Under the Surface: Character. Shadow. Motive.
UNDER THE SURFACE
Character. Shadow. Motive.
Every character is doing something. Underneath what they are doing is why they are doing it. Underneath the why is something they may not even understand.
Join NIDA-trained actor Ryan Hayward for Under the Surface, a workshop for actors exploring the motivations, impulses and unseen forces that sit beneath a character’s actions.
With screen credits including Christopher Nolan’s Inception and iconic Australian television series Winners & Losers, Ryan brings his professional acting experience into the workshop room, encouraging participants to look beyond what a character is doing and dig deeper into why.
Through an exploration of character, shadow and motive, Under the Surface invites actors to move beyond what is immediately visible and consider what might really be driving a character beneath the surface.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your approach to character or explore new ways of thinking about motivation in performance, this workshop offers an opportunity to develop your craft alongside an experienced professional actor.
Saturday 10 October 2026
Rebus Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon
Scholarship Places Available
We want financial circumstances to be as little of a barrier to participation as possible. Scholarship places are available for this workshop, and anyone who may otherwise be unable to attend due to cost is encouraged to apply.
Registrations are essential. Places are limited.
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About Ryan
Ryan Hayward is a NIDA-trained actor with experience across film, television and performance. His screen credits include Christopher Nolan’s Inception and the iconic Australian television series Winners & Losers.
Drawing on his professional acting experience, Ryan brings a practical, performer-led perspective to Under the Surface, guiding participants to look beyond the obvious choices a character makes and explore the motivations, impulses and inner forces that may be driving them.
Through character, shadow and motive, Ryan encourages actors to dig deeper into the why behind a character’s actions and discover what might be happening beneath the surface.
FAQs
- Who is this workshop for?
Under the Surface is designed for actors interested in exploring character more deeply and developing their understanding of motivation, intention and what might be driving a character beneath their outward actions.
- What will we explore in the workshop?
The workshop focuses on character, shadow and motive, encouraging actors to move beyond what a character is doing and investigate why they are doing it — including motivations the character themselves may not fully understand.
- Who is Ryan Hayward?
Ryan Hayward is a NIDA-trained actor whose screen credits include Christopher Nolan's Inception and Australian television series Winners & Losers. He brings his professional acting experience to Under the Surface to guide participants through a deeper exploration of character.
- What should I bring?
Make sure you're in comfortable clothes that won't restrict any movement, as well as a water bottle and your own lunch as this is a full day workshop.
Feel free to bring a notebook if you would like to record information as well.
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