Q. Why here, why now?
A. As someone who has had various encounters with mental health on a personal and social level over the past 12 years, I wanted to create a project that captured the needs of the people. For me, that meant that I wanted to create a project where people felt they were heard, where they didn't feel ashamed to talk about their experiences because the facilitator knew what it was like to experience the same issues, and a space that was creatively free. The list continues, a space where I could swear if I wanted to and not feel like I had to apologise, a space that was therapeutic but not therapy. A place that didn't mean bottling everything up because I was waiting for that 6 month waiting list (we all know that's the minimum) and last but not least a place that didn't expect money for in exchange for my happiness. This project is not a get well soon remedy but rather a space that highlights the fact that some of us may have diagnoses but we still function, we still push, we still try and we still succeed.
Q. What do you gain out doing this?
A. I recently graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in December 2013. It is time to put everything into practice and what better way to make your way around the industry than to try things out? The possibilities in theatre and writing are endless and so I wanted to play with this. I also have a part time job that gives me the extra time to do the things I actually love
Q. How much do you get paid for doing this project?
A. I don't. All the money needed for the project comes directly from the funders themselves, I don't even get to smell the stuff! :(
Q. Am I too old for this project?
A. There's no such thing as too old for this project. If you're open minded, creative and can work with other people and have something to say, come along! This might just be the project for you, how will you know unless you try?
Q. What if I want to do the workshops but I don't want to perform?
A. See it how it goes. Nobody will be forced into performing but as a member of the group it would be nice for you to take ownership over your own work. after all, you would have worked hard on it!
Q. Can I bring work from home?
A. You are welcome to bring pieces of creative writing to the group. This includes poems, short stories, monologues or short sketches. Please no full length screenplays or autobiographies! There will be a 20 minute session towards the end of the group to share anything you've been working towards and would like feedback on. All constructive!
Q. I'm LGBTQI and don't know if I'll feel accepted or safe on the project?
A. As a member of the LGBTQI community, I would hate for someone to feel left out on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Or anything else for that matter of fact. Race, religion, faith, anything. It is the job of myself and my volunteers to make sure everyone is being treated fairly and will take any matters brought to us will be taken seriously and treated confidentially.
Q. I've never done anything like this before
A. You'll be surprised how many people will be the same. Bring a friend along, don't take things too seriously and aim to have a laugh and learn something new. You won't be forced to do an activity if you don't want to and you can always step outside the room if you need time out during the session.
Q. I have kids, can they come too?
A. Unfortunately we do not have the space to cater for children under the age of 16, nor do we have the capacity to ensure their safety in regards to the subject matter and what it may bring up. For the time being my answer would be no but please drop me an email if you have any specific queries.
Q. English is not my first language, will this be a problem?
A. Not at all! You are welcome to write perform in your own language if you feel that is easier for you and you are able to express yourself better!
Q. Is the building accessible?
A. Yes, although the rehearsal room is on the top floor, the building has access to a lift which will take you to that room. Please email me directly if you have any specific queries.
Do you have any more questions? Click here to email me directly.
A. As someone who has had various encounters with mental health on a personal and social level over the past 12 years, I wanted to create a project that captured the needs of the people. For me, that meant that I wanted to create a project where people felt they were heard, where they didn't feel ashamed to talk about their experiences because the facilitator knew what it was like to experience the same issues, and a space that was creatively free. The list continues, a space where I could swear if I wanted to and not feel like I had to apologise, a space that was therapeutic but not therapy. A place that didn't mean bottling everything up because I was waiting for that 6 month waiting list (we all know that's the minimum) and last but not least a place that didn't expect money for in exchange for my happiness. This project is not a get well soon remedy but rather a space that highlights the fact that some of us may have diagnoses but we still function, we still push, we still try and we still succeed.
Q. What do you gain out doing this?
A. I recently graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in December 2013. It is time to put everything into practice and what better way to make your way around the industry than to try things out? The possibilities in theatre and writing are endless and so I wanted to play with this. I also have a part time job that gives me the extra time to do the things I actually love
Q. How much do you get paid for doing this project?
A. I don't. All the money needed for the project comes directly from the funders themselves, I don't even get to smell the stuff! :(
Q. Am I too old for this project?
A. There's no such thing as too old for this project. If you're open minded, creative and can work with other people and have something to say, come along! This might just be the project for you, how will you know unless you try?
Q. What if I want to do the workshops but I don't want to perform?
A. See it how it goes. Nobody will be forced into performing but as a member of the group it would be nice for you to take ownership over your own work. after all, you would have worked hard on it!
Q. Can I bring work from home?
A. You are welcome to bring pieces of creative writing to the group. This includes poems, short stories, monologues or short sketches. Please no full length screenplays or autobiographies! There will be a 20 minute session towards the end of the group to share anything you've been working towards and would like feedback on. All constructive!
Q. I'm LGBTQI and don't know if I'll feel accepted or safe on the project?
A. As a member of the LGBTQI community, I would hate for someone to feel left out on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Or anything else for that matter of fact. Race, religion, faith, anything. It is the job of myself and my volunteers to make sure everyone is being treated fairly and will take any matters brought to us will be taken seriously and treated confidentially.
Q. I've never done anything like this before
A. You'll be surprised how many people will be the same. Bring a friend along, don't take things too seriously and aim to have a laugh and learn something new. You won't be forced to do an activity if you don't want to and you can always step outside the room if you need time out during the session.
Q. I have kids, can they come too?
A. Unfortunately we do not have the space to cater for children under the age of 16, nor do we have the capacity to ensure their safety in regards to the subject matter and what it may bring up. For the time being my answer would be no but please drop me an email if you have any specific queries.
Q. English is not my first language, will this be a problem?
A. Not at all! You are welcome to write perform in your own language if you feel that is easier for you and you are able to express yourself better!
Q. Is the building accessible?
A. Yes, although the rehearsal room is on the top floor, the building has access to a lift which will take you to that room. Please email me directly if you have any specific queries.
Do you have any more questions? Click here to email me directly.