Emily’s experience on the Artz Centre’s Directors-in-training programme.
In 2020 we launched a new programme to support up-and-coming directors. As a part of this programme these directors-in-training have worked under the guidance and tutelage of Artz Centre Director Mark Ashton to learn how a production goes from an idea to a finished show. From lessons in leadership and facilitation to casting and composition, they’ve been able to see deep into the nitty-gritty of how we make performance possible.
Meet Emily, who has been one of the creatives taking part in this exciting new programme, as the Assistant Director of Beauty and The Beast.
Emily is a singer, actress and dancer who knows very well what it is like to be an Artz Student. She began her time at the Artz Centre in 2015 in our Senior academy, going on to deliver award winning performances such as her portrayal of Elle Woods in our 2018 production Legally Blonde, for which she scooped up the award for Best Female Performance. Emily now attends LMA (Liverpool Media Academy) where she is training in BA(Hons) Musical Theatre as well as continuing to refine her craft on the specialist ‘West End MT’ programme. Beauty and the Beast marks Emily’s directorial debut and at the Artz Centre we couldn’t be prouder to have her as a part of our team.
“Mark took a huge chance on me to help him direct such a big show as Beauty and the Beast, the process has been amazing and I want to thank Mark for that. But… I will admit I’ve had some challenges along the way!
I started off at The Artz Centre as a student back in 2016 just after the original cast of Beauty and The Beast performed this show. The most exciting but weirdest part this time around was being in the audition not as a performer but on the panel. It really gave insight into how hard the decision making actually is. It isn’t just about how good you can hit a note. Its also how you can work as a team. There’s been so many highs and only a few lows of the journey. Some of the group might say that my warm up is the biggest low of the rehearsal process… you know who you are 😉
By taking part, I have truly discovered something great about myself, how much I love to teach and inspire the younger generation with my new approach to lessons. This helped me recently make the decision to pursue a career in teaching in the future.
Lastly I just want to talk about how amazing the Artz students have really been. They welcomed me in with open arms and are always eager to learn. I’ve pushed them so far this year in singing and dance. Hopefully they have all learnt that we are all in a rehearsal process and not everything has to be amazing. Rehearsal is the time to fail and learn from it. Love you all!”