Being involved with heat&light was incredibly enjoyable and above all useful. You work with people in a similar position, within the same age group – all striving towards one thing, but on different paths.
You hear about so much beyond the company, such as IsoProductions, director Kelly Wilkinson’s own company, and Lisa Woynarski’s Green Theatre Project. It's an amazing good platform not just for acting but for making industry contacts. The potential for career progression is fantastic, with so many professionals involved from the start of each project.
My expectations at the beginning were completely different from what I now know is a wholly positive and beneficial experience. I knew I'd been offered a great role, but I wasn't sure who would come and see the production or if it would throw me further into the theatre industry. I was proven wrong – the development as an actor I received was second to none. I have been put in contact with the development team at Hampstead Theatre, and received feedback from a wide range of people I would otherwise have never have participated with.
heat&light has opened up so much more than I thought it would. You don't just complete a project and move on after it's finished – you're remembered and become part of a community. I didn't expect any of that. It's definitely a programme rather than just a show – it becomes a scheme in itself.
Specifically, my comedy skills were greatly improved. Previously, I've often played serious, intense and dramatic characters, so it was so much fun to play someone a bit more neurotic.
All the training we received to enable us to improve and expand our skills was highly professional, from Gary the vocal coach to Imogen to movement director. She spent a lot of time working on my blocking. Everyone was so committed to pushing us to broaden our different abilities.
Finally, I met some amazing, friendly people, and also people I'll stay in touch with for theatre reasons. It was so great to be involved with something which allowed me to meet so many people and really begin to progress in my career. 'Progressive' is definitely the best word to describe the fantastic heat&light company.
As told to Stephanie Potter.
Stephanie played Chantelle in the heat&light Spring Season 2010 production of IN HIS IMAGE by Rosa Connor, 11th - 13th March.
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