Hotlight on... Jonnie Riordan

Interview

heat&light 18-25 is Hampstead Theatre's Young Company, providing professional theatre training for young people interested in or already participating in the arts.

Overall, how do you feel about heat&light?

I absolutely love heat&light - there is nothing else like it! I did not once refer to it or even think of it as an amateur youth company. It's just so professional, yet with a lovely collective atmosphere.

What did you learn from your experience in the Spring Season 2010?

I learnt the ins-and-outs of a professional working theatre. The styling of the piece enabled me to learn lots of new techniques for comedy, so now I have better comic timing and gestures. It was a first for me to see Rosa Connor (the writer) at work on her play during the process, and there was something really productive and organic about having the writer present. Also, you obviously then have an unlimited source of knowledge about characters and back stories to tap into.

How has heat&light helped in beginning or furthering your career?

heat&light exposed me to so many up-and-coming artists, directors, writers, collaborators and actors. Since my first heat&light all of a month or so ago, I have been able to work with theatre companies associated with the Hampstead Theatre on research and development projects with the aim of performing in the future. It is also a fantastic platform to which to invite agents and add credits to your CV.

Do you feel you have improved in any specific or technical areas?

I would say there was an overall improvement in my skills. I think you learn so much working on a production: one from trial and error and two just from watching and working with other people. It was brilliant to look back over the process and see some growth in terms of confidence and maturity as well and I would say that has a significant amount to do with being treated as a professional - and being the youngest last term at 18, it was nice to be treated as an adult as well! Also, the guidance from the creative team was so useful and encouraging and I thank them for that.

Would you recommend heat&light for anybody looking for a way into theatre, and why?

I have already recommended heat&light to friends for all of the above reasons and for meeting people professionally and socially. It is often very difficult to meet new people when stuck in employment like I am on a gap year; heat&light gave me an opportunity to meet a new little collective of creative individuals with similar mind-sets and career paths.

Do you have anything else to add?

This has been and is such a fantastic opportunity, and opportunities don't come along often. So anyone that is able to audition for heat&light should definitely seize the chance otherwise you're missing out!

Jonnie played Stef in the heat&light Spring Season 2010 production of IN HIS IMAGE by Rosa Connor, 11th - 13th March. See his Spotlight CV here.