We are pleased to announce our Summer Scene Study Retreat, which will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Wern-y-Cwm Farm in Abergavenny, Wales, in 2026.
This five-day retreat is dedicated to the Demidov School’s approach to working with circumstances and character given by an author.
It will further develop the technique of “inexact” or “creative repetition,” enriching characters, deepening relationships and working with more heightened circumstances by utilizing the organic approach. During this course, we take new steps toward mastering the art of creative transformation (embodiment), as we approach character via scenes from contemporary realist plays, chosen by you and agreed between you, your scene partner and the facilitator.
On this course you will continue to explore sophisticated approaches to working with the text, discovering and unlocking the power of circumstances and facilitating character organically - all unique to the Demidov School. You will also be introduced to new exercises and techniques aimed at fostering a deep listening, heightened perception and connection to partners, and our ability to surrender to the truth of each moment without effort.
THE PROCESS
The Retreat is aimed at giving actors in the Demidov work more ownership of their own process as they prepare for work on a scene or an entire role. Therefore, each actor will be asked to prepare for the Retreat in the same way you would prepare for a role in the lead up to the first day of rehearsal. As always in the Demidov work, the entire focus of the Retreat is on process, not results.
Some weeks prior to the start of the Retreat, participating actors will be paired with a partner by the course Director. Together with your partner, you will then choose a scene from a contemporary play. Once the scene is agreed with the Director, you can begin the process of assigning the scene and also start your intimate work at home (character accumulation and facilitation). You should arrive at the Retreat with the scene well assigned..
THE LOCATION
This five-day Retreat takes place at the wonderful Wern-y-Cwm Farm located on the slopes of the Skirrid in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Surrounded by nature, this luxury retreat in Monmouthshire is set on a historic farm with 30 acres of meadows and woodlands. It offers beautiful spaces for work, self-contained accommodation, wellness amenities such as a sauna and natural swimming pool, and a Farm Kitchen serving seasonal, locally sourced meals. The group will stay and work together on the farm at Wern-y-Cwm for the duration of the retreat, with delicious vegetarian food prepared by our hosts. It offers the opportunity to escape the distractions and stresses of everyday modern living to focus on our artistic development. Time will be given for actors to enjoy the facilities and the natural surroundings of the retreat centre and to allow the work being done to digest and accumulate.
Work at the Retreat will be led by DSL Founding Director Andrei Biziorek.
We look forward to welcoming you there.
When:
June 29th & 30th, July 1st, 2nd & 3rd
(Monday through Friday)
Cost:
£800/ £825
Cost includes 4 nights accommodation, 3 meals per day and the Scene Study tuition. The cost varies depending on accommodation choice/ availability at the Farmhouse. Please see the accommodation note and PDF below for more information.
Where:
Wern-y-Cwm Farm
Wern-y-Cwm Lane, Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny NP7 8AW
Maximum Number of Participants:
There are a limited number of spaces so please fill out the form below in a timely manner to secure your provisional space.
Accommodation Info:
The Farmhouse has a number of bedroom options:
Shared room with double bed - £825
Shared room with single bed - £800
Please specify on the form your preferences. Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will get the room option of your choice, we will endeavor to accommodate your preferences. Please reference the PDF provided to select your preference on the form.
Travel Info:
You will be required to make your own travel arrangements. Transport from train station(s) can be arranged.
To register your interest, please fill out the form below and submit. Once received, we will get back to you shortly.