Askill project, Ready for This.

For detailed credits: IMDB

Credits

what is a dramaturg?

Dramaturgy is the study of dramatic composition. Dramaturg literally means drama worker, a title more often found in the theatre. As a film dramaturg I ‘work the drama’ through the rehearsal process. It is neither, director, writer, nor acting teacher, but rather a role which works with the essential elements of the narrative and gets all the players on the same page.

My work as a dramaturg has been largely shaped by my experience as an actor in film, television and theatre over the last 23 years.

I met dramaturg, Nico Lathouris on Ben Gannon’s Headstart, my first television series. Nico’s philosophy and process sparked a driving force in my work - I craved a common language, collaborative process and deeper meaning in what I was doing.

I studied at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York and returned home to set up an independent theatre company which had several incarnations, I produced and performed in numerous shows across Sydney. Over the years I’ve had ongoing training with Joan Scheckel, Ivana Chubbuck and Larry Moss. I’ve done several residencies at Roy Hart Centre Artistique International and Pan Theatre in France. As well as a postgraduate degree in theatre directing at the VCA.

I’ve been on the teaching staff of AFTRS since 2017, lecturing in rehearsal methodology. I’ve worked as a dramaturg and coach across all the major Australian television networks and more recently with HBO, Marvel and Warner Brothers.

about

My experiences working with Nadia as a dramaturg have been no less than inspiring. She has the ability to gain the actors trust moments after meeting them. Nadia knows the language of the actor, she is the actor whisperer. She is an absolute gift to any director.

-Geoff Bennett, Director
( Bump, Love Child, Secret Daughter)
Nadia brought so much more than I could have ever imagined to our film. Her work with the actors was rich and expansive. I can’t wait to do it again.

-Dan Askill, Director
(Dan Askill Untitled Project, Chandalier - Sia)
Nadia created a calm, safe space that allowed not only the actors to flourish, but all creatives. Her thoughtful process and respect for everyone’s experiences meant that our director and actors were happy and eager to communicate with her - and she was an integral part of the team that created our narrative. As producers, it was also wonderful to find that Nadia was happy work within the limitations that our budget provided. She was always open to creative solutions and set a high standard for all of those working around her.

Isabel Stanfield, Producer
(See Pictures)
“Her’s is a process of real quality - you can sense the years of passionate research behind it. She quickly gains the trust of actors, and her methods are efficient, effective and highly respectful of the writer, director and the production."

Connor Van Vuuren - Director (Soulmates)

coach

I work with individuals and ensembles at various stages of film and television productions - from the initial casting, through rehearsals to onset coaching.

My approach is focused on understanding the needs of the script and bringing an actor’s unique qualities to the project. Through 23 years of experience I have evolved a simple and effective process which gets the actor connected to the material, listening and responding, alive and emotionally connected within the scenes. Be it a seasoned actor or someone with limited experience.

I teach acting at various studios around the country and regularly work with individual actors in preparation for projects and auditions.

For detailed credits: IMDB
For more information email: contact[at]nadiatownsend.com

“I have worked with Nadia for over a decade. More than just a coach, her approach is truly unique and collaborative. Nadia has an innate understanding of text, character, tone and an ability to truly access the perspective of the artist and of the audience. She is curious, compassionate, rigorous and driven in the constant search for the truth, humour and complexity in each project and artist she works with. She has been instrumental in my preparation for a role. I cannot speak highly enough of her work.”
— Rose Byrne

Nadia is a remarkable practitioner and my work has been profoundly shifted by her inspiring approach to scenes, her practical knowledge of both the industry and the actor’s craft, as well as her totally awesome sense of humour about it all.

-Shannon Ashlyn, Actress/Director
Nadia brings a refreshing new insight to scene study and the development of character through action and behavioural improvisation. She is extremely good at demystifying the process which allows you to make new discoveries in completely supportive environment.

Charlie Causen, Actor
Nadia's metaphysical approach to acting is refreshing; using the body as the compass it naturally transcends common blocks for actors. I highly recommend.

Charmaine Bingwa, Actor

“Nadia is a dream collaborator for any director. She has a profound understanding of story, filmmaking, and creates a safe, creative space for actors of all kinds to excel while working alongside a busy production.”

Sian Davies - Director

Dramaturg

what is a dramaturg?

about

My experiences working with Nadia as a dramaturg have been no less than inspiring. She has the ability to gain the actors trust moments after meeting them. Nadia knows the language of the actor, she is the actor whisperer. She is an absolute gift to any director.

Nadia brought so much more than I could have ever imagined to our film. Her work with the actors was rich and expansive. I can’t wait to do it again.

“Her’s is a process of real quality - you can sense the years of passionate research behind it. She quickly gains the trust of actors, and her methods are efficient, effective and highly respectful of the writer, director and the production."

coach

Nadia is a remarkable practitioner and my work has been profoundly shifted by her inspiring approach to scenes, her practical knowledge of both the industry and the actor’s craft, as well as her totally awesome sense of humour about it all.

Nadia brings a refreshing new insight to scene study and the development of character through action and behavioural improvisation. She is extremely good at demystifying the process which allows you to make new discoveries in completely supportive environment.

Nadia's metaphysical approach to acting is refreshing; using the body as the compass it naturally transcends common blocks for actors. I highly recommend.

Nadia Townsend