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Put on a show. That's what an Auckland man is doing to finance his quest to become a great director, as Sharu Delilkan explains.

Determination has paid off for James Bell. After missing out on selection for a Royal Academy of Dramatic Art workshop in London last year, he applied again this year and was accepted. It's an exclusive group the aspiring director now joins. Only 12 people worldwide were chosen.

"I just checked their website all the time and as soon as applications opened for this year I sent mine through," he says.

The Shoreside Theatre director says when he got over the shock of being accepted he had to face the harsh reality of paying for his dream.

"People have been really good to me. As soon as I sent a message out on Facebook people asked how they could help me fundraise."

Which is how the idea for The Dead Writers Showcase arose. Bell is touched that "so many talented people are getting together at the Pumphouse, that's allowing me to use the space for free, to present famous monologues and short scenes from the greats like Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe".

Bell started out as a lighting designer in 1991 when he joined Shoreside. He's been directing plays since 2004. "Having seen a lot of theatre through lighting sets, I had lots of ideas of what I would've done differently. So I put my hand up and gave it a go."

He hopes to solidify his directing skills at the two-week workshop in London. "I'm a firm believer that the only way to learn is by doing - not by reading a book.

"So far, I've picked up things watching others and through trial and error. I'm looking forward to improving and basically becoming a better director."

The Dead Writers Showcase, The Pumphouse, Killarney Park, Takapuna, Aug 4, 8pm. Tickets: ph 489 8360 or see www.pumphouse.co.nz