Applied Theatre Podcast

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastComputers & Theatre, led by Artistic Director Paul Sutton, revolutionises how participatory theatre is made, accessed and experienced. Our conversation explores their mission to make responsive Applied Theatre accessible to classrooms and participants globally. Their technology ‘Prospero’ is designed to enable access to creative learning in any space with a computer, it is also intelligent enough to complement the pace, style and decision-making of those participating with the hundreds of interactive workshops, performances and lessons available—a huge thank you Paul for your time.‘C&T is a team of applied theatre practitioners, technologists and researchers, finding new ways of fusing drama and digital technologies. Our award-winning Prospero theatre technology is transforming lives and communities around the world.’C&T links:Website - https://www.candt.org/Instagram - @candt_theatreTwitter - @c_&_tApplied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast #theatre #applied theatre #podcast #C&T #computers

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastFallen Angels Dance Theatre is led by ‘Artist in recovery’, Paul Bayes-Kitcher. A former professional Ballet Dancer, Paul shared with me his highest highs and lowest lows, detailing how his own struggles with addiction led him to form Fallen Angels. The company which is Liverpool-based, provides outreach in both Liverpool and Chester for those interested in movement, expression and on a journey of recovery. Paul’s story is both inspiring and cautionary. Fallen Angels places ‘emphasis on the group experience, achieving something special together’, as well as combining both professional and community ensembles to produce professional performance. Thank you Paul for sharing your story and detailing the beautiful practice your company produces. ‘Fallen Angels Dance Theatre exist to support those in recovery from addiction and those living with mental health adversity to transform their lives, and share their recovery journey, through dance, performance and creativity.’Fallen Angels links:Website - https://fallenangelsdt.org/Instagram - @fallenangelsrisingTwitter - @FallenAngelsDTApplied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastThe Wallis Annenberg Centre for Performing Arts, in Beverly Hills, California has a new Executive Director and CEO. Robert shared with me the already outstanding work the Wallis has produced to earn its reputable identity within the Beverly Hills community. Roberts vision, driven by the voices of not only those who pre date his arrival at the Wallis, now shifts outwards to his building civic responsibility, hoping to address the boundaries for engagement and re shape the Wallis into a learning, evolving space for the next generation of artists. Thank you Robert for your time. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA, is a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national, and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences. Distinguished by its eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis has produced and presented more than 400 theater, dance, music, film, cabaret, comedy, performance arts, and family entertainment programs, boasting nominations for 79 Ovation Awards and nine L.A. Drama Critic's Circle Awards as well as six architectural awards. Since its doors opened in October 2013, The Wallis has been committed to robust and distinctive presentations and education programs curated with both creativity and social impact in mind.Wallis Annenberg Centre links:Website - https://thewallis.orgApplied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastTony Cealy is a British Applied Theatre Practitioner. His work spans all community practice areas including workshop facilitation, performance making and facilitator training. Spending the hour with Tony chatting through his story, his training and the work he now produces highlights how much he loves his profession and cares about the impact of his work. A true master, I thank you Tony for your insight and time. I’m a drama facilitator, theatre practitioner, arts activist, and creative producer who makes projects and programmes designed to engage the public in issues that are important for social and behavioral change. I am inspired by the creative arts and I work collaboratively with communities, artists, organisations and institutions to plan deliver and evaluate projects, programmes and arts experiences within the public realm.Bullet Points links:Twitter - @tonycealyWebsite - https://tonycealy.com/Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastBullet Point Theatre Company consists of Writer, Lucinda Coyle and Director, Samuel Xavier. From 6th June - 14th June their show, ‘Our Last First’ will be performed at The Space Theatre, London. Both Lucy and Samuel share a passion for change-making. Throughout our conversation, they shared with me their thoughts on how the acting/performance industry could look if populated more broadly, by those who currently ‘do not fit’. Their show ‘Our Last First’ is a testament to this belief ‘Written without any pronouns, genders, names, ages, or physical descriptions this play is designed to be played by any and every actor’. Our conversation also provided insight into the landscape of life running an independent theatre company, and how they approach making and selling their work. Thank you Samuel and Lucy for your time. Bullet Point Theatre is co-founded by Lucinda Coyle and Samuel Xavier.  It was created with one aim, for each show topic to be about a voice or conversation that is not allowed time or space. We believe that theatre needs to prove points, encourage change, and show realities on stage that our audiences would often shy away from. Dramas on tv and film of course portray it, but audiences can distract themselves from the truth by getting their phones out. Theatre provides two, or three, hours of inescapable truth, where you can’t hide behind a cushion if you feel uncomfortable. If an audience feels comfortable whilst watching one of our shows then we haven’t done our job. The writing is honest. The staging is truthful and all our dramas highlight either injustice or evoke the need for change.Bullet Points links:Twitter - @bulletpointtcInstagram - @bulletpointtcWebsite - https://www.bulletpointtheatre.co.uk/Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastTracy and Brad are Artistic Activists. From their approach to making performance to their outlook on their work not being complete until equity and equality are for all, they wholeheartedly live and breathe the work which has recently earned ‘Unanima Theatre’, National Portfolio Organisation status from the Arts Council England. Our conversation explored how Unanima operates, and how they approach making performances with Learning Disabled, Autistic Actors. Make no mistake, they pull no punches, their actors work as a professional ensemble and their mission is for audiences to uphold their work to that same standard. Thank you Tracy and Brad for your time. Unanima is a Mansfield-based theatre company that has been creating work since 2008. Our cast are exclusively Learning Disabled and Autistic, and using a collaborative devising process we create unique witty, provocative theatre based on their lives, experiences and questions about the world.Through compelling performances that invite audiences to ponder and wonder we seek to stimulate social change.We are becoming increasingly intolerant of Learning Disabled and Autistic people being overlooked and infantilised by society and we will continue to produce art that sparks solutions until this has stopped.Unanima’s links:Twitter - @unanimatheatreInstagram - @UnanimaWebsite - https://www.unanima-theatre.co.uk/Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast #theatre #applied theatre #podcast #Unanima

Adrian shared with me his passion for people and producing theatre. After our conversation he made me realise great producing involves consideration for the people who both make and experience art. His passion for truthful authentic spaces outlines his approach to ensuring Outreach & Inclusion is genuine, exciting and provoking. Thank you Adrian for your time. Adrian’s links:Twitter - @adriandgardInstagram - @Aadriandgahttps://lyric.co.uk/Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast #theatre #applied theatre #podcast #lyrichammersmith

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastHonoured to have been approached to interview Aaron and Mallory about their new book, ‘The City We Make Together: City Council Meeting’s Primer For Participation’. The book explores their performance City Council Meeting which is just that! Using verbatim accounts from real city council meetings, Aaron and Mallory invite audiences to take up the role of not only city council employees but those community members who attend with real issues they seek to be resolved. We discuss the making of the show and subsequently the content of their book which supplies readers with the tools and suggested approaches for staging their very own City Council Meeting. A deep dive into how democratic spaces can be cultivated and ways in which theatre can be used as a tool to benefit communities. Thank you both Aaron and Mallory for your time. ‘The City We Make Together: City Council Meeting’s Primer For Participation’ can be found here: BUY NOWAaron and Mallory’s links:http://www.thinaar.com/https://mallorycatlett.net/Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast #theatre #applied theatre #podcast #thecitywemaketogether

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastCasey & I discussed his journey. From where he started, the Birmingham raised Grime Emcee had aspirations of being Birmingham’s biggest and brightest act. Casey didn’t stop there. This conversation is littered with inspiration and a dive into the mindset of a writer, performer and educator. Earlier this year Casey, the Birmingham Poet Laureate and winner of the Greater Birmingham Future Face of Arts and Culture 2020, showcased his new play ‘Grime Boy’, we discussed processes, where the play sits culturally in the city of Birmingham and how his writing now transcends his intended audiences. Thank you Casey for your time. Casey’s new book ‘From This Soil’ is available to buy here: BUY 'From This Soil'Casey’s Links:http://caseybailey.co.uk/Twitter - @MrCaseyBaileyInstagram - @casey_baileyApplied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast #theatre #applied theatre #podcast #CaseyBailey

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastInspiring conversation with Applied Theatre Researcher, Georgia Bowers. Her passion for Applied practice with older adults has contributed to her research ‘Applied Theatre and Older Adults: The Impact of Theatrical Engagement with Adults aged 65+’. Georgia’s research further evidences how transformational Applied Practice can be and how it is the duty of theatres, funders and practitioners to provide it. Thank you, Georgia for your time. ‘It is emerging that Applied Theatre with adults over 65 years can function as an intervention towards addressing shame and developing high levels of shame resilience. While positively contributing towards this age group’s sense of wellbeing, promoting empathy, feelings of joy, happiness and creating intergenerational relationships.’Georgia’s Bio:Georgia Bowers is a nationally recognised artist facilitator/researcher who specialises inapplied theatre practice with adults aged 65+. She is an Associate Lecturer at the Universityof Portsmouth and the University of Chichester. Georgia serves as a committee member forthe British Society of Gerontology's Creative Ageing: Special Interest Group and is a trusteefor London Bubble Theatre Company. She is also the Graduate School Representative for theAssociation for Theatre in Higher Education: Wellness, Community and Ageing Focus Group.As of 2021, Georgia is the Lead Artist for the Chichester Festival Theatre's The ChatterProject, which works with older adults from across the South Coast. Georgia is a graduate of the University of Chichester (BA Hons, Performing Arts and Music:First Class) and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (MA Applied Theatre: Dramain the Community and Drama Education). She is currently undertaking her PhD at theUniversity of Portsmouth, where her research is examining the impact of applied theatrewith older adults in England. Her previous professional engagements have included: Royal Opera House, ChichesterFestival Theatre, Brighton People’s Theatre, Spare Tyre, Young Carers: BUCKS, LondonBubble, Hampstead Theatre, Almeida Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre.Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast #theatre #applied theatre #podcast #GeorgiaBowers

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastPeckham Fringe Festival @ Peckham Theatre from 2nd May - 5th Junehttps://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/theatre-peckham-presents-peckham-fringe/Theatre Peckham is an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change. Through the power of theatre, we illuminate young voices, provide skills and opportunities, and platform excellent creatives locally focused with a national and international reach.Phillippe curates the Peckham Fringe and Young, Gifted; Black season programmes and oversees the programming of the Undercroft space and the Young Peckham programmes. Phillippe is also a singer-songwriter/composer, currently writing a musical, and freelances as a facilitator, dramaturg and producer on new writing projects. Phillippe is a theatre producer, dramaturg, composer and singer-songwriter from London. He is interested in creating and developing new work that explores socially relevant and representative stories, with a focus on global majority and queer voices.Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastIncredible conversation with Dr Nicola Abraham, (Senior Lecturer, Applied Theatre Practices, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) and Victoria Ruddock, (Dementia Specialist Healthcare Support Worker, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust) detailing their work on a range of Applied Theatre, film and VR projects in NHS hospitals. We discussed in detail how they have been developing new ‘person-centred’ approaches to creating bespoke artefacts, including VR 360 videos, intergenerational augmented reality-based process dramas with primary school children and older adult patients living with dementia. A huge thank you to Nicola and Victoria for sharing their inspirational and innovative practice. Nicky’s Links:Twitter - @DrNickA@Vic2ria2285   @CSSDlondonWebsite - https://www.cssd.ac.uk/staff-profiles/dr-nicola-abrahamApplied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodInstagram - @AppliedTheatrePodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

I was joined by Philip, Chenube and Stefan to talk everything Trybe. ‘Trybe House Theatre is a newly formed company which seeks to actively build resilience and self-wellbeing, primarily with young black men aged 16- 25, using theatre as a supportive outlet’. Throughout the episode, I learned how Trybe formed, how they work and their approaches to delivering creative projects which are supported through medical, mental health practice. Trybe House Theatre is now an Associate Company at the Royal Court Theatre and I’m privileged to share with you their first-ever company interview.

‘The worlds first interactive Theatre App!’ - Inside Theatre are the company behind the superb app ‘inside Theatre’. Speaking with Creative Director, Rebecca Gadsby, who explained to me how the app works, who the app is for and why this technology is so great! You can download the App now @ Apple and Google Stores.

I got the opportunity to speak with the brilliant David Allen, Artistic Director of Midland Actors Theatre, ahead of their Dorothy Heathcote Now: International Conference. David, a true student of Dorothy’s practice shared with me all the information on the up and coming conference. Explaining ‘For some people think Dorothy Heathcote is part of the past. Part of the history of Drama in Education. But to me, she is absolutely now. She should and is informing modern practice and I think boy, do we need her now!’.Book your ticket now! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorothy-heathcote-now-international-conference-tickets-128392987883

A conversation with Martha Godber, Founder of the Godber Theatre Foundation. The foundation aims to support Actors & Theatre creatives with their HE training. Whether supporting undergraduates with tuition, networking, or Actor essentials (headshots, spotlight), the foundation focuses intensely on championing future creatives from Hull and East Yorkshire.Over the course of the conversation, we discussed:How the Foundation was created. Why the foundation is important for Hull and East Yorkshire.Struggles Identified for young people aspiring to attend University/Drama School.How does the Foundation work? The Foundations aspirations.Thank you, Martha for your time.

Inspiring conversation with Jen Summer, Artistic Director of Hubbub Theatre Company. Jen’s practice alongside learning disabled actors/participants has cultivated a methodology known as ‘The Hubbub Way’. Jen explains that ‘the Hubbub way has become a language and a philosophy’. We discussed how the company devise and create performance exploring ‘the space in-between’. Approaches to co-creating with Learning Disabled Actors and the companies growth. Over the course of the episode we discussed: ·       A brief overview of Hubbub as a company ·       Recruiting / Working with Learning Disabled Actors ·        The Hubbub Way! ·      Hubbub’s latest project ‘The Drum’ , which is being developed with Helen Baggett from Gecko Theatre.Thank you, Jen for your time.

Loved speaking with Shereen, Director of Taking Part @ Young Vic Theatre, London. A conversation with Shereen had been recommended to me by a colleague, who described her as a powerhouse in the world of Applied Theatre’. She certainly lived up to her reputation, inspiring and amazing me with her passion for the incredible work she produces and the theatre she represents. Over the course of the episode we discussed: ·        Her pathway into her current role at Young Vic ·        Experience of training at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama ·        How Theatres can become more collaborative and representative of their communities ·        ‘Taking Part’ @ Young Vic. How the theatre operates and what it offers for its young people and local community ·        The ‘TWENTY TWENTY’ Project @ Young Vic.Thank you, Shereen for your time. ‘Shereen Jasmin Phillips graduated from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2010 with a degree in Drama, Applied Theatre and Education. She has worked in the artistic and creative learning departments of a variety of London Theatre's working with community groups of all ages for over ten years. She was Project Manager for Kiln Theatre's 2016 Takeover festival, Barbican Centre's 2017 Dialogue Festival and Outreach Producer for Barbican Cinema. Shereen was previously Assistant Producer for National Theatre's Pericles as part of their Public Acts programme and is currently Director of Taking Part at Young Vic. Shereen is also a Trustee of Talawa Theatre Company, a reader at National Theatre & Soho Theatre’s Verity Bargate Award and a writer – her work was screened as part of Royal Court’s Windrush event in April 2019 and selected as part of Cardiff International Film Festival in 2020’. Shereens Links: Twitter @ShereenJasmin @YVTakingPart

Absolute pleasure to have interviewed Dr Chris Bolton, Senior Lecturer in Drama Education at Birmingham City University. Chris discussed:- his doctorate research ‘Economies of Performance, Ecologies of Practice and Communities of Discovery: A collaborative approach to support Newly Qualified Teachers and their teacher identity (link to research below).

Episode 05 - Holly Barradell (Open Drama UK)Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast Really enjoyed speaking with Holly Barradell, Co-Founder of Open Drama UK. ( opendramauk.org ) ’We are Drama teachers, theatre practitioners and industry experts seeking an innovative way to engage with other like-minded individuals and organisations across the UK.We are OPEN to all, across the UK for everyone working within the theatre industry or in Drama education. We’re free to join and our member-led networks across the UK bring people together to share practice and make change happen.Our purpose is to advance, improve and benefit the lives of young people through their involvement in Drama both in schools and theatres.’ - www.opendramauk.orgHolly & I discussed the origins of Open Drama UK, the importance of supportive education networks and the power of building a community. Open Drama UK is incredibly responsive to the day to day lives of teachers. Open Drama UK supports teachers to share their experiences and gives them the opportunity to profile aspects of the profession others may need support with. Their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJE8-7nNXLJWkeNe4EKQNpA/videos ) currently has over thirty-seven presentations delivered by Drama Teachers and theatre companies from all over the UK. The network is also accessibly completely free although they have a patreon scheme where some opt to support with a monthly donation (https://www.patreon.com/opendramauk) Open Drama UK utilises a network of ‘Champions’ they engage regionally and nationally and subscribers also recieve communicate via monthly mail-outs and their pro-active social media presence. They have recently started their own podcast which you can subscribe to here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yeODR3O9rK6UchIvuvxOX?si=w5tmf6KuTGeq6KrgsR68bg Applied Theatre Podcast:Twitter - @ApptheatrepodEmail - appliedtheatrepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast