What is your occupation?
I am senior youth theatre director at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP).
Where did you study/train?
I studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, formerly known as the Birmingham School of Acting, in Applied Theatre [see info box].
What's been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I would have to say working with the National Theatre (NT) on the 2018 production of Pericles. I had always dreamed of one day working in that theatre, so it was a surreal experience to become an associate as part of NT Public Acts [a new participatory theatre programme]. The show involved over 250 people from all walks of life performing on the Olivier stage.
What did you think of the drama lessons you received at secondary school?
I thought they were really fun but at the time I wasn't sure how I could make a career out of it. I didn't choose drama as a GCSE and instantly regretted this decision upon making my other choices. My drama teacher was really gutted when she found out. It's really funny where life can lead you.
When I took part in drama between Years 7 to 9, I really enjoyed getting involved in a subject where I could express myself in a unique way. My teacher found ways for us to truly engage with the subject through a variety of stimuli, all of which personally resonated.
What do you think about the state of drama education today?
Starting with the positive, I know that teachers across the UK have been working hard to ensure that drama is accessible within schools. Whether drama is woven into English lessons or applied as a kinaesthetic way of learning in other subjects. There is also great Theatre in Education (TIE) work happening, where young people are able to learn about a variety of social issues. I feel that schools are also becoming more aware of the positive effects that drama can have on young people in regard to developing confidence, resilience and public speaking skills.
On the other side, there are continuing cuts to the arts within education. I have met many young people who are not able to access drama in school or who do not have the option of taking it as a GCSE because their school feels it is not important. I also think young people need to be informed on different pathways within the field. As I mentioned earlier, I had no idea where drama could take me, so even though I was enjoying it I did not see a long-term future in it. If more visiting theatre companies and satellite groups could be set up in schools, as co-curricular activities, pupils could be made more aware of the possibilities that exist within the industry. Our government needs to be more attentive towards drama education.
What would you say to a young person considering a career in drama?
I would say allow yourself to discover all of the possibilities within this wonderful world of theatre. There are so many routes to take and you do not have to be focussed on one thing. Whether you prefer an academic route or a practical route, there are endless possibilities – directing, facilitating, designing and so on.
What's next for you?
There are quite a few exciting things in the pipeline for 2019 – it is definitely worth keeping an eye on The REP's Spring and Summer programme.
What impact do you hope your work has on young people?
I always hope that when I work with young people, they feel that their voice has been heard and that they are in a safe environment where they can express themselves freely through theatre while learning. From the young person who is able to recite a line for the first time to an audience, to the person who has always dreamed of becoming an actor, I hope the participants I have engaged feel that they have been given an opportunity to show the world what they can achieve.