Mairead at the front of house desk for Take Me To The Bridgewater

(UK) January – August 2017

About Mairead

As I am still an Undergraduate, I am always exploring new and different forms of Theatre so that I am able to find out more about myself as an artist. However, recently for a devising project, one thing that excited me about this work was how our rehearsal process developed. Taking on an experimental and physical approach to the adaptation of games and well known stories and characters, was such a refreshing experience and is an inspiration for me to follow this form of devising for future projects. We are in the midst of discussing the possibility of taking this project to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

I wanted to volunteer with Blast Theory because I was intrigued and captivated by the innovative work they do. What excited me most was how their use of immersive theatre, installations, virtual reality and other forms of presenting their work, manages to provoke significant social and political questions from their audiences. I wanted to learn how a successful Theatre Company is run, and how different forms of technology can create a successful performance. The thought that through working with Blast Theory I will gain invaluable knowledge and have the opportunity to grow as a Theatre maker is a very exciting prospect.

I am in my 3rd year studying Theatre and Performance at the University of Surrey and will be on a placement year with Blast Theory. Whilst at University I have had the opportunity to work as an Assistant Stage Manager at the Guildford School of Acting. Plus, in March of this year, I assistant directed a production of Animal Farm.

My favourite Theatre Companies are; Spymonkey for their dark, clever and highly entertaining use of physical comedy within their shows and DV8- Physical Theatre for their presentation of subject-matter through the joining of dance and physical theatre.

When writing essays I always listen to Movie Soundtracks, Gladiator is my favourite. Plus, Bridget Jones is my spirit animal.