I work primarily on Corde Lisse, embracing the strength of the vertical image to create dynamic and engaging aerial performance. I've toured and performed in traditional circus, cabaret and theatre and I am currently focusing on using my aerial work as physical theatre.
I took a degree in theatre at Dartington College of Arts, developing an interest in physical theatre especially when interacted with scenographic forms. I was a founder member of the Dave Fish Theatre Company. I trained in rope and other aerial circus skills at Circus Maniacs. I have spent three summers in touring circus and performed at cabarets and festivals and in the theatre/dance works Will O' the Wisp with Beautiful Creatures and Keeper of the King's Conscience with Lina B. Frank.
In 2011 I decided to undertake a programme of professional development, taking part in courses and creative exchanges with many inspiring circus and theatre makers, which are detailed below.
I am also a director of the Cube Cinema in Bristol where I create events, including the successful Cabaret of Curiosities.
Training:
·BA Hons Theatre 2:1
1998-2001 Dartington College of Arts
Including modules in physical theatre, dance, scenography and puppetry and an Erasmus exchange to The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, studying Costume Design.
·Professional Development Circus Arts
2007- 2009 CircusManiacs, Specialising in Aerial Skills
·Art and Design Foundation Diploma
2002-2004 (Part-time) Bristol School of Art
·BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts
1996-1998 GlosCat, Cheltenham
·Edinburgh Acro and Aerial Convention, 2009
Advanced Silks, Doubles trapeze, Aerial Dance, Aerial Theatre, Rigging for aerial
·Private Tuition, Corde Lisse
With Tanya Scully, 2009
·Doubles Rope with Routledge and Bailey
No Fit State, February 2010
·Devising for Aerial, Ockham’s Razor Day Workshop
Exploring the use of non-traditional equipment.
·Aerial Journeys with John-Paul Zaccarini
Two-day workshop, exploring physical theatre techniques and narrative possibilities. January 2011.
·Leo and Yam Intensive Aerial Workshop, February 2011
·Creative Exchange, Circus Space, with Matilda Leyser, Phelim McDermott and Lee Simpson from Improbable, using writing and improvisation exercises for aerial. May 2011
·LICA Summer School with Ockham's Razor
On how to collaboratively create atmospheres and environments for a promenade audience and how to move and manipulate an audience and the space around them.
·Going Beyond Multidisciplinary workshops looking at 'going beyond what you thought physically, vocally and emotionally possible' Drawing on endurance, dance, and body-weather.
·Silos Weekender with Northern Creatives Exploring the absurdity of isolation and the cacophonies and silences of our internal worlds. Using physical, devised and acting skills.
Shows:
Dave Fish Theatre Company, The Cure and My Head was a Sledgehammer tours, Empire and Commonwealth Museum residencies 2004-2008
The Cabinet of Curiosities, storytelling, songs and puppetry for the Empire and Commonwealth Museum, 2006
Beautiful Creatures, Will O the Wisp, Reading 2007
Circus Ferrel, touring circus 2008
Foolhardy Folk Circus, touring circus 2009 & 2010
The Keeper of The King's Conscience, dir. Lina B Frank, Resolution at The Place, 2010
Acts of Desperation, So Lonely I Could Die, dir Eleanor Fogg 2010
Appearances:
Cabaret of Curiosities, producer, compère and various short acts from acro-balance to the dance troupe The Cardboard Chorus Line · Cirque Subite Cabaret, Reading · Ausform Platform of Performance, production assistant and character compère · Pie in the Sky, Cube Cinema · Big Red Door Cabaret, Edinburgh · The Cave of Mystery, Somerset ·Albany Centre Fundraiser, Bristol · Circus2Gaza Fundraiser, Bristol · Shamabala Festival · Ashton Court Festival · Glastonbury Festival · Big Chill Festival