jobs in theatre panel discussion

This event has now finished. You can view the recorded discussion below

A job in theatre is not just about being on stage in the spotlight. There are many other job roles that make up the theatre industry behind the scenes, from the creative teams to the stage management crew.  

In this discussion, we will be chatting about the many roles that go into making theatre. 

This free Zoom event is for anyone starting out in theatre or thinking about a career in the arts. Our panel of theatre-makers will discuss their experience of working in theatre in creative roles behind the scenes.

This is an opportunity for young people to learn more about theatre and ask questions. 

When: Wednesday 31st March

Time: 6pm - 7.15pm

Price: Free

Accessible for deaf and hearing. In British Sign Language with voice over and live captions

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Panellists

 

Chris Fonseca

Chris is a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher. Based in London, Chris works extensively across the UK, and overseas.

It can be said that Chris's earliest inspirations are credited to actor Michael 'Boogaloo Shrimp' Chambers, and Old Skool dance techniques such as; Electric Boogaloo, Popping, locking and B-Boying. He is a founding member of Def Motion (2011-13), an all-deaf dance group affiliated to Deaffest - the UK's annual Deaf Film Festival, during this time he graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a degree in Graphic Communication. The proceeding ten years has offered him a diverse spectrum of experiences and accomplishments. In 2012 he appeared in the Paralympics opening ceremony (London 2012, UK) illuminating his talents as an accomplished dance artist and creator. More recent activities include; The Black Collective: Black History Month, (2015) Smirnoff: Ice keep it moving campaign, LinkedIn Chase the great campaign (2016), SKY1 what’s up TV BBC: The one show, (2017), BBC THREE: Amazing Human JBL: Sound to See, campaign (2018), BBC: The Greatest Dancer, Wind In The Willows Musical Theatre (Touring UK), CBeebies: Blue Peter (2019). CNN, Facebook App, More than words music video by Sleepwalkrs ft MNEK, CuteCircuit and Strictly Come Dancing (2020). 

Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford

Mary-Jayne graduated from the University of Reading in 2005 with a degree in Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies. Since then she has worked as a freelance drama facilitator, drama workshop leader, scriptwriter, BSL story-teller, worship leader and theatre director. 

Before lockdown she worked with Vamos Theatre, leading mask workshops and founding two separate residential theatre summer school weeks. 

Her last stage management role was when she was touring with a theatre group that she founded called DeDrama Theatre. Professionally, she undertook work experience and production fundraising with Deafinitely Theatre between 2004 and 2009: Vagina Monologue, Lipstick and Lollipop and Double Sentence. With the British Deaf Association: Cinderella. At DaDaFest, Liverpool and Graeae Theatre The Diary of an Action Man and with Reading University Drama Society (RUDS) Electra, Cabaret and Grease. As well as this she also graduated from the London Academy of Music and Drama (LAMDA) with a diploma in Stage Management. In 2013, she was involved with Tech Theatre BSL glossary project.

Deepa Shastri

Deepa has worked in the arts and cultural sector on various levels for the last 15 years as an actress, BSL consultant/director of artistic sign language and project manager/associate producer. She is also an expert on deaf and hard of hearing audience development and has specialist knowledge in theatre access solutions for deaf people.

Associate Producer credits include The Process, Bunker Theatre, Unlimited, as part of London 2012 festival programme and Liverpool’s DaDa Festival. 

BSL consultant/director of artistic sign language; credits include RSC, Royal Court Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Neon Dance at The Place, Battersea Arts Centre and Movement of the Soul with Dreamatorium Theatre.

TV, film and stage acting credits include Hands Solo, The Kiss and All Day, Deaf Funny, Ch4 Rush, BBC See Hear’s Switch and on stage, Fingersmiths Ltd production Frozen. She signed a song solo at the London 2012’s Paralympics Opening Ceremony.