They’re halfway through their Kickstart placement with us so we thought it was a great time to have a little chinwag to hear how they’ve been getting on and what are their plans for the future.
How did you find yourself applying to Soho theatre?
Annagh: Trying to be an actor straight out of Drama School in a pandemic was depressing. I missed being involved in creative projects and realised the acting wasn’t what connected me to the theatre, but people and communities.
Takyiah: I previously trained as an actor at University but I was always intrigued by the behind-the-scenes side of theatre making/how theatres operate, so when this position became available it felt just right! Throughout my degree I had spent a lot of time at Soho Theatre, watching and reviewing performances for my modules and supporting Sh!t Theatre, who were graduates from my course. It was a full circle moment for me.
What do you enjoy most about working for Soho?
A: I’ve loved working in my home borough to create projects that involve the whole community, it means so much to me that Waltham Forest is finally going to have its own theatre.
T: My favourite part of my placement so far has been engaging with other creatives and learning about how Soho Theatre functions. It’s really fascinating and rewarding to be a part of the team. I’ve also loved having the opportunity to watch and review theatre and help select the new cohort for this year’s Writers’ Labs.
What new skills have you learnt?
A: I’ve built up a lot of confidence in myself; I’m a lot more self-assured when speaking about my ideas and engaging with new people.
T: My confidence with working with different people from different backgrounds has improved a lot, especially because I did a lot of Waltham Forest-based events over this summer. I’ve also learnt how to script read and write reviews more efficiently as it’s been a large part of my job.
What do you hope to learn by the end of your placement?
A: There’s so much I’m still excited to learn. I hope I can shadow colleagues from other departments at Soho Theatre, like comedy and producing.
T: I hope to learn more about how each department at Soho works, especially the relationship between the Creative Engagement team and the programming and talent development.
Would you say your placement has introduced you to new possibilities?
A: It has been a really inspiring 3 months. Even after completing a degree in drama I thought my only options were acting, talent management or casting. Since I joined Soho Theatre I’ve learnt so much about London theatre and comedy and now my options feel endless and there’s so much I want to do.
T: My placement has definitely sparked my intrigue for directing and facilitating workshops in the future.
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