BDLab: Berlin’s Drama Lab

Berlin, DE

6 members · Public group

Organized by sondos shabayek

What we’re about

Welcome to BDLab: Berlin’s Drama Lab, a safe and immersive space for actors to explore truthful storytelling, character building, and authentic performance. I’m Sondos Shabayek, an Egyptian filmmaker, acting coach, and Certified Intimacy & Mental Health Coordinator based in Berlin. With over 16 years of experience working internationally, I specialize in trauma-informed, somatic, and human-centered coaching that prioritizes both your craft and your well-being.
My approach blends Method Acting foundations with tools from intimacy coordination, somatic practices, and documentary theatre, creating performances that are both powerful and safe. The Lab builds chronologically: participants first explore a variety of tools through scene work, analyzing famous film scenes to understand objectives, relationships, and subtext. This foundation leads into impulse-based acting, where scenes develop organically through improvisation, repetition exercises, and unprepared responses.

Featured event

Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 4:00 PM UTCOnline Self-Tape Workshop

Link visible for attendees

Open to English-speaking actors of all levels
Why self-tapes matter?
A self-tape is a video audition actors record on their own — often at home — to send to casting directors. For international productions, self-tapes are now the main way to be seen. That means your performance, camera presence, and ability to bring a scene to life without a director in the room are more crucial than ever.
What this program offers
This three-step online workshop is designed to support actors in refining their self-tape process through individual coaching, scene analysis, character development, and constructive feedback.
The process:
👤 Step 1 – One-on-One Individual Session (early September)
Each actor will have a private session to:

Ask questions and share specific needs
Receive guidance on their goals and challenges
Work with the tutor to select an appropriate scene tailored to their level

🎭 Step 2 – Group Session 1: Scene & Character Work (September 15)
We’ll focus on:

Scene and character analysis
Objectives, given circumstances, and subtext
Emotional preparation and relationship work
How to bring truth and presence to the camera
Basic technical steps for recording a self-tape
👉 Actors will also receive handout sheets to support their preparation using method acting principles

🎥 Step 3 – Group Session 2: Feedback & Exchange (September 22)
After actors record and upload their self-tapes, we’ll meet to:

Watch the tapes as a group
Receive individual feedback on each performance
Exchange insights and learn from each other’s work

Requirements:

A mobile phone for filming
Tripod if available
Laptop with basic editing software (iMovie, CapCut, etc.)

Contribution Options (all prices + VAT):

Supported Ticket (€45) – for students, unemployed, or anyone with a limited income.
Standard Ticket (€60) – the regular rate.
Supporter Ticket (€75) – for those who are able to pay a little extra to help subsidize others.

Each ticket includes:
✔ One private coaching session
✔ Two 3-hour group workshops
✔ Handouts with method acting tools
✔ Personalized feedback on your self-tape
✨ Limited spots available.

To join please fill this form
https://forms.gle/uCMbGdhvPeAu2mpk9

About the instructor
Sondos Shabayek is an Egyptian filmmaker, acting coach, and Certified Intimacy and Mental Health Coordinator based in Berlin. With over 16 years of experience, she works internationally with actors and non-actors, using trauma-informed and somatic practices to foster authentic, emotionally truthful performances.
She holds an MA in Directing from the MetFilm School, Berlin, and was awarded the 2021 Voices That Matter Scholarship – Women in Screen Industries. Sondos served as intimacy coordinator for the award-winning German TV series Die Zweiflers (Best Series, Cannes 2024) and continues to consult on international Film & TV productions while developing her debut feature film.
Her work centers women’s voices and survivor narratives, challenging the legacy of the male gaze through projects including her short films Sousou’s TikTok, She Said No, and Girl. Sondos is committed to advancing safe, responsible actor coaching and creating spaces where performers can explore bold, truthful storytelling while protecting their well-being.