First Steps -
My first step is to apply for jobs in my local area in the arts sector. This will give me security and a platform to work from while I develop my creative independence and search for a job in the performance industry, developing a professional career.
I shall continue developing my creative style by remaining involved in the arts, seeing shows and engaging with the community theatres near me.
Current upcoming performances I will be seeing in July are Bryony Kimmings solo piece 'Bog Witch' in Chester and Luke Rollasons show 'Alas!' in Manchester. Both are artists I look up to and am inspired by the work they curate. The venues their work exists in could be spaces I can contact for opportunities.
I am also going to stay engaged with theatre practice and enhancing my knowledge and theory through continuing to read and inform myself with the technique and teaching of others! Current books on order are Tormentor (Philippe Gaulier) and Do it yourself - making political theatre (Common Wealth Theatre).
As I move away from my current social network and connections, I am keen to meet new like-minded people in my area. It is valuable and important to surround yourself with others who will help you to grow.
I plan to stay in touch with my friends from university as I work well and can bounce ideas off of them and continue developing work in the future. This will help me keep imaginative ideas alive, strengthen connections and network through others.
I also hope to revive my passion for making art and creating visual work. I plan on joining local walking clubs and train towards achieving my Mountain Leader qualification in 2027.
Fringe Festival -
My solo theatre and development of ideas into fruition will continue. I will be aiming to submit my work into North England and Wales Fringe Festivals in 2027. This will give me good promotion, network opportunities, experience and audience feedback. It also keeps me motivated having this goal to strive towards, keeping my practice and creativity alive as I pursue my art.
I plan to volunteer in Llangollens Fringe Festival this September and become a part of their team!
I also plan on taking Dotty Dazzle to new heights. Beginning by purchasing a vlog camera, I will be starting a series 'Dotty Dazzle: Into the Unknown' where my first episode will be called 'Ministry of Funny Walks'. I will be taking the Dazzle persona up the Welsh hills as she takes on the Welsh Three Peaks. This can be a way for me to keep my clowns playful spirit alive and exploring, spark inspiration and promote Dazzle. Fun and theatre in the great outdoors while discovering more about my inner idiot!
I am developing a touring and marketing pack which I can reconfigure for different specific shows and venues. This will mean I am always ready and prepared to approach venues professionally and show clear understanding about what my work is about and hopes to achieve. The meaning of its creation and the desire to perform this work for audiences.
I have also made a professional acting cover letter which I can attach to art sector job pursuits as well as my formal experience cover letter so that employers can get a good gage on me as a performer and access my spotlight page.
Workshops, Residencies, Programmes and Further Training -
"Theatre is as serious as a children game" (Philippe Gaulier).
Ecole Philippe Gaulier in France is an established, world renowned actor training facility for clown practice. Gaulier's teaching is a fundamental part of the clown and Le Jeu (the game). Actors are players and theatre is the game! The school offers a number of courses to apply for. After working and saving money, applying to Gaulier's school could be a brilliant next step in my further training. The summer course especially excites me as a possibility I can set my sights on to apply for.
I will keep up-to-date with upcoming Intensive courses and workshops with companies such as SpyMonkey, ImproQuo and Common Wealth Theatre to take part in and elevate my craft. This is always a great way to meet people and network with fellow theatre makers.
I can also remain aware of workshops being ran by individual performers like Lil Wenker and Jamie Wood!
Artist development programmes are also a great chance for me to gain mentorship, support and help as an emerging artist and build a sustainable career. Options and programmes I could apply for with creative practice ideas and projects that are possible future pursuits include:
- Stiwdio Clwyd - offers a range of artist development programmes aimed to help young artists develop their practice. With workshops, competitions and job opportunities applying to these programmes would be a good way for me to take my professional career development seriously and gain the ability to truly enhance my skills and practice via the funding, space and mentorship provided. The Sparks Flagship Programme is designed for theatre makers across Wales as they create new work.
- Chichester Festival Theatre - Wet Flannel Productions are hopefully going to apply for their Future Theatre Makers two year programme in 2027 to develop our emerging theatre company and our current production Not To The Lighthouse (again)!
MA -
An MA is something I have thought about considering after a break from education. Drama or Art therapy is a field that intrigues me a lot and I think offers a great way to help people. I think clowning could be an amazing way to help people navigate mental health disorders and develop coping strategies. Clowns embrace failure, play and the vulnerability of being exposed in a moment. These skills could help people reclaim and take control of their social fears and mentally stronger. Training in this field means I could facilitate this and community arts programmes aimed to expand peoples creativity and confidence, explore emotions and overcome challenges in a creative way.
‘If we can learn how to feel our way through these experiences and own our stories of struggle, we can write our own brave endings. (Brown, 2015: xx)
‘Play helps us deal with difficulties, provides a sense of expansiveness, promotes mastery of our craft, and is an essential part of the creative process.’ (Brown, 2022: 69).
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD) - London: A 2-year full-time MA that uniquely combines drama and movement, rooted in the Jungian-based "Sesame Approach"
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) - Cambridge: A highly regarded, full-time 2-year MA that teaches evidence-based drama therapy for both children and adults.
I am also interested in taking short courses that would give me further performance training and enhance my skills.
RADA runs an intensive, 5-day in-person Clown Short Course in London. Priced at £1,000, it explores play, spontaneity, and comedy craft for participants aged 18+
Contacting Agents -
I plan to proactively email agencies for work opportunities and representation. This will include Extra Agencies and Acting Representation in North Wales.
I have also prepared a template email ready to send out to agencies:
Agency List So Far: