After 5 years in Zagreb, internationally renowned pedagogue Lee Delong is holding a workshop: "Acting on Film: Freeing yourself from the mask and being present in the frame"

From April 20 to 24, Zagreb will  host the internationally acclaimed French-American actress, director and pedagogue Lee Delong, who will hold an intensive five-day workshop "Acting on Film: Freeing yourself from the mask and being present in the frame", intended for professional actors and final year students of acting academies.

It is a specialized professional development program that explores the techniques of clowns (working with a red nose mask) and authentic film acting, with an emphasis on presence, subtlety of expression and liberation from established acting patterns. The workshop is organized in Zagreb after almost 5 years of break, and the number of participants is limited to ensure intensive and individualized work.

The program is led by Lee Delong, an artist with more than forty years of international experience in theater and film. During her career, she has worked in Europe, the United States, South America and the Middle East, where she acts, directs and teaches acting techniques. She is especially known for introducing the red-nosed clown technique to Southeast Europe as a methodological tool for the development of authentic acting expression.

As an actress, she has collaborated with numerous directors, including Luc Besson, Julie Delpy and Cédric Klapisch, and is a regular collaborator of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian director, Oscar nominee, Jasmila Žbanić at various stages of the development of the film process – from working on the script and casting to preparing the cast.

Her work methodology has also been praised by numerous actors from the region. Among them is the Croatian actress Zrinka Cvitešić, who repeatedly emphasized the importance of working with Delong during the preparation for the film On the Road, after which she was awarded the prestigious Shooting Stars award at the Berlinale.

Over the years, Delong has also worked with a number of other prominent actors from the region, including Leon Lučev, Nina Violić and Ermin Bravo, among many others. Internationally, among more know names, she worked with Jessie Buckley and John C. Reilly. 

From clown to camera

The workshop "Acting on Film: Freeing yourself from the mask and being present in the frame" is based on a unique methodology that connects the clown technique and working with a mask with the process of acting in front of the camera. Through a series of physical, psychological and improvisational exercises, participants explore how to gradually "take off the mask" – that is, free themselves from learned patterns and protective mechanisms – in order to develop an authentic and subtle presence in front of the camera.

The process begins with work with the smallest mask in the world – a red clown nose, and then gradually transforms into work in front of the camera. The focus is on developing openness, concentration, sensitivity and the ability to react in the moment, which are the key qualities of film acting.

The program includes practical exercises, improvisational tasks, work in front of the camera, mentoring feedback and group analysis of the recorded material. The final day of the workshop is scheduled for a public presentation of the work process.

International experience and recognitions

During her career, Lee Delong has won numerous awards and recognitions for her artistic work, among which the Grand Prix stands out – the Golden Laurel Wreath for Contribution to Theatre at the MESS International Theatre Festival.

Her projects and workshops regularly bring together actors from different countries and create a space for the international exchange of knowledge and artistic practices.

Organization and applications

The workshop is organized by DUART, a digital platform for connecting film professionals, which has been organizing education and professional meetings with international lecturers in the field of acting and film art in Zagreb for a number of years.

The workshop will be held in Zagreb, at the Scenoteka from April 20 to 24, in English, and applications are open through the organizer by e-mail: sanjadrakulic@duart.hr or by clicking on the link.

The number of places is limited to ensure the quality of work and an individual approach to participants. Prices are lower until 30.03., so we recommend early registration. This workshop is co-financed by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre for Complementary Activities in 2026.