CLS Connections - Music & Performance 2024-25
Wed 30 October
14:30-16:00
Alec Clegg Studio
Stage@Leeds
Alice Barber, she/her 
Alice is a Yorkshire arts producer & theatremaker working for 9 years. She trained with Slung Low, later founding feminist theatre company Unsung Collective and co-running Front Room Productions, producing seven site-specific productions from 2017-2021. Alice is the Creative Producer and Programmer for Red Ladder Theatre Company, where she programmes and manages a network of non-traditional venues (working men’s clubs, village halls, community centres) in collaboration with communities where arts provision is low. She has produced, managed and funded numerous R&Ds, including national touring work and collaborations with companies such as Wrongsemble, the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Silent Uproar, and Oldham Coliseum. She specialises in work that is community centred and economically accessible, and, as a chronically ill artist, takes a particular interest in the intersection of arts and health. Alice is also a writer, recently shortlisted for the Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards, and Kay Mellor Fellowship.
My degree programme: BA English Literature, Durham University (2016)
My current employer and role: Freelance Creative Producer & Theatremaker
My job in 50 words: Producing is everything that has had to be done up until the point a show opens, to get that show made and get people in the theatre to see it. This might include: Concept creation, fundraising, attracting partners to the project, assembling the creative team, casting, contracting, creating and managing the budget, and production accounting. And if you’re working on the small scale, possibly also: marketing, press, setting up and running front of house, managing any volunteers, and stage management as well.
My best top tip: Never assume anything! Always clarify, always check – you’ll save yourself a headache later
Three things to ask me about:
- Touring small-scale theatre
- Site-specific/promenade theatre
- Fundraising and Project Grants from the Arts Council
Charlie Limm, she/her
Since leaving my assistant role in the music department of Shakespeare's Globe back in 2016, I have worked primarily as a performer in productions that require a great deal of devising, musicianship, multi-roling, audience interaction and ensemble story-telling. I have just finished working on a new project with Leeds Playhouse and also performed with them as an Actor-Muso in their community production of Robyn Hood last Spring.
As a musician, I gig regularly as a solo folk artist, writing original music and touring festivals. I have self-released two EP's and the last one was recorded and engineered here in Leeds at Greenmount Studios in Armley. Since its release, I have had my music feature on BBC Bristol and BBC Introducing as The Big New Sound of the week. Gigging regularly also means I have loads of experience of interacting and improvising with live audiences and music lends itself so beautifully to story-telling which I love to always bring into my work. I have written music for two theatre shows as-well and am a really strong and competent harmony singer.
I often work as a drama / community workshop facilitator alongside performing which has given me confidence, patience and the ability to improvise and think on my feet and be playful and responsive to audiences. I have worked extensively with young people from varying backgrounds, abilities and age groups, from baby music classes to over 60's community drama groups: leading workshops, activity days, events and performing shows in schools and theatres and am passionate about encouraging imaginative, arts based learning.
My degree Programme: BA Honors Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies, Royal Holloway University of London (2011)
My current employer and role: Self-employed Actor / Musician (Experienced Singer, Guitarist, Grade 8 Flautist and Percussionist)
- How to get started as an Actor/Musician (industry questions, practical questions, how it honestly feels to be a working Performer)
- My journey with Music so far as a solo folk Artist. I'm still constantly learning about the industry and deciding what to do next but always happy to share my path so far if its helpful!
- Happy to talk about my decision to be a Performer and what that means. I avoided it for years because I was afraid of the lifestyle but then decided I needed to go for it! And there are ups and downs in that which I'm happy to be honest and open about.
- I have lived in London, Bristol and now Leeds and worked all over and there could be interesting discussion in how work and networks can change depending on where you live / finding the right place for you.
Mollie Taylor, she/her
My best top tip: Get as much experience as you can while you're a student so when you come out of university and need a portfolio to show off, you have loads to show 🙂
Three things to ask me about:
- Music production
- Being an artist
- Working with record labels
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollieiscoddled/
Instagram: @mollieiscoddled
Elvi Piper, she/her
My current employer and role: Director/Writer and Artistic Director at Wrongsemble (Leeds based family theatre company) and female freelance theatre director, and most recently directed Red Ladder's 'We're Not Going Back' currently touring - https://www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/were-not-going-back/
Freelance Theatre Director and Writer with specialisms creating work for Young Audiences, New Writing and Shakespeare; recent credits include: 'We're Not Going Back' Red Ladder Theatre Company, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Storyhouse, and 'Tinsel' Gala Durham. I run award-winning Leeds-based Family Theatre company Wrongsemble (wrongsemble.com).
What is your best 'top tip' for students?
Be nice, be good, be on time (or at least be two out of three)!
What are 3 things students can ask you about? (e.g. indicate particular areas of specialisms or experience)
- Directing Theatre
- Freelancing / Running a Company
- Participatory Arts (Children and Young people)
How can students connect with you? Please include any relevant weblinks. social media / LinkedIn handles etc here
@elvipiper on Instagram / X
website: elvipiper.com
email: [email protected]
Rory A Green
Rory is a Ghana born, Manchester based guitarist and composer. He draws his inspiration from the worlds of jazz and folk music.
Check out our interview we did with him at the Culture@Leeds event on Oct 9, 2024.
Social Media/Connections:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roryagreen/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roryagreen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roryalexgreen/
Phiko & Graciela
Company Dancer, and Junior Dancer, Phoenix Dance Theatre
Founded in 1981 by three Black British men from the Chapeltown area of Leeds, Phoenix Dance Theatre is one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies.
For over four decades the company has grown to be internationally respected for their artistic programmes which encapsulate the diverse spirit of multicultural Britain. Each year the company embarks on national tours presenting critically acclaimed dance productions to audiences throughout the UK and further – reaching up to 20,000 people and engaging with up to 6,500 people through the company’s extensive education provision.
Phoenix Dance Theatre is the longest-standing contemporary dance company outside of London and one of few mid-scale contemporary dance companies to employ a permanent company of professional dancers. Phoenix Dance Theatre’s aim is to create dynamic, diverse and relevant work that embodies the company’s rich Caribbean history and shines a light on cultural narratives which are often overlooked or untold.