Who's Afraid of the Big Bad......YOU?!

As a Creative person fervently working away, honing your craft and attempting to make an honest crust in the process, it’s often difficult to find the time or the inclination to pop your head up out of the rabbit hole every once in a while to assess what it is that is making (or indeed breaking!) a success of the career you’re lovingly carving out for yourself.  It’s inevitable you’ll be in a constant state of changing, challenging and tweaking your skills, practice and end product but taking in to consideration what your other selling points are can be a real eye opener….and hopefully, will ultimately involve opening some doors too.  Yes you want to deliver the best possible body of work you can-one that you’re certain your audiences/clients/fans will devour and delight in. However what I personally have found is a real key in the world of freelance and being a Creative is your personality. Credentials and accolades aside, what gets your two feet in the door and under the table is the YOU in it all. Allowing your personality to come through in every aspect of your creative life I think is essential to achieving those successes you aim for. 

‘People buy people not products’ is a phrase that resonates with me. Yes I can dance, choreograph and teach well but a lot of the feedback I receive is not always focused on the content of my lessons or the work I present but how I was received by others when I was delivering that session or that particular project. If I allow myself to be the truest version of me, even in the most professional of situations or environments and remain confident in who I am, I know I will be better equipped to deliver the goods. This also rings true in scenarios where I haven’t even got the job yet. If I go to a meeting or interview about a potential choreography job, yes my knowledge and prior experience is paramount but of course, they will have been the driving force behind me getting the interview in the first place. The next step is to let my personality and the drive and excitement I have for the work I do shine through. If someone is considering working with or hiring you to do what you do best, they want to feel like YOU are the one they need, as well as your work being the perfect fit.

Now reading this back to myself, I fear it may appear that I'm somehow implying it’s all about charming your way up some career ladder or indeed that I consider myself to have this awe-inspiring, totes amaze-balls personality that folks just can’t resist!. It’s not that at all!  Most Creatives will tell you that they aren't preoccupied with any manner of climbing apparatus, after all what goes up, must come down. There is no ladder, no end point nor final goal for creative types and so, a life’s work is only about new experiences, new information and new connections.  In my experience, in order to take full advantage of one’s ability as a Creative it’s important to play to your strengths and worry less about what you consider to be your weaknesses. YOU are your own unique selling point and not being afraid to allow your personality stretch it’s (fabulous!) legs can be a real barrier between you and your potential. If you’re funny, caring, witty, whatever you feel is you at your best, it’s vital you don’t dull that sparkle for fear of appearing unprofessional or less committed or focused in a work setting. If you are being you, you are relaxed and feel more confident in even the most unfamiliar of settings. In turn, those around you will be motivated, inspired or comforted by how at ease you are and they will feel more able to be themselves. This creates the optimum environment for creativity to flourish! Simples!

We can all think of that one person that, whenever you're with them, they are always the same way. It's refreshing to be in the company of someone who is at ease and is confident that their unique personality will suffice in any situation. They don't feel compelled to mask or alter who they are for each new encounter and that's inspiring stuff right there. In a world that at time feels preoccupied with concealing who we are, in favour of a contoured, enhanced version of the truth, it's empowering to identify and celebrate what makes us the person we are. It isn't about nailing the interview, getting the job and making the big bucks- Que sera sera! Essentially,  if you be you, creatively sparks will fly and we all live for those kind of fireworks!  

Now go DO YOU! x

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Jack Jarvis Gouther

Photo by Robert Pereira-Hind

Meet Jack Jarvis Gouther a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Cumbernauld who is carving out a career for himself in the music world. First and foremost, I feel it important to say that Jack is a really nice guy-it’s not very rock n roll, I know (sorry Jack!) but he is and spending time with him you get the vibe that, although he is undeniably driven and passionate about his music, he is not arrogant nor self-absorbed-he’s just a good person trying to do something he loves.  And that kinda thing goes a long way in my book!

Jack has had a real thirst for music from a young age, encouraged from the outset by his family to give it a go and it’s clear that the support given,   which he values dearly, is a real driving force. Being part of tight-knit family who have always been behind him has allowed Jack to develop and nurture a natural talent and passion for playing, singing and writing songs. Ditching the keyboard aged 11 for what he thought was “more cool”, he learned a few chords on the guitar from a neighbour and continued to teach himself into his teenage years. A positive reaction to high school performances by his peers gave him the confidence to audition for Britain’s Got Talent and start busking on Buchanan Street in Glasgow. 
“My advice to anyone starting out is to make yourself uncomfortable! Get out there and play in front of people you don’t know, send your demo to everybody and anybody… it’s scary but just go for it”. Although Jack appreciated the admiration of his mates and family, he recognised that, in order to grow and develop, he had to seek out more opportunities to share his music.

As with any artist, Jack has various musical influences from all genres that inspire his writing. A massive Biffy Clyro fan, he’s avidly followed the band from their humble beginnings and although he likens his style to theirs, he assures it’s not in any way an imitation of his Scottish heroes’ sound.  His dad being involved in amateur theatre productions throughout his childhood also inspired Jack, seeing how confident he was on stage. “ My dad never sang in public until he was 30! That’s why I think, growing up, he’s always encouraged me to try new things”. After leaving school a natural progression for Jack was to form his own band and despite a few necessary hiatuses along the way Last Exit have remained together over the past few years writing, recording and gigging at a number of events and festivals. As with any band, their sound has changed over the course of their existence but as the front man, Jack has been able to develop his style by writing much of band’s material. “When we started out it was definitely alternative rock sound but now we've went a lot more electronic”. The creative process is a meeting of conscious and unconscious, where endless random voice memos on his phone and screeds of paper filled with melody lines, lyrics and ideas lie in waiting to be plucked and perfected into songs. “Sometimes I’ll think ‘I really want to write a song today’ and I’ll sit there for ages coming up with nothing.  Other times I’ll be messing around on the guitar and start to create something and just go with it. More recently I've realised I've written songs through my subconscious, not realising that they’re about something specific that I hadn't intended to write about”.

Photo by Paul Anderson

  Jack enjoys the comradery of being part of a band, relaying hilarious stories of their drummer falling off a tiny stage at one gig, as Jack and the guitar player tried desperately not to get electrocuted in the pouring rain. Each rehearsal and gig is another nugget of experience which he enjoys and thrives on, regardless of the potential pitfalls an up and coming band can encounter along the way. Although continuing to do solo gigs, he’s keen to see the band flourish and Jack’s appreciation of the opportunities and support they've received thus far is evident. Amidst all the positivity, he admits that self-doubt is a reality for him. Moments of writers block or periods where the offer of a gig isn't there, it’s near impossible to avoid questioning your ability or your chosen path. “ It’s hard not to compare yourself to others. I always try to support local bands and artists but when you see them doing well you sometimes start to think ‘Why is that not me?! What am I doing?’”. Reflecting on the success he has had to date helps him to realise that the inevitable roadblocks a creative mind present are just par of the course.

In addition to honing their style of music, the band have established and marketed themselves as a brand, from their clothing to merchandise. “It’s good that we all have the same style and dress similarly. I've always been conscious of what I wear-it’s not that I'm materialistic, it’s just another way of expressing myself”.  In trying to build a fan base and get more work, they know the impact marketing the band with a cohesive look in their styling and the promo material can have. Gigging in some well-known Glasgow venues, over the past few years, the band have enjoyed the experience of playing to captive audiences keen to hear fresh new talent. “When you walk up the stairs at King Tuts and see all the posters of the bands that have played there, it’s amazing! To think that’s where they started too”.

Photo by Paul Anderson

As with many Creatives, Jack’s talent doesn't stop with music. About to embark on an Acting degree in Edinburgh, he hopes that his efforts in either medium will be fruitful. “The ultimate goal would be to be playing music and making money from it. Or acting! For me it’s not about being famous- it’s about doing something I love!”. Jack is always looking to stretch himself creatively and choosing to continue his studies after finishing his college course, he’s keen to make new connections, gain more experience and extend his knowledge of the performing arts. He’s a people person who values the input of his friends, family and fellow Creatives, who he also enjoys sharing his successes with but it’s notably his father’s backing and the respect he has for his dad’s own achievements that keep him plugging away. “It might sound cheesy but my dad has been a massive influence on me. He’s one of the best singers I know!”

First single/album you bought?

It was either a Gorillaz album or Eminem ‘Relapse’. 
I actually still like listening to rap.

Where’s your happy place?

When I’m with my family having a good time. I look back to Christmases and those happy times to inspire my writing.

Last book you read?

‘Mr Mercedes’ by Stephen King. I don’t read as much as I should but my girlfriend reads all the time and she’s always trying to get me to read more!

Biggest pet peeve?

I’ve got a thing about people making noises when they eat. Also, people talking when they’re eating! It really annoys me!

Life motto/mantra?

'You can achieve anything you want, if you want it badly enough!'. 
My mum drilled that in to me at a young age. 

Roasted or toasted cheese?

Toasted! (I subsequently corrected him!!)

Who dresses like a bad-ass?

I think any big rock star because they can get away with it!
 Mick Jagger-if I was to walk down the street dressed like him I’d get funny looks. I do love a funky shirt or suit though!

Favourite smell?

I really love the smell of petrol. Since I was wee I've just had a thing for it- I’d rolling down the car window at the petrol station!

What would you like people to say about you?

That I am ambitious!

Sing in the shower? If so, what song?

All the time! I don’t even realise I’m doing. The other day my girlfriend said I was singing Adele-I don’t even listen to her music!

If you could do one thing to help the world, what would you do?

I went to Kenya and helped build a school with my high school. After being there and spending time with the kids, I’d love to travel to other underprivileged places in the world and try to help make a difference.

The Vitals

Jack's Official Facebook page to keep up with his music and gig guide 

Jack's You Tube Channel 

Last Exit's  You Tube Channel 

See Jack play LIVE in September! 

C.R.E.A.T.E

Every Creative's process differs from the next. Carving out 'your way' comes with experience and with each creative encounter new techniques are formed, as you discover your potential & the many innovative ways you have up your sleeve for creating your work! There's no 'right' way of doing things and accepting that is a huge step in becoming the truest version of your creative self. Here are some tips that I find particularly useful when creating: 

Connecting with the world around you is vital to sparking those light-bulb moments when you need them most. Using all the senses to experience what life is offering you minute by minute, day by day will continually charge those creative batteries, without you even realising it. Being aware of what's available to you and what you can potentially tap in to is a gift from the universe ready for the taking! Go to a city and walk slowly down a busy street, observing and absorbing everything. The voices, snippets of conversations and languages you can hear; look high and low at the signs, window displays and architecture you can see; breathe in the scents and try to identify their source; take your hands to the varying textures and feel the rough, the smooth and everything in between. Sounds a tad creepy perhaps but slowing down to appreciate and take stock of your surroundings can enlighten the mind. If you get one tiny speck of inspiration, it's worth your time. We can't expect our poor creative brains to churn out masterpiece after masterpiece without refuelling it, now can we?! As Creatives we are preoccupied with constantly making something new to offer up to the world but you must remember that, in order to knit the jumper, you need the ball of wool. If you're switched on to your surroundings, you're speaking less & listening more, you'll be more likely to hear what you need to! 

Recycling is good for the environment- your creative environment, that is! Never be afraid to reuse what you have previously tried, tested and bought the T shirt of. If an idea has worked for you in the past and seems a perfect fit for your current project, it shouldn't be deemed a cop-out to slip in to that 'one size fits all' concept one more time. After all, you may be sporting the same T shirt but you can customise & accessorize to remodel any previously worn look, producing something very different from the original. We all endeavour to create unique pieces of work that have been born out of brand spanking new sources of inspiration each and every time  but if that's forced, you could be missing out on a golden opportunity to up-cycle. Sometimes it's okay to go with a 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' vibe, if what you plan to do with it this time round is subject to  some tweaking. 

Experimenting is about taking risks, going with your gut and making mistakes that you can learn from. In the creative process a  'Try before you Buy' approach will ensure you get exactly what you are looking for eventually but, like with any new journey, you have to be willing to explore and potentially get lost before locating your desired destination.  An idea is one thing but in order to know if it's the missing jigsaw piece you've been searching for, you have to pick it up, play around with it and try to make it fit before you can know for sure it's the perfect match. Fear of failure threatens to stop awesome ideas in their tracks before they've even made it off the starting block. When an experiment goes spectacularly wrong, there's something to be learned from it, so you have to be up for trying it out. Where they say baking is an exact science, creativity is more like cooking- a pinch of this and a dollop of that won't always work out the way you expected but you're more likely to be able to cover up any mishaps with more spoonfuls of creativity. Who knows what you'll end up with and that's where the fun is! The power of the unknown is exciting & inspiring, so be more open to experimenting! 

Aim high! Pushing yourself and your work to be the best it can be takes hard work and determination but the rewards are worth the effort. It's okay to strive for what you deem 'perfection', as long as you enjoy the journey- there's no point in creating something beautiful if the process was damn  ugly, as it will be the latter you'll remember most. All your connecting, recycling and experimenting will help shape the ultimate goal you're striving for and then all that's left to do is more of the same to get it just right. The sky is the limit when being creative-so don't seek shelter when you have the chance to dance in the rain! 

Take time to create. Those light-bulb moments can be fairly sporadic so best not to expect to be able to turn your creativity on and off like a switch. Breaking the task in hand in to manageable chunks will avoid you feeling overwhelmed with the need to create something amazing on a deadline. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will all your masterpieces. When I'm choreographing a dance, I find myself working on it to a certain point but then having to step away from it for a while to take stock of what I've produced thus far, before being able to move forward with it. That's it to say I'm not lastminute.com with projects (I'm often found procrastinating over a To Do list until it's absolutely necessary to start creating!) but I know the process is more pleasurable when I can work at a leisurely pace & take pauses intermittently to mull over things.

Evaluating your work as you go will inevitably help create something you are happy with overall. Yes, there's always hindsight to flag up the 'what I shoulda/coulda/woulda done'  but if you're able to continually critique and question your creative choices as you're making them, the final product is more likely to meet or even excel your expectations. 

And there you have it, 6 pointers that may help you create more efficiently and effectively. I'd be interested to hear from you as to what your hints and tips are!

Lisa 

CollaboGREAT!

Us mere mortals are forever in life trying to 'make the team'. As a kid on day one of primary school scanning the playground for a buddy, to being a twenty-something newbie at the local gym's spinning class, hoping a friendly face will look your way-we all want to be part of the gang! It's human nature to gravitate towards other like-minded individuals who you feel bring out the best in you. Those folks who just 'get you' and allow you to express yourself, experiment and explore without judgement. 

As a freelance dance artist & choreographer,  I'm often working & creating alone. Yeah, I may be teaching up to 250 people in just one day and meeting heaps of new folks every week but I'll be out there, most of the time, delivering sessions on my own with only my ideas, knowledge and experience in the mix. Of course the freedom is very liberating, with no one to question or quash your decisions but in the same light, when creativity grinds to a halt, you're left feeling like you've asked me, myself and I one too many times to expect to get any pearls of wisdom in reply! The light-bulb moments at times will dwindle, where you've spent the last hour staring a blank piece of paper hating every single idea that has floated to the surface of your muddy pond water of a brain. The struggle is real and sometimes you wish could just go fishing some place else! 

This is where collaborating with others saves the day. Teaming up with fellow Creatives will inspire and motivate you to beyond what you thought was possible. Their input can conjure up ideas and offer moments of clarity that would have never come to fruition on a solo mission. I can safely say that in every collaborative project I have worked on, there has always been that stroke of genius moment, a new lesson learned or validation of my work that I needed. That's not to say that plain sailing is guaranteed- too many cooks may not spoil the broth entirely but it sure can throw the odd spanner in the works along the way as creative differences become apparent. However, hurdles aside, the pros of working collaboratively arguably out way any potential pitfalls in my opinion. 

 Like a chain reaction, someone else's decisions or actions help you steer your own plans for a project, with that common interest in making something tick beautifully at the heart of everyone's agenda. A Director's specific vision for a scene in a production, a designer's urge to use a glitter ball or a choreographer's signature style is bound to assist your own creative process. Peering out of your comfort zone and opening yourself up to the unknown feels a lot less scary when you're in the company of others who are willing to do the same. Venturing into a new project can be like the first day at university-it all seems a little less daunting when you take a mate along who is in the exact same boat as you are. When there's someone to say 'yes, that works!' Or 'yeah, me too!', the doubting Thomas in your head is less likely to be heard or adhered to! 

Recently I've had the privilege and pleasure of working more and more collaboratively which actually helped inspire the creation of this blog! I'm sure I'm not alone when I admit that I often feel the initial pang of inferiority when presented with the opportunity to team up with others. My self-doubts of 'not being good enough' or 'being found out as an imposter' are a given- it seems near impossible for me to approach any new venture (solo or collaborative) without a hint of self doubt and that's something I have come to expect but realise I can overcome. Being on a team is exciting and inspiring but it's blooming terrifying too! 'What if they don't like my ideas?' 'What if mine clash with theirs?'. These are quickly dashed when you get to work and discover that your counterparts are scarily similar to you- they too have their own self doubts and creative demons to deal with and they don't have all the answers that you thought they would! You soon realise you're in a gang of peeps just like you and all your strengths and weaknesses compliment and support each other's. Questions and answers are often met with considerable ease when there's more than one brain in the mix and you all provide a safety net for everyone to try stuff out without fear of failing miserably and having no where to go but down in to the black hole of 'No Ideas-ville'. 

Collaborating with others is a real highlight for me! It makes me feel that I'm not out there on my lonesome. That this freelance malarkey has achievable squad goals and I'm safe in the knowledge that I'll be saved from running out of inspiration, as long as I make an effort to team up with others to create things. You're bound to learn and grow with each new encounter and your own input will have undoubtedly inspired others! 

My advice to any Creative is to take a leap of faith when it comes to working with others. Don't go in there with pre-conceived ideas of how it will all go down. Be open to new things, be confident in your own abilities and ideas and be ready to be inspired by others. Like any self respecting superhero alliance, individually the members are pretty darn great but together....they are KICK-ASS GREAT! 

What’s LOVE got to do with it?

Arguably what every songwriter, poet and on-line dating applicant is motivated and inspired by, love and the pursuit of it can be no mean feat, yet it drives so many of us through life as we receive it, give it away and sometimes fend it off when we should embrace it. If loving yourself is the key to eternal happiness and the loving of another is best served when that love is reciprocated, then when do you find the time to love what you do? Isn't that also important and life fulfilling? 'You're a long time dead' they say but you're also a while living, so it's vital we all reap some pleasure from this journey called life that we are all on.   

Earning the big bucks and owning everything your heart desires may sound nice but in the long slog to achieving success, if you dread, loathe and positively fear the pang of the impending Monday morning blues, are you really ‘making it’? Clock watching longing for home time, finding yourself mumbling obscenities and expletives at your co-workers, your boss and the printer may feel like part and parcel of the working world, but does it need to be that way? Could you be doing more of something you love? Could you even earn a living doing it?

My parents always encouraged me to pursue what I loved to do. I was given boundless opportunity to experience the things I enjoyed and ultimately htis led me down the path to where I am now. Teaching dance and choreographing for a living was never something I considered to be a career option for me and not that anyone had told me otherwise, I just didn't put the thought out into the ether to allow it to develop into some form of a reality. I promptly quashed the idea and opted for what I thought was my destiny-studying something sciency! I dabbled with the notion of doing prosthetics, optometry and psychology applying for a variety of courses.  I was academic at high school and so was encouraged to aim for university which I happily did- got in, got the degree (of the English Studies variety (not science!) and then realised I still wanted to dance! So I did and several years down the line I'm doing what I love but NOT regretting that path I went down one bit. 

Sounds simple but it hasn't all been a walk in the park. Working in the Arts can often bring uncertainty as postilions are often not permanent and as freelancer it's a constant search for the next job.   'Find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life' is a  load of cack-a-lacka! Excuse me but just because it makes getting out of bed in the morning a little more bearable, does not mean that it cannot be called work! The hard work is real and the long (sometimes unsociable) hours a given. The  lengthy commutes and the inability to switch off (EVER!!) will always be a factor but any negatives are outweighed immeasurably by the positives and that's what makes me go on. Love, since the beginning of time, has always presented the good with the bad; the highs and the lows and every contradiction in the book but the joys of love always prevail. I'm willing to go the extra mile for what I love to do. 

All the cliches and mantras aside, finding love is for everyone-you just need to be open to it. A little bold and brave at times and ready for the prospect of rejection, you must not settle and you must never give up. The work-life balance can be a battle won, as both merge and each one compliments the other. 

Approaching it like an on-line dating application (which I actually have no prior knowledge of. Just surmising!), you: 

1. Have to be open to suggestion but always go with your gut instinct. 

2. Be yourself and confident in what you have to offer.

3. Seek the help of others in your search. Those around you will know you well and want the best for you. 

4. Don't panic when it seems to be going right!!!! It probably is all good and you should be happy with that!!!

Love takes guts and grit-it even hurts (according to Nazareth) but we're told with every love song that it's all we need. It's something you can't hurry, it's a battlefield and it's all around (Sorry, enough of the song lyrics!) but it's always worth aiming for. It may seem unrealistic to consider the notion of pursuing 'the dream' but a little of something you fancy can go along way, so why not start with doing more of what you love every day?! I'm not suggesting you quit the 9-5 tomorrow-my freelance dance tutor/choreographer's ass has got to pay the bills each month so I totally get it! You have commitments and obligations to uphold but ask yourself, "Could I do a bit more of what I love?". Dance around the house more, join an art group, start that blog....whatever it is, inject your life with that creative edge that's always been there but has been afraid to come out to play. If it never turns in to more than a hobby, is all lost? God no! Immersing yourself in creativity softens all of life's blows-that Monday morning alarm won't grate just as much if you know by 6pm you'll be shakin' your thang at dance class or losing yourself in writing a new song , guitar in hand!

I am fully aware that I may not always get to do what I love for a living-that's why I cherish it so dearly and never take anything for granted. I am extremely lucky to be doing what I love and building my career, but in the same breath, I've worked bloomin' hard and made many sacrifices to make it a reality. Low paid jobs, long commutes, redundancy due to lack of funding have all played a factor along the way but I guess that's what has made the journey more of an adventure. I'll always dance...that love affair will never fizzle out, even if it is no longer part of my work-life. 

What has LOVE got to do with it? 

Everything and I'm delighted with my love story thus far! Now, go start yours! 

Peace out x

Love

The Braw and The Brave Meet.......Deborah McArthur

Meet Deborah McArthur, a Drama Facilitator, Director and Theatre Maker from Glasgow. Her passions are theatre and people and when you meet her you get that. To date she has worked, and continues to collaborate, with a variety of organisations across Scotland, including the Tron Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Random Accomplice Theatre Company, Horsecross Arts and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland.  She speaks of her work so eloquently and with an infectious energy that it's evident she is doing exactly what she loves and what she was born to do. Currently based at the Tron Theatre as a Drama Officer, Deborah is also working freelance with the Scottish Opera. 

After graduating with an HND in Acting and Performance, she headed South to study Drama at The University of Sunderland. Working in theatre hadn't always been the plan per se, but her involvement in a high school production where she played a granny had sparked an interest. A Community Arts module within her college course prompted an interest in devising and directing, and in turn helped her select the degree she wished to apply for. However, her experience of the course confirmed she wouldn't be pursuing a career in acting, but she didn't view it as a wasted opportunity - "I don't think it was a waste of time. I think to work in theatre it's good to know more. The experience you've had shapes what you do in the future. Unless you push something away or are negative towards it, I don't think anything can be a bad experience" . 

 Deborah is a fantastic storyteller. From on stage with the wonderful works of theatre she creates, to when you're sat right in front of her where she's telling you about the time her brother told his friend at a party (unbeknownst to Deborah!) that she was a mime artist on Buchanan Street, or the awkward moment when she was gifted a voodoo doll from a young person at the end of a project (which turned out to be a voodoo doll for being so AWESOME!!), you are engaged and feel like you are right there.  Recounting a story of a former rather quirky physical theatre coach she had at college, she remembers him stressing the importance of embodying a character when acting- not to scratch or fidget as you are then only ever  "half doing it". This is a theme that  Deborah has embraced wholeheartedly- she doesn't do anything by halves. 

I first had the pleasure of meeting and working with Deborah a number of years ago on the child protection and internet safety project Artsnet in primary schools, and she was a dream to collaborate with. Friendly, engaging, organised, a team player and an outstanding facilitator with an abundance of skills and ideas, we clicked and I was so appreciative and motivated by our time working together. Recently we teamed up for a second time when she kindly invited me to work on some choreography for her Youth Theatre show 'Imagine That' at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow. Again being creative with Deborah in the room is made so much more possible- she offers ideas but clears the way for her fellow Creatives to explore and devise their work in the way they want to. Her energy is never intrusive or overbearing-it's ever so encouraging and inspiring. 

The People

For Deborah her focus is on others-the participants come first and they are at the forefront of all her planning and delivery.  "For younger participants it's about giving them a voice. Everybody's comments and ideas are valid. Whereas with older participants, they have loads to say but when it comes to getting up and doing it that's where their inhibitions come in." . What is always a given when working with non-professionals is the opportunity to help boost self-confidence and provide a platform for people of all ages to explore their potential. "Seeing them understand something...or the penny drop....there's something really beautiful in watching people". Deborah is ever-eager to share her knowledge of theatre with her participants. She sees having a passion for education as a catalyst to unlocking inner confidence. "I don't dull down the language...making sure that they can use that language. Knowledge brings confidence."

 Working with a people of all ages, abilities and from all walks of life is a real highlight of the work she so beautifully describes. From Early Years classes where the phrase 'out of the mouths of babes' was almost certainly coined, to her more recent work with dementia patients directing Scottish Opera's 'Memory Spinners' project, the diversity is evidently something that she both enjoys and is comfortable operating within. "Rolling about the floor with a bit of blue fabric over me making some sort of animal noise. I completely lose myself!". Deborah's ability to cast aside any inhibitions to provide the best experience for her participants extends to outside the workshop or rehearsal space. Although a seasoned pro, Deborah is ever keen to expand her knowledge and understanding in order to better herself as a Creative. Next week she is off to London to take part in a full-day workshop on creating with people with Alzheimer's in the Arts. Having a thirst and a willingness to never stop learning is clearly what has steered her to success and she is driven unselfishly by her appreciation and consideration of the people she works with. 

 Her partner Stuart, family members and friends have always been supportive, with her parents being "proud as punch as they see me doing something I love".  Despite some people not always fully understanding what it is she does, Deborah has the support of those closest to her. "Stuart's friends thought I was an actress and their reasoning behind that was that I was very confident and they knew I worked in theatre, so they put two and two together........whereas most of the actresses I know are such complex characters and that's why they are able to morph into someone else, I only know how to be me" 

The Passion for the Process  

 Armed with an initial idea, related themes and a workshop plan, Deborah embarks on the journey of devising a new piece with the intention to work collaboratively from the get-go. She admits "There is a lot of self doubt at the beginning of wondering, 'is the idea enough?'" but in the same instance, reassures her participants, "There's never a bad idea. Some ideas will make something that will be a minute, others will make something that is 5 minutes". It's refreshing to hear that, like myself, Deborah admits she is not immune to the odd creative inner panic and that you don't initially tap into the advice you so readily offer up to your participants. More recently, the reality of her show only being 36 pages of script ignited the fear. "I had heard years ago that it was a minute a page...so this show will only be 36 minutes long!! Then I started thinking really stupid things like we'll put it up 5 minutes late and we'll play the bows out for longer.....and in reality, it ran at 1 hour 16 minutes the first time we ran it!"

  

With over 10 years' experience, Deborah acknowledges that with that comes the ability and confidence to re-evaluate and adapt your own ways of working. " Creativity when working on a show is one thing.....but more recently I've gotten better at making sure participants understand the workshop experience is just as creative. Its not all about making a show, its about being in a room and being creative that's just as valuable.  Looking back at old notepads the workshops are all bullet points....and then I look at plans now and it's like I've written a story! I want us all to immerse ourselves in it and lose ourselves in the 2 hours! And I feel that has come with experience". Never one to rest on her laurels or be complacent, Deborah self-evaluates her facilitation and the work she produces. "It's not about whether it was good or bad because I always think what we make is good. I truly believe in what we do....ask yourself was it successful in delivering what you set out to do?" 

  Deborah considers herself a very visual person, seeing her work as a series of pictures, with emphasis on keeping things moving and interesting. Constantly sourcing ideas from the world around you and shifting them around in your mind's eye to get it just right means it's virtually impossible to fully switch off from the task in hand.  "It's not a job and that's the difference. It's always ticking away, even if I don't realise it. Although, I have gotten better at trying to take personal time which I didn't before. This has just happened....and this will be my 10th year doing this!!". In an attempt to find an unrelated hobby, as a participant in a 10 week fashion course Deborah inadvertently found herself right back at work. "I started to evaluate the facilitation in the session and think how I would have facilitated the workshop and that's when I knew I wouldn't be booking another 10 weeks!". 

 Fully accepting of the unsociable longs hours that come part in parcel of working in theatre, it's her passion. The fact that she can't fully switch off from it and that it takes up so much of her time just isn't an issue. She accepts the sacrifices made for working in the arts are and she considers them irrelevant when you adore what you're doing. "My brother will say to my niece and nephew as a joke...'Don't grow up and be like your Aunty Deborah. You'll never make any money and you'll spend a lot of your time in imaginary spaces!'". 

   

The Pitfalls 

Tackling the less positive aspects of being a Creative can be daunting for even the most experienced practitioners. Self-doubt is something most deal with and we all have our ways of coping and combating it when it rears it's ugly head. As someone who dreads what I consider the crippling, unproductive pang of self doubt, Deborah's positive spin on it makes me wonder if I should be as fearful as I am. "I think it's self doubt that keeps me right. I think it's needed when I'm working on something". 

 She fends-off any threat of creative blockages too by drawing on her training and the continued professional development she takes time to nurture, advising that workshop plans can be inspired by something someone else has tried and tested. She also believes that in recognising and focusing on your strengths rather than your weak spots encourages creativity. Many Directors have an angle, one viewpoint or a single statement that they are always selling to the world through their work, which Deborah admits she doesn't possess and initially considered this to be a flaw.  " I had a conversation years ago with someone who works in the industry and I had said to him, I don't know what my 'thing' is....if you were to give me money, I don't know what I'd make. And I think that is really telling that participation and working with groups and collaborating with them is where I'm meant to be". Pushing one idea wouldn't be conducive to her work and she is now more accepting of that. 

The Pointers

Deborah is such an open book and so giving of herself and her knowledge. The things she has learned and taken on board from others along the way she has exercised to suit her style of facilitation. She can now, with years of experience under her belt, pass on similar advice with confidence. She's got the T-shirt, has it in various colours and is wearing it daily. She stresses that it's important to trust your instincts which she feels she has been able to do more easily having worked in theatre for so long, but there's something in-keeping a hint of self-doubt "as without it you'll get lost in an ego". She has fine-tuned a balance of confidence-meets-self-doubt and they work harmoniously so as not to distract her from being the best she can be in her profession. 

 Something that struck a chord with me was her idea of creating a tag line or blurb for who you are and what you do. A way of explaining clearly and concisely what you have to offer whenever you're asked to without regurgitating your CV. "Something that means you don't have to over explain yourself". Seems like an obvious thing to do, but often we're so busy doing what we do, we don't take the time or forget to market ourselves as we would the product we are creating. 

   Deborah is ever the professional and clearly takes what she does very seriously, but she is still able to take a step back from it and get some perspective of the world she is immersed in, "What I do is really important and really meaningful for the participants that are experiencing it but I'm not curing some illness.....this is for enjoyment's sake and so if someone forgets a line and someone goes in the wrong direction the world won't end....and there'll have been something magical in that moment". 

  

The Penultimates

First single/album you bought?

"East 17's 'Stay Another Day' on tape"

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

"Accessories...I think I'd quite like to wear all black but it would be the accessories that speak"

Favourite place/city to visit?

"New York, without a doubt!"

Morning person or night owl?

"Morning person. The older I get the better I'm getting 

at being an night owl.

 Going to bed at midnight...that's Rock and Roll for me!"

Favourite word?

"Recently I've realised it's been 'lovely' "

Last book you read?

"Lena Dunham's 'Not That Kind of Girl'"

Biggest pet peeve? 

"People smacking when they're eating!"

Life motto/mantra?

"I don't think I've got one. I just try to be positive "

Coffee or Tea?

"Nada! No hot drinks, except hot chocolate but only from big chains where it's filled with chocolate powder"

Twitter or Instagram ?

"Instagram....I love a hashtag"

Last song that was stuck in your head?

" Red Red Wine'. 

Stuart bought me an 80s album but it's present day artists singing covers" 

"Roasted cheese" or "toasted cheese"?

"Toasted cheese"

Favourite time of year?

"Autumn. I love the colours and the excitement leading up to Christmas" 

Favourite smell?

"Bread"

If you could do one thing to help the world, what would you do?

"I'd give my time more. I think if everyone gave more time then we'd more considerate of everyone and more understanding" 

The Peroration 

Deborah is the kind of person who lights up a room when she enters. Her enthusiasm and zest for life is palpable and by being in her company you are simultaneously made to feel at ease but also energized. She has clearly found her niche in life and she excels and delights in every aspect of her work. A gorgeous Creative inside and out, Deborah was the perfect first collaborator for this blog and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunities I've had to work with her and her willingness to support and encourage this venture. Thank you Deborah!  

The Particulars 

Deborah McArthurDrama Facilitator | Director  | Theatre Makerwww.deborahmcarthur.com