Hotlight on... Alex Thorpe

Interview

Alex Thorpe directed Zeera and answers some quick questions for us about being a creative force off the stage...

What theatre work had you done prior to heat&light?

Professional Education: Central School of Speech and Drama
Little Angel Theatre: Puppetry Workshop Leader, Producer
Almeida Theatre: Workshop Leader, Assistant Director
National Youth Theatre: Workshop Leader (Assistant)

What have you learnt from your experience in the Summer Season 2010?

That no project can ever just happen two hours a week. Whether it's worry or panic, excitement or enthusiasm, the directing bug just hits you and you can't stop. Not only have I enhanced my skills working with actors, I have also directed a film, choreographed a movement sequence, developed a script... the list goes on. heat&light really does throw you in the deep end but maintains a safety net to allow you to experiment with new ideas that you might never have had the chance to develop before.

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

I joined heat&light after being appointed Assistant Director on the main youth show at the Almeida Theatre. Since starting, I have since been asked to direct a short curtain raiser as part of the above production as well as been short-listed for Birkbeck's MFA Theatre Directing.

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

It has allowed me to practise and develop some of the most basic skills a director needs. This has included how to communicate with a wide cross section of people such as writers, designers, production staff, producers and theatre staff, as well as actors.

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

Yeah, why not! It is a great opportunity to try out new skills in a safe and semi-professional environment, putting skills into practice by working towards a realised production. It's opportunites like heat&light through which the beginnings of new companies are made... what's not to like?