
The Amateur Theatre Podcast
By The Why, How & Who of Amateur Theatre


Toolkit Series: ACTIONING
Episode one of the Toolkit mini-series. In this episode, I take a look at Actioning and its application in today's rehearsal rooms.

Episode 23: "It's All An Act"
An interview with actor and podcast host Jaz Wilson

Episode 22: "Reflective Practice"
An interview with Anthony Webster

Episode 21: "Repetition"
An interview with Jordan Bische.

Episode 20 - Script Club 2
A conversation about David Ireland's play Sadie.
Many thanks to Dr. Cheryl Birdseye, Kelly Stewart, and Matt Bevington

Episode 19: "Surprise Yourself"
An interview with the founders of 60 Hour Shakespeare, Gavin Leigh & Charlotte Cline
For more details of their previous and future productions, check out their website at www.60hourshakespeare.com

Episode 18: "An ongoing education"
An interview with Wayne T Brown

Episode 17: "Do, don't doubt"
An interview with Hannah Hayes

Episode 16: Script Club 1
Four Minutes Twelve Seconds by James Fritz

Episode 15: "The act of telling stories"
An interview with Kieran Donnelly

Episode 14: "Pretending to be other people"
An interview with Ian Jackson

Episode 13: "The drama of drama school"
An interview with Alex Lushington

Episode 12: "Searching for your vulnerability"
An interview with Maddy Lloyd Jones.

Episode 11: Looking ahead to 2022

Episode 10: "Stories matter"
An Interview with Alistair Nunn.

Episode 9: "Specificity"
An Interview With Michael Deacon

Episode 8: "Pathway to Tears"
An Interview with Angus Fraser

Episode 7: "Learning to let go"

Episode 6: "A Herculean Task"
An Interview with Christian Peterson

Episode 5: "Failure is your friend"
An Interview with Tom Wilson
Today we talk to Tom Wilson, a professional actor from London. Discussion topics range from the usual chat about Drama School, auditions and rehearsals, to more in-depth discussions around raw talent vs technical training, failure, and Tom's approaches to characterisation.

Episode 4: "Your body is your tool! Look after it"
An Interview with Martha Ibbotson
A great chat where we discuss (amongst other things) developing a collection of methods/techniques that you can call on to produce your work. Not all will work for you and not all will be deployed at the same time, but having them there for when you do need them is very important.

Episode 3: "React to what's happening not what you know is going to happen"
An Interview with Craig Finlay
Another wonderful chat with a local actor that’s been around amateur theatre for some time now. Craig has a great understanding of both the practical requirements and the mental wherewithal to develop and present astonishing characters.

Episode 2: "Our ideas should be driven by the text"
An Interview with Simon Tavener
Where to start with this interview? Simon has worked in and around Amateur Theatre for over 30 years, with much of that time spent working in and around the amateur dramatics community. He has worked as an actor, director, and producer, amongst many other roles, while also running his own amateur theatre company and being heavily involved in the Oxford Theatre Guild. It’s fair to say his wealth of knowledge and experiences with amateur theatre is unparalleled.

Episode 1: “Find your absolute truth”
An Interview with Victoria Coleman
It was such a pleasure to get to chat with Vicky. Even more so because it was the first episode of the podcast and that little extra bit of safety I got from interviewing a friend really helped.
Vicky's ability to step back, access, and then refocus was present throughout our conversation. It feels like a very relevant skill for a young actor to try and co-opt given the nature of the business. For those that do read this and then listen to the episode, keep in mind how relevant those skills (stepping back, accessing, and refocusing) are when it comes to each element we discussed.