Read my news and updates

Hello Reader,

Welcome to my fourth e-newsletter of the year. April is a month all about starting fresh projects and wrapping up older ones. As I've mentioned before, this email, is my way of keeping in touch, without you having to scroll through the Metaverse.

I want to share highlights, share my artistic journey, and make space to acknowledge and applaud those I encounter along the way. I invite you to grab a biscuit or two, make yourself a cuppa and take a look. You might discover overlapping opportunities, learn something new or, depending on age and wisdom, find my news nostalgic. Either way, it would be delightful to share, support, and stay connected.

Snapshot

Bold decisions and belief.

Bold decisions and choosing unwavering belief have defined April. With Easter passing in a blur, the sun now shines brightly, illuminating the path of my recent bold choices. This month has been a whirlwind of both fresh starts and the closure of lingering projects, marking the completion of several chapters. It has been a fulfilling four weeks.

Change, while beneficial, is rarely effortless. Yet, amidst this period of transition, opportunities arise. Through a widened vision and a commitment to prioritising certain creative ventures, I am embracing the challenges and doors that lie ahead.

Aprils Adventures

🎨 Dive into the latest episode of SEEN podcast with host Charlie Ranken as she sits down for an engaging conversation with Sally Burne, Community Engagement Lead at the Barbican Theatre and a dynamic cabaret artist. Sally shares her inspiring journey from graduating with a degree in Drama to becoming a passionate advocate for creativity and empowerment. Join us as we explore Sally's perspective on contributing to the creative industry and the empowering lessons she's learned along the way. Don't miss out on this insightful episode! Subscribe to SEEN to catch every story from the vibrant art scene of the South West.
 

🎙️You can find SEEN on Spotify or on my website

Milestones

🎉 Brand New Master Class at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth 

I'm excited to invite you to join me for an unforgettable journey in our Advanced Movement for Actors, Directors & Performers course, happening from April 24th to May 22nd.

Together, we'll unlock the full potential of your physical expression, diving deep into advanced movement techniques. Throughout the 5-week course, we'll explore themes like Awareness, Observation, and Emotional Athleticism, all while building resilience for Artistic Health. Drawing from a rich tapestry of methodologies including Laban Fundamentals, EgoCentric and Allocentric space, and Chris Evans techniques using Breath and Rhythm, we'll expand our movement vocabulary and explore the Kinesphere in depth.

My first session was last week so there are four more chances to elevate your performance skills and unlock new levels of expression. Don't miss out—reserve your spot today and get in touch with the Barbican Theatre.

Young Devon - Changing the odds in favour of young people

A year and a half ago, I embarked on a journey as the Peer Action Collective Youth Worker for Young Devon—a role initially intended for just three months. Working alongside a dedicated team of young people, we delved into a research project on Youth Violence. Witnessing their dedication, we documented and collated interviews and evidence from peers, culminating in a powerful presentation, booklet, and impactful bus campaign.

As the role evolved, I transitioned into the position of an In Reach Worker. Here, at Derriford Hospital, I have the privilege of engaging with young individuals grappling with mental health, eating disorders, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. With over 20 years of experience working with youth—starting during my university days—I've found my creative skills seamlessly intertwining with this line of work.

As my time with Young Devon draws to a close in a few weeks, I urge you to discover this remarkable organisation, where prioritising relationships lays the foundation for impactful change in the lives of young people.

Take Away

I believe it's clear that every freelancer works differently, and that's why freelancing works for them. The podcast has certainly evidenced this, as I've met a vibrant array of individuals from various art forms, witnessing how they craft a lifestyle that suits them around a job that is part of their soul. What I've learned most over the last few months, especially with the help of my Creative Assistant, is that projects don't simply die if you haven't been able to get around to them. They can be shelved and revisited, serve as a springboard for something else, or even disappear entirely only to resurface years later. Nothing creative is ever lost; it's the product of some form of creative processing, which inherently gives it value. My takeaway for this month would be to actively assess your arsenal of creative chaos and determine whether the time has come for some of them to spring to life in some way with a new freshness.

Above is an image from the production of "Stoning Mary" by the 3rd Years at Plymouth Conservatoire, directed by Lucy Hirst. I served as the Assistant and Movement Director for the production. I have incredibly beautiful GoPro footage that I captured from the rig. I aim to transform this footage into a short film showcasing movement. The richness of this production, along with the sweat and tears invested in it, has not dissipated; it remains suspended in time, awaiting its moment. What project or resource do you have that is waiting for its moment?

MOVEMENT DIRECTOR / KINESPHERIC PRACTITIONER / CHOREOGRAPHER / PERFORMER