Hi I am Guy the project coordinator for Get The Chance. I am a trained secondary teacher of Art and Design and have taught at all Key Stages in England and Wales. I am also an experienced theatre designer and have designed for many of the theatre companies in Wales.
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Anna great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
I have a background in Support Work, Drum Circle Facilitation and Therapeutic Work with the Touch Trust in Cardiff Bay, supporting participants who have a variety of needs to explore the Arts during sensory sessions. I am now going on to develop my business called ‘Young at HeArt’; supporting people of all ages and stages to explore the Arts in intuitive and creative ways. You can find out more about me at my website. Facebook or Instagram.
As part of my graduate, online art exhibition for the final year of my Creative and Therapeutic Arts Degree Course, I will be hosting an ‘Online Parade,’ based on the old folklore tale of Pontypridd’s River Taff. The ‘Online Parade’ will take place on May the 16th (2020) (arriving for 1:45pm) starting at 2pm.
So what got you interested in the arts?
I always enjoyed art in school. In fact, I went to a Steiner School from 14-18 years old. My education at the Steiner School in Edinburgh encouraged me to pursue art as my passion as everything we learned was taught in an arty and holistic way.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
During my last three years at University, I have discovered that Community is my ‘Art’; my Arts practice revolves around the participants that I work with and their needs. I enjoy exploring the Arts in an intuitive sense, supporting my participants to shape our Arts sessions together in ways which suit them and their creative process.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
Interestingly, I’m actually from Scotland in Edinburgh, although I studied my course in South Wales. At the moment my biggest question is “Where would I like to live next?” In a sense, the world feels like my oyster. I’m happy to go where the work leads me at this point. If someone was to offer me a Community Arts job, working with participants of all ages and stages in a holistic environment, I would be very happy with that!
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
At the moment I am working on an online Arts project with Artis Community, exploring the mask making along the theme of ‘Your Inner Warrior.’ At the end of this project, once I have made a series of videos detailing how to make and what you can do with your ‘Warrior Mask,’ I will facilitate a ‘Masquerade Hour’ on Zoom. I’m really looking forward to this!
I’ve also really enjoyed engaging with some of my drummer friends online. For example my friend Jane Bentley, Doctor of Music, has been working with ‘Luminate’ to show people at home how they can turn their living rooms into an orchestra made out of every day household items.
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
I think I would fund more intergenerational projects; encouraging older adults and children to explore the Arts together and teach each other their own artistic skills. I am very passionate about working with intergenerational groups, as I think mixing the age groups can really encourage participants to try out new artistic mediums and most importantly, build positive friendships with each other.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
There seems to be so much going on in the South Wales creative scene! Through my University course I have connected with many amazing Arts professionals who are doing some very exciting and valuable work in hospitals, schools and communities. There seems to be lots of creative opportunities popping up all the time which is wonderful.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
Over the last year I have been working on a project called ‘The Heartbeat Project’ with Studio Response at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport; supporting children in hospital to create musical and artistic responses to their heartbeats which they heard through a stethoscope. While my participants played their responses to their heartbeats on djembe drums, bells, chimes and other percussion instruments, I recorded the them on my phone and then we listened back to the recorded sounds and painted what we heard onto a sheet of paper. I am currently in the process of also making a soundscape out of the sounds which I explored with each group of participants. This soundscape will be played in the Multifaith room in the new Grange Hospital in Cwmbran once it has been fully built.
Wales based writer Neil Bebber has recently launched a new arts Podcast.
EVOLUTIONS. Is an arts-based show, finding out about how artists started out, where they are and where they’re going. For the first episode, Neil has been lucky to be able to talk to Harry Holland, who was pretty inspiring and a lot of fun.
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Dave great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
My name is Dave Humphreys. I’ve recently graduated from the University of Chester with a distinction in the MA Drama course, following straight on from the BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies course.
I live in Buckley, Flintshire in North Wales. The majority of my theatrical background has been as a result of one place; Theatr Clwyd. I have been a part of Theatr Clwyd in some way for fifteen years; whether it has been a part of the old Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre for Young People (CTCTYP) weekly workshops co-ordinated by Tim Baker and Jane Meakin, Taskforce ran by Anne Plenderleith, which encouraged conversation about the theatre and wider arts, to performing in two professional productions. Firstly, The Suicide directed by Barry Kyle and later in Phillip Breen’s Cyrano de Bergerac. In addition, the work placement opportunities I have had there. My highlight was supporting, observing and being a small part of the pilot for Junior Justice in a Day, directed and facilitated by Emyr John. A key moment in my career path. Now, I am proudly a part of the team.
I have been working on a freelance basis for four and a half years for the Creative Engagement department, co-ordinated by Gwennan Mair, to deliver weekly workshops and outreach projects.
Gwennan Mair, Theatre facilitator/artist sy’n dawnsio o hyd / \ Director of Creative Engagement yn Theatr Clwyd
In a way, it has come full circle for me in that I now support the delivery of the work that inspired me to get to where I am. We deliver workshops for a range of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. By working with the amazing team, I get the chance to work week in, week out with wonderful groups and develop my people skills, which is handy for the career path I am following. But to work alongside so many different facilitators enables me to observe and take note of the way they work and how that influences my practice. The change I have seen from when I started fifteen years ago to now is just sensational to see and how much this theatre is pushing to deliver for its community.
Outside of Theatr Clwyd, I have performed at Storyhouse last year on two occasions; The Modern Prometheus, written and directed by Zoe Smith and A Crack Through Time by Clare Dudman. I have also carried out work for Minerva Arts Theatre, Chester with workshop cover and performing in their piece raising awareness of Loan Shark culture.
I have also devised, performed and written my own play; Lonely Together. Please follow the links to a video of the performance and also videos about my practice behind them. You can also visit www.dashoutreach.co.uk. There, an MA colleague and I, as part of our major practical, to see what it took to create an outreach theatre company. I must emphasise it is not an official theatre company, we are not working at this current time, but you can see what work we created together and the sort of workshops we would offer as a result of our collaboration during the MA course.
So, what got you interested in the arts?
For my eighth birthday, my mum recommended I join the CTCTYP workshops to see if I’d enjoy them. I’d seen pantos before then, but it was because of these workshops I became interested. I just loved the drama games, meeting new people, the chance to see theatre for free, to perform every term. And, as you can see above, lead onto many opportunities there. In fact, I didn’t study theatre in school until A-levels, so up to then, it was also where I would learn most about theatre.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
So, the videos links below will give readers some idea of how I work. There are a few quotes from Augusta Boal and Chris Johnston etc, but I’m a firm believer in contextualising my work.
My aim is to create work and pieces for communities. Whether it be Theatre in Education or Theatre for Young Audiences, I am always keen to ensure my work has a discussion element; l like to know the work I have created has sparked something in my audience. I suppose, as I tend to call it, this idea of theatre and discussion is my main goal. It may not have an education aim; the suicide piece as you will see cannot have an educative aim as there is no wrong way to support someone. Raising awareness is my aim, and actively see the affect it has had. My process has been hugely influenced by the writing of Chris Johnston and through observation of outreach work, specifically that created by Emyr John, Creative Engagement Associate, Theatr Clwyd.
From Johnston, his six polarities are my underlining foundation. These polarities are what Johnston considers to be crucial when carrying out workshops or creating theatre for everyday life. There are two which are at the forefront of my mind. Firstly, the fixed and free; as facilitators, we are constantly moving between these two polarities as to whether the discussion/activity/game can happen as it likes, but eventually that creativity becomes nothing. So, as a facilitator, a question or rule might be introduced to narrow the energy of the participants to get something out of them. When you watch the Lonely Together piece, there are elements of this in the post-show workshop. Secondly, from Johnston, is the centre and the edge. It is really important when we welcome in a group, that no one is at the centre of attention or that anyone feels left out. In that, the discussions must balance the participants’ input. Hence, sometimes I ask for those who say nothing, to bring the closer into that circle, that discussion. The use of ‘The Fish’ idea has been another huge influence. You will see this in my video on the devising process
On a practical level, Emyr John has been an inspiration. I have been lucky enough to know Emyr since I started at Theatr Clwyd and he has welcomed me, echoing the spirit of the team, into the rehearsal space. I have seen how flexible he is when carrying out his work, how to work with young participants in both Junior Justice and Justice in a Day. With the knowledge of Johnston in mind, his work has enabled me to see it in practice. Plus, his years of experience is invaluable to me. I have been able to incorporate his work into mine, take on board the hints and tips he has shared (especially what to be cautious of) and him allowing me into rehearsal spaces. As a result, I have been able to complete a dissertation on the piece in the context of theatre in education in Wales.
As a young Welsh artists graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
For me, the opportunity to collaborate is important. In these difficult times, we need to collaborate more than ever before. Theatre has probably never faced a tougher time on how to stay connected with audiences and continue to produce work, although that is just my perspective. For young artists, they need opportunities that not just offer Q&A’s or workshops, they need something that will allow them to get stuck in with it. I’m finding writing to be my thing at the moment; short monologues or audio plays for competitions. But I understand writing is not for everyone, so projects that enable us to collaborate with established artists.
I also believe that opportunities should encourage artists to think outside of the theme of ‘isolation’. I feel that it is too easy and can be personal. People may not want to discuss isolation and being at home; we don’t know what things people have going on. We should make projects based on historical events or themes that encourage audiences or participants to escape from those thoughts. That’s why people go to see theatre isn’t it? Escapism as well as entertainment. Besides, in the future, when we can go back to the theatre, the juxtaposition of live theatre with a focus on lockdown will surely be a better time to reflect. Right now, theatre needs to be there to help us mentally be free for an hour or so. Just my thoughts.
Link to performance and workshop of Lonely Together (does contain themes around suicide): https://youtu.be/U5dCVlURzMw
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
Well, I will begin with Theatr Clwyd. Their Together campaign was launched very early on in lockdown, offering challenges and tasks to their online community week in week out.They have offered voices to those who may have been unheard.
They have offered voices to those who may have been unheard. Through their memories task, to the dancing task. It has allowed professional artists and members of their community to perform and create on the same stage. But it’s not just that. Behind the scenes, via Zoom, we are able to maintain the delivery of workshops to all our groups. And it is amazingly heart warming how much it means to them; I never get very emotional as a person, but when you get to check in with participants and see you’ve made them smile, it means a lot. We are just beginning to embark how we perform through Zoom with all these groups so exciting times ahead. Just a quick shout out to Clare, Laura, Alex, Liz, Owen, Hester, Nerys, Gwennan and the rest of the weekly workshop team for carrying on and adapting their practice to digital media to continue this wonderful work. It really is a joy to be a part of.
Beyond Theatr Clwyd, there has been two stand out theatres in Wales; FranWen with 120960 and Sherman with Ten, monologues which have been written beautifully and performed fantastically (Steffan Rhodri a personal favourite of mine).
https://youtu.be/-wiF1Bi5y-g
But FranWen have been amazingly quick to get online and work with young people to offer an online performance.
Hanna Jarman, video director Nico Dafydd and FranWen’s Gethin and Mari. The creative team on 120960
Now, I’m not Welsh speaking, but I’d certainly say this is one to watch. Beyond Wales, Theatre503 had a brilliant selection of ten minute pieces on their Rapid Write Response programme, two weeks ago I think.
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
Workshops and outreach work. No doubt. I mean, the teaching of drama is important and as is the performances we see in theatres all over Wales. But I’d fallen in love with theatre and drama way before I started studying it and before I’d seen it. I loved it because it was accessible. By funding small and touring shows to go out into communities to perform or carry out workshops, then the earlier theatre can start influencing and having an impact of people’s lives. I’m not saying that every participant who takes part should become an actor or be involved in theatre, but I will say this from personal experience. My confidence, team work and communication skills would be no where near the standard they are now if I had not been a part of those workshops. It seems like easy work to those on outside of the work we carry out, but the effect a weekly workshop can have on someone in the long term is huge, I believe. I would highly recommend to people of all ages and ability to give workshops a go. Even if it is just one, that is still a huge achievement. In this current situation, it is just as important to be a part of them too. I have become part of a monthly one, meeting and hearing from new people and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Theatres need to ensure that online workshops can run if possible, it really makes a difference.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
The exciting thing about arts in Wales is our passion for culture and language. As I’ve said, I’m not Welsh speaking, but the arts is the way forward to keeping the language alive in my opinion. From where I am from, bilingual work is a huge opportunity, where respect for both English and Welsh can be built. But the work of FranWen is so essential to keeping Welsh fresh. I was lucky enough to see Gethin Evans, now the Artistic Director of FranWen, work as assistant on Mold Riots and I felt that his respect towards the community cast, who were a mix of English and Welsh speaking, was amazing to see, so I think the work produced by FranWen in the future will be exciting and imperative to theatre in Wales.
But again, the awareness of culture is what is really exciting. At Theatr Clwyd, Mold Riots was a huge success for being a community story told by its community. Next, when it is safe to do so, is Project Hush. I was lucky enough to be on work placement for a week and saw the R&D for this. It is an amazing piece, telling of local stories and how that affected the wider world. And on site too. Taking theatre out of the theatre is always very exciting, and even more so in the Welsh countryside and historical areas. I was even part of a Greenfield summer school as support worker where we did a small site specific piece; the enjoyment had by all was great to see. I have always wanted to create a promenade piece about the Buckley Bomber; I’d love to see how I could do that, creating a piece that revives the Buckley dialect, the use of the locations and again broaden opportunities for community to work directly with professionals. Anyway, our love for culture and the language is what makes our arts great.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
Has to be Mold Riots at Theatr Clwyd. I was part of the chaperoning team from July, when rehearsals started, through to the performances. It was just monumental. A local story by local people (sounds a bit like League of Gentlemen that) where so many people were involved shows what theatre was really about. The end result was amazing; 100 people in wonderful costume taking audiences through the streets of Mold and giving passionate performances. You really could not tell the professionals apart in the end, it was that strong. But the process of getting to that point was unforgettable. The work and effort but into this piece by the professional team, the LX, wardrobe, creative team, the knitting groups. Kudos to Community Producer Alice Evans who did an amazing job to come in and co-ordinate this project. Seeing those young people be a part of something so young and as a group too. It reminded me of my time on The Suicide as an eleven year old. But I was on my own, not seeing the other performer often and trying to speak to the actors (who were lovely with me) but was still scary at that age. But due to the sheer size of Mold Riots, they could become friends and make great memories. What was better, they never argued between each other either, they looked after each other. I can only see how this experience made those 20-30 children happier. And, to me, that is what theatre is about. Experiences.
Thanks for your time Ed.
Thansk you can reach me at Twitter: @edhumphreys97 – much appreciate any feedback on this, Lonely Together videos or my dissertation.
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Carys-Haf great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
During my time at university I have undertaken many exciting work experience opportunities – Theatr Na’Nog, Hay Festival, UWTSD Perfformio, National Theatre Wales and Rondo (S4C). During my second year I was offered my first professional employment as ASM (Bookcover) with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru on their production of ‘X’ at the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst.
I love the theatre and being a Stage Manager. To tell you the truth I enjoy every aspect of the technical and creative side. I’m prepared to work hard to learn and develop my skills. I’m upbeat, enthusiastic and enjoy working with others, believing that a positive, understanding work environment is of benefit to all. I am an organised person (I love lists and risk assessments) and always ensure that my job is done to the best of my ability. I thrive on the challenges and variety that theatre has to offer. You can find out more about me and my work to date here
So, what got you interested in the arts?
My grandmother and grandfather had a great love for music and theatre. From a young age they took me to the theatres in London to see shows as they were released. My parents being a little off the wall took me to shows such as Rocky Horror, Return To The Forbidden Planet, No Fit State Circus, storytelling and I’ve been to many belly dancing haflas (very theatrical). I’ve loved them all.
Choosing drama as a GCSE and A Level subject made me realise that I was ‘made’ to be in the theatre, however, maybe not acting. Although I have taken part in many shows it has always been the production side of theatre that interested me most.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
Being a Stage Manager means that I constantly have to be creative – fitting shows into smaller spaces, sewing up tears on costumes – finding a different way to get information out because of technical problems, the list is never ending and always different.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
I can’t believe how many opportunities have been put online, and being in lockdown has given me the opportunity to take advantage of these. I have written an online showcase, spoken to several industry professionals and am looking into free online music courses offered by the Open University. All of these provide a great opportunity to get my name known and will be of benefit to my career.
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
I’ve loved all the different opportunities that have been made available and have found that Twitter is a good resource to get information.
The Other Room is offering one-to-one zoom meetings with their creatives. This was a great opportunity where I was able to talk to the producer and ask him for advice.
Sherman Theatre offer workshops and the opportunity to showcase yourself on ‘Your Platform’ (this is for anyone in the industry not just graduates).
I’d recommend that everyone in the industry make the most of this time – get out there, learn something new, grab this opportunity while you can!
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
I would like to make the arts, especially theatre more accessible to all by funding shows in deprived areas. Lets get the whole community involved. Let’s produce these shows in Welsh and English.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
The arts in Wales are diverse – from small rooms at the back of a pubs to the Wales Millennium Centre, outdoor events to festivals. Wales is progressive and vibrant. We’ve got it all and in two languages.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
I just love the theatre and have loved all the productions I’ve worked on so far. I was recently the Stage Manager for my Main house module at University. I worked on the play RAGE directed by Peter Doran and Lynne Seymore. What an experience working with such brilliant directors. Working on a play so intense and as fast paced as RAGE was exciting and calling a show was a new experience for me.
Thanks for your time Cays-Haf. Carys-Haf is also on the social media platforms below
Hi Heidi great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
I am a textile surface pattern designer and have studied at Cardiff Met for the past 3 years. Whilst studying for my degree I have also completed a variety of work experiences in relation to my practice which have helped me to grow as a professional and shape the career path I want to take.
So, what got you interested in the arts?
I have always had a natural talent for creativity. The process of creativity is so enjoyable it becomes motivating in it self which is useful when it comes to gaining qualifications. I experience a high amount of flow when it comes to being creative meaning I have just been drawn to it from a very early age.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
Whilst at University my creative process has grown exceptionally and I have developed many much needed skills a designer needs. My creative process generally follows the path of creating work by hand before digitally manipulating it. As well as this I am very comfortable working completely digitally, using my Wacom tablet to create imagery on screen. Over my time at university I have experimented with a range of mediums and styles in order to develop and diversify my portfolio.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
Finding a graduate job in the world of design is not recognised as easy within the best of times and im not sure there is anything much that can be done. Graduates are in need of jobs; however, the same could be said for people across the field who have also lost their jobs at this time. I think design graduates just need to support each other at this time, reminding each other to not give up and keep pursuing our dreams.
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
Myself and others within my class have been participating in compititions running on Instagram from a variety of accounts. This is a great way to fill some of the time we have in isolation and also get our work noticed. You can checkour Heidi’s Instagram account here Or her profile on Zealous here
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
I think it would be great to have a museum or art gallery in Cardiff which relates directly to the field of textiles. Coming from London I am use to being able to immerse myself in a great variety of exhibitions and shows in relation to my practice; however, I feel Cardiff lacks this. Not only would this be of use to current artists and designers but also inspire children to follow this career path.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
Whilst studying an art and design corse it is great to immerse yourself in a new place as you are never sure where inspiration will come from. Whilst in Cardiff I have been very fortunate to participate in a variety of work experiences which I am really grateful for.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
Last summer I got the opportunity to participate in an international internship to Colombia for six weeks where I worked with a sustainable fashion brand. Whilst there I learnt to live and work in a different culture as well as develop my skills and knowledge in relation to my career path. Although having completed work experiences prior to this, this was a whole new adventure and was a great way to spend my summer, whilst preparing for my future career.
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Lauren great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
Hi! My name is Lauren Ellis-Stretch, am originally from Porthcawl in Bridgend. I am a playwright, theatre maker and some-time critic. I am currently in the midst of, rather abruptly, finishing my studies at the University of Manchester. Approximately, I am only a ‘mere’ 14,000 words away from completing a BA in Drama and English Literature!
So, what got you interested in the arts?
Well, in highsight I think I’ve always had a penchant for story-telling. I wouldn’t say I lied, but as a child my stories were perhaps always well-embellished… I lied a lot. Then, in secondary school I found Drama and I was seduced by its transformative potential, its collaborative nature, and the magic theatre possesed which I have been chasing ever since. I developed a love for play scripts reading The Tempest, and A View From the Bridge, and other old-exam board favourites. But the seminal moment which transformed my encroaching fascination into true obsession came when we were taken to see A Doll’s Houseat the Sherman Theatre, in 2015. It was one of the first professional plays I had ever seen, and I just knew that I wanted to make things that made people feel as electrified as that production had me.
A Dolls House, Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Credit Nick Allsop
Can you tell us about your creative process?
A lot of reading, seeing things, talking to people, quite often it involves ill-timed epiphanies which send me scrambling to find loose paper or the notes app on my phone. I haven’t yet had the pleasure, and perhaps, equally, the horror of working over a long stretch of time on one project. Mostly, the plays that I have written have been churned out in the pressure-cooker of student theatre in which everything is created within a max of ten days, mid-essay deadlines. It has been, on the whole, an exhilarating way to work, and always an intensely visceral process. However, I do look forward to seeing how I can approach writing over an extended period of time in the hope that I will expand, develop, and interrogate the work more thoroughly than ever before.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
I think what is required is guidance. There is going to be a lot of time, which I identified above as something which could be incredibly beneficial in an artists’ process. However, this runs the risk of resulting in a stagnated period of learning about our chosen crafts. If the pace at which you’re working, and trying things out is particularly rapid you will learn what mistakes not to make again, and what is good practice very quickly. To see more mature and experienced artists reaching out to younger artists (not only in age but in experience) and offering their support and guidance would be particularly beneficial for the individuals; also, on a wider scale, this could assure the emergence of a thriving and innovative, post-lockdown, industry.
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
There is so much incredible content being put online at the moment! I have been thoroughly enjoying watching NT Live productions, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical screenings. I also, recently, enjoyed a very sweaty Frantic Assembly warm-up with Simon Pittman, which was inspired by their show Beautiful Burnout. And, I loved listening to Ashes to Ashes Funk to Funky by Martha Reed on Chippy Lane’s Podcast.
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
I think, biasly (as my passion is for playwriting) that more needs to be done by established theatres to engage with new, fresh and diverse voices in Wales. I think the Welsh industry, in comparison to other theatre ecologies in the UK, is really lacking in a scripted theatre/playwriting culture. I think recent steps towards readdressing this by the Sherman Theatre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, the Other Room, and Chippy Lane Productions has been a step in the right direction but this has to continue. Particularly, there needs to be more effort in engaging with BAME, working-class and womxn writers.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
Having a theatre scene that is effectively much smaller, and less established than in cities such as London and Manchester means that there is a real sense that anything is possible! Also, there is access to certain resources that in a larger cultural hub would be hard to access. The community, for example, in the Welsh arts scene is particularly inspiring for young artists, I feel. More experienced artists often seem very willing to share their experience and time with you which can be so rewarding when you’re just starting out.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
Sh!t Theatre Drink Rum With Expats at HOME, in Manchester! It’s not the last great thing I saw, however, it is really really great, and I’d like to put a spotlight on a smaller theatre company. (However, Three Sisters at the National Theatre, and the Royal Exchange’s Wuthering Heights have been other cultural highlights for me, in the past couple of months!) But, Sh!t Theatre Drink Rum With Expats was a piece of theatre that I found so incredibly joyous, thought-provoking, and devastating all at the same time.
It was political, and silly, and they gave out a lot of booze. It was an wholly-encompassing and arresting theatrical experience. I don’t want to say too much about it because hopefully, at some point in the future, they will continue with their tour, and you will get to see it! The reason I think it’s so notable as a great piece of theatre, though, is because for younger theatre-makers it is the perfect example of being anarchistic, daring, and completely unique in your rebellion; and I think that is what will be needed of us in an artistic landscape, post-lockdown, creative rebellion.
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Francesca great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
Hello, thank you so much for this opportunity! I’m Francesca Waygood, 27 years old from Swansea. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts in 2014, I decided to go into teaching and qualified as a lecturer, specialising in teaching performing arts. Although I loved lecturing, I felt I still had a lot more to learn about the performing arts industry; I truly believe the best teachers are ones who have a desire to keep learning and developing their own skillset and so I decided to gain more industry experience by furthering my studies with a masters degree. Today, I am studying at the Canolfan Berfformio Cymru (UWTSD Cardiff), for my Master’s in Musical Theatre. Musical theatre has always been my true love and so, I am very grateful for the opportunity to study here as my learning experiences so far have been invaluable!
My mum (a former dance teacher) initially taught me to dance. Some of my earliest memories are from around the age of 2, where my mum was teaching me good toes, naughty toes, step ball changes and splits in our living room! She enrolled me in ballet, jazz and tap dance classes soon after where I had the opportunity to attend workshops with Wayne Sleep. It was only when I joined the school choir, I became interested in singing. From there, I added musical theatre, singing and music theory lessons to my hobbies and completed exams in these areas. With this came shows and competitions, something which I always really enjoyed partaking in as a child.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
My creative process really depends on what specific skill I may be focussing on. During our course so far, we have had the opportunity to study the methodologies of Stanislavski and Misner. Both processes were totally different, allowing for new creative discoveries to be made each lesson. For example, within Misner, we looked at the use of repetition. I found this process very beneficial for learning text. With Stanislavski, we looked as various tools which included physicalising text with actions. Such methods I will now employ in future work.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
So many virtual opportunities have become available via Instagram and Twitter for artists. There have been so many performers from West End shows / UK tours offering workshops where you can learn choreography from the shows they are in. There have also been casting directors offering to provide feedback on CV’s and showreel material for a very small fee. Talent agencies have been so approachable, and many have specifically asked for un-represented graduates to contact them. I even had one agency who I spoke too, offer to share my details with other agency contacts and casting directors. Personally, I believe it is definitely worth getting involved in all the opportunities that are currently available to us!
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
I’ve seen so many musical theatre performers running online concert events, live from their homes, which audiences can buy tickets for. I think this is a great opportunity for us to support one and other, as well as admiring these amazingly talented performers. I am also aware of organisations showing performances on their websites for public viewing – making theatre so accessible for everyone to be a part of!
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
I am a strong believer in incorporating more creative methods for learning into education. Everyone has a preferred way of learning; whether it be visual, audio, kinaesthetic or a mixture of these! During my bachelor’s degree, I studied a module called Applied Drama, where I facilitated at 7 primary schools in Swansea, taking elements of the curriculum and supplementing it with more creative features. For example, I can recall one school where the pupils were studying the Romans. Upon an initial meeting with the class teacher, an education pack was supplied which included a series of worksheets for the pupils to complete as part of their study of that topic. A co-facilitator and I leading the project decided to incorporate more performing arts based activates to accompany the pupils learning. For example, the pupils partook in role play exercises such as a Roman march and a roman battle. The pupils seemed to really respond to these activities as it offered a more balanced learning experience, suited to all their learning needs.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
From studying for my bachelor’s degree to where I am at now, I have met so many diverse creative people. The arts culture in Wales is constantly changing, it is not all about the larger scale theatres anymore. Some amazing work can be found in the smaller, less known creative spaces. My partner comes from a more contemporary theatre background and he has really opened my eyes to this.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
Apart from watching Six the musical (UK tour) in Bath which was absolutely incredible, I would probably say performing in Nadolig Big Band Christmas with the university in December 2019 at the BBC Hoddinott Hall – such an incredible space and a wonderful experience for me as a musical theatre performer. Another would be having the opportunity to be a part of a choir recording some of the backing vocals for the film Dream Horse, set to be released later this year. Again, another wonderful opportunity.
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Callum great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
Hi, thank you very much, I really appreciate this opportunity. So I was brought up in a small village in the South Wales valleys called Cwm near to the town of Ebbw Vale. I studied Media at Coleg Gwent’s Learning Zone, and then I went on to study Media Production at the University of South Wales.
After graduating I needed some sort of income so I got a job at Superbowl UK Cradiff as a general assistant, progressing then to a Trainee Manager, until recently when I got a job at Bad Wolf in Cardiff, the company responsible for major productions such as His Dark Materials and A Discovery of Witches.
While I was at school, the film-making process really fascinated me and I knew I wanted to pursue a career. However there was something else that fascinated me, I seen this video online where someone built their own Iron Man suit (it obviously didn’t fly or have the major weapon systems), and after seeing this it was something I really wanted to do, after looking into it over the space of around 2 years, I finally got around to doing it myself. At college I borrowed some of the equipment needed over weekends and ploughed through getting it done ready for comic-con in May. I finished the night before and it went down a storm! I couldn’t have been more pleased with it, all day people were asking me for pictures, selfies etc, I couldn’t believe how well it went down. Since then I have been hooked on the fabrication process, the attention to detail and the appreciation received, its all the spark that lights the fire. Since then I have completed a full size Dalek, a Captain America costume and shield, also had another go at Iron Man in order to improve on my skills and do a better job than the first time around. This has all been on the sidelines, all with my own money for my own pleasure, looking to hopefully pursue a career in this and some sort of production work in the future.
On the flip side to this I also really enjoy being behind the scenes and while at University I got opportunities to work on TV productions, the first was “Cythrel Canu”, a show for S4C where I worked as a Trainee Art Department Runner. Also on “To Provide All People”, a show for BBC1 starring an A list cast filming at Neville Hall Hospital, the Sugar Loaf mountain and in Whitchurch. The film-making process is something I really enjoy, the organisation required and skill to produce something of a high quality fascinates me. Me and my brother have had a Production in the pipeline now for a good 2 years, having being on the sidelines while we both finish University, hopefully though when he graduates this year we can storm through it and finally get it finished.
So, what got you interested in the arts?
Originally what got me hooked on the film making process was in 2001 when the Lord of the Rings came out. The way Peter Jackson immersed me in a mythical world really influenced me.
I would watch these films over and over again, and also take a look into the behind the scenes on the film making process, and how they done everything really appealed to me (maybe not in 2001 as I was only 4, but probably as I was getting older). Having then being influenced to be more creative and practical was down to Robert Downey Jr in 2008 when he assumed the role of Tony Stark in Iron Man, after watching this I really wanted to be Tony Stark and make the suit of armour, which I ended up doing in 2015.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
When I want to start anything, I make sure it is something I love and will want to put my all into, otherwise I may lose heart and not want to finish it simply because I wouldn’t love what I’m doing. When I know I am going to start something then I do as much research on it as I can as its easier to think something through in detail at the beginning, than to change it once its already done and too late. I keep my eye open all the time to ideas and influences that may help along the way that I may not have thought of and could be a great help. I ask my dad a fair bit too, anytime I’m stuck as to how something is going to work I ask him for his opinion as it really helps getting a fresh pair of eyes look at it.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
In order to get support it is very important for someone to know exactly where they want to end up, as its hard to get help to get somewhere if you don’t know where you want to end up. While still in education the best support can be your lecturers/tutors, who are real industry professionals and have had experience in the industry, and even if you have finished education, I’m sure they will be more than happy to offer support and guidance as to which direction to head into. As a tool, YouTube is one of the best free learning resources out there, if you want to do anything, there’ll probably be some sort of guide/ tutorial on ho to get started.
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
The best example out there has to be YouTube, as this is a platform where anyone can post whatever they want to on there. Big organisations use it to promote themselves which normally makes for trending on that day and the days to come. Also some individuals use this as a way of income, to make their own “show” in which they post regular videos to entertain people. Two brilliant examples would be “TheSlowMoGuys” and “Colin Furze”, individuals who have made their career from YouTube and has been really successful in doing so.
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales what would this be and why?
If I could fund an area, it would have to be to the individuals out there, who don’t have much of a background, have no money to get an education or the experience to get anywhere, and to give them a chance at doing what they would love to do, maybe thus giving them the kick start they need to pursue a career.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
What excites me is that I don’t believe Wales has hit its peak yet in terms of the full potential that the country is capable of. We have already seen massive shows such as Doctor Who and His Dark Materials grace our screens, but I believe this is just the beginning. Not knowing where the future is going to be for this country is really exhilarating, it can only go up from here. Recently Robert Downey Jr portrayed the role of Dr Dolittle, performing this role in a Welsh accent, showcasing this to the rest of the world. The talent we have in Wales is also something to be excited about, Luke Evans, Ruth Jones, Michael Sheen, Matthew Rhys, Anthony Hopkins, to name a few are all Welsh people who have made it big so far in the world, this list is going to grow by a great deal, a list of names that Wales is going to be proud of.
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
The last great thing I experienced was getting a job at Bad Wolf. When I used to work at Superbowl UK, I would pass the studio on the way to work, I would always look over and think “I would love to work in there some day” and now I do. While working at Bad Wolf I have also had amazing opportunities within the company, such as working on the His Dark Materials Welsh Premiere, being able to visit the sets of the mythical land and meeting the stars of the show. It’s something I will truly cherish forever.
You can checkout more of Callum’s work at his YouTube channel. Or on Instagram
Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Rhiannon, great to meet you. Can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
Hi! I’m a bilingual illustrator from South Wales, currently finishing my degree with Swansea College of Art. I’m hoping to do a Masters degree in Illustration next year.
The main thing I like to draw is portraits, I love drawing people and I always have, they’re fascinating and allow for so much detail. I’m also very interested in illustrating novels, though specifically books geared towards more mature readers – my current project is illustrating the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
So, what got you interested in the arts?
It sounds cliché, but I’ve always been drawing ever since I can remember! When I was young, I used to get home from school and sit in front of the telly with a pile of paper and just doodle all evening until dinner! I’d copy characters from cartoons I was watching, and I loved the show Art Attack. I could get through at least 20 sheets of paper at a time! My love for drawing has carried me through my entire life thus far, I’ve always loved just sitting down and making something.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
My creative process usually consists of sketching out a drawing on paper before scanning the sketch and colouring it digitally using a drawing app on my mobile phone called Autodesk Sketchbook. Although digital drawing has been a forefront in my practice at the moment, when I do draw traditionally I use a mixture of mediums – mainly marker pens, watercolour paint, and coloured pencils. I tend to start with a wash of watercolour and then build up layers of colour with the markers and coloured pencils. I love using bold colour schemes in my work, especially when drawing digitally, I like my portraits to look clean and sharp. I post a majority of my work on my Instagram – @doughnutkingdom.
As a young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period, what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
Graduating at the moment seems very unreal, and I’ve almost put it to the back of my mind! However, I still feel as though having a degree show would be very beneficial to all arts students whose shows were cancelled. Being able to run these shows once things are looking up would be amazing, and would allow us to have the same opportunities as the students who came before us. Understandably, this might not be possible for some time, so I’ve been concentrating on working on my portfolio as preparation for when we can return back to some kind of normality.
A range of arts organisation and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
I’ve seen a lot of artists on Instagram giving each other helping hands, mainly through sharing other artists’ work on their stories, and promoting artists who may need help with commissions and so on. A lot of art pages have been posting challenges, prompts and tasks to help people keep busy too, which I think is a really great idea.
If you were able to fund an area of the arts in Wales, what would this be and why?
I think I’d definitely want to focus on giving art education in primary schools and comprehensive schools a lot more love and care. I honestly believe art is so important for primary school children, as it’s an outlet for their feelings, and a way for them to show their interests. Art clubs were something I really enjoyed going to when I was in primary school, and I feel like it’s very important for children to have some time in the day to be creative. I also believe that comprehensive schools could focus more on this element too, and continue to nurture this creativity in young people. It would be wonderful to be able to provide comprehensive schools with more art materials, resources, and a curriculum that focused on art history and the more technical aspects of art.
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
It makes me very proud to see the art community in Wales growing as much as it is. Wales has always been known as a creative country and I can’t wait to see how far we’re going to go in the future. I’ve noticed our galleries and museums getting some more attention lately too, especially Cardiff Museum. With the diplodocus living there for a little while, their Leonardo DaVinci exhibition, and housing a Botticelli painting, the museum has gained a lot of publicity!
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
I think the fact that our communities are stronger than ever right now is something great in itself. We’re all living in a very bizarre world, and everyone’s readiness to help each other and be there for each other is amazing. Although it might feel like all this will never end, the fact that we’re all in this together is a great comfort and it’s shown that despite our differences, we can all work together.
Hi Victoria, great to meet you, can you tells us about yourself and your work?
Hello – I’m Victoria Rogers, the Manager of The Museum of Cardiff. We’re the city history museum in the Old Library building in The Hayes. We’ve only been open for 9 years, so in museum terms we’re a real new kid on the block. I’ve been there right from the early days, when we were known as the Cardiff Museum Project and starting the first consultations about what the Cardiff public wanted their museum to be, way back in 2006.
Before we opened, Cardiff had never had its own museum that told its own story, so getting the public involved was crucial. They worked with us to co-create the museum and hundreds and hundreds of people were involved making the decisions about what stories to tell, what our galleries would look like and donating objects for the collection.
The museum is a real community focussed organisation – not just in the stories we tell but in all our activities. I’m the strategic lead now, so I do a lot of fundraising and grant applications, and spend lots of time fostering new partnerships with organisations and community groups across the city and county so we can make sure more of Cardiff’s heritage and stories are celebrated.
This chat is specifically about music and the role it has played in your personal and professional life. Firstly to start off what are you currently listening to?
Ok, so the first thing to confess is that my musical taste is not at all credible. My first record was Bucks Fizz (no joke! Land of Make Believe…closely followed by If You Can’t Stand the Heat… I’ve still got them somewhere…)
We’re speaking during the Covid-19 lockdown, so like a lot of people I’m working from home at the moment. So actually, I’m listening a lot to the radio at the moment – partly for the music, partly for the company of a voice chatting to me in the corner of the room – BBC Six Music (not too bad) and Absolute ‘80s (not at all credible…embarrassingly so). Music and singing have always been important to me and my family. While my Grandfather was singing with the Pendyrus Male Voice Choir, I’m singing along to ‘80s cheesy pop while washing up…it’s honestly one of my favourite things to do.
We are interviewing a range of people about their own musical inspiration, can you list five records/albums which have a personal resonance to you and why?
(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
My all-time favourite song. No idea when I first heard it, where I would have been, or how old I was but I’ve loved it for a long time. Just really like the image it conjures up of sitting and watching the sea, again, one of my favourite things to do.
The Red and Blue albums by The Beatles
Yes, a total cheat this, it’s basically their greatest hits albums – too many great songs to choose from! I grew up with The Beatles, singing along to them with my father form a big chunk of my childhood memories (he was a massive fan and his record collection was basically their albums and singles). I used to love looking at these albums, I was mesmerised by the photos of the Mersey-beat Beatles on the Red album and the hippy-era Beatles on the Blue one. I’m guessing I wasn’t old enough to have any real concept that they had been taken years apart. I was just fascinated by how they looked like they were the same people but they looked so very different.
Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morrissette
This is basically the soundtrack to my final year at University. Wherever you went in the Student Village or on campus, you’d hear it coming from someone’s window. It was released 25 years ago this year so I listened to it again not that long ago and it immediately transported me back to a year of spreading my wings, feeling independent for the first time, having my heart broken, fun (so much fun), having my heart mended, hopes and dreams for the future, meeting lifelong friends…
I’ve chosen this because it was the soundtrack to the year I spent in Nottingham doing my Museum Studies masters. It was the height of Cŵl Cymru and this was my first experience of living out of Wales, so to this ex-pat, having Welsh bands like Catatonia on the radio, playing in bars, in my new friends’ CD collections was comforting and something I was really proud of. Welsh music finally being recognised. I’ve moved around a lot for my job and have lived in Nottingham, Somerset and Tyneside. Music – my Catatonia, Manics and Stereophonics albums – were a big part of helping me feel I was holding on to my identity while living outside of Wales.
Funkanomics remix of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition
Almost as much as I love a good sing along, I love a good dance. This is perfect – I love Stevie Wonder (who doesn’t?) and this remix is wonderful for feeling like you’ve got no other choice than to get up and get moving. First heard at my local, The Globe in Cardiff, at Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul show. It’s also my go-to motivation song in the mornings if I need an extra little something to get me feeling positive for the day ahead.
Just to put you on the spot could you choose one track from the five listed above and tell us why you have chosen this?
Let’s go with Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles from the Blue/Abbey Road albums. Think it’s the little bit of positivity we all need at the moment! And it really is excellent for singing along to…
Creating opportunities for a diverse range of people to experience and respond to sport, arts, culture and live events. / Lleisiau amrywiol o Gymru yn ymateb i'r celfyddydau a digwyddiadau byw
