In a How To Steal My Job special leading up to Re:Definition on 7th July (BUY TICKETS HERE), we'll be talking to some of the key players taking part in the event to bring you their top industry tips.

From pirate radio to mainstream, Matthew 'Excalibah' Xia was the first DJ signing to the BBC's nationwide digital Black music station 1Xtra where he helped kick start the careers of many UK hip-hop artists - Estelle, Sway, Plan B, Dirty Diggers, Shameless, Swiss and Yungun to name a few. Despite winning various accolades as a DJ, Excalibah made his directorial debut in 2007 and since then has never looked back. Excalibah is also jumping back into the Director's chair for Re:Definition.  Now Excalibah shares his top ten tips for budding directors... 

1) Know your craft
There are lots of courses, books and resources out there that are worth looking into. Research what directing is about and actually how to work with actors.

2) Join IdeasTap
IdeasTap is a great resource for young creatives under 30 – google it!

3) See as much theatre as you possibly can
You can always learn something from the experts

4) Be proactive
Contact local theatres and theatre groups, and don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you, go out and find them!

5) Look ay industry publications
Make sure you read The Stage and follow the Twitter accounts of theatres and arts organisations.

6) Make sure you have a strong team
The director is at the centre of the team so you need skilled people around you.

7) Be prepared to work for free
Lots of young directors have to work for free while learning the trade. Shadowing and assistant directing are great ways to get a foot in the door.

8) Know your genre
There are many styles from opera to surrealism to naturalism, so figure out which excites you the most.

9) Study the masters
Most western theatre is rooted in the teachings of Stainislavsky, study this man he is a genius!

10) Network!
Hang around at after-show parties, talk to actors, directors and producers. Everyone is a potential contact.

www.twitter.com/excalibah

Catch Excalibah at Re:Definition where he's Director, taking place on Thursday 7th July at Hackney Empire, E8 1EJ. Make sure you don't miss out and get your tickets now by calling box office on 020 8985 2424 or BUY ONLINE HERE.