Creative ID: 775
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I’ve been a street theatre performer for 30 years and a stilt walker for over 20. I make my own costumes and do my own makeup but also create the costumes and characters for most of the other performers who work for me. My skills are costume, face paint, street theatre and stilt walking. More information is available on request.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner
I’ve been with my street theatre organisation since its inception in 1999 and have been the managing director for 20 years and the creative director for the past 10 years.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
We used to do stilt workshops when we had training stilts. These were done locally in Hamilton but also Gisborne during their buskers fest and for WOMAD. We often have younger actors or children of performers keen to start working with us, so we start teaching them the ropes. We always make sure they’re with a senior performer. I encourage them to create characters that suit their interests rather than just wearing a costume.
I’ve worked with children as young as 10, but with face painting we will often paint younger and more recently worked with high school-aged kids. I regularly run upskilling workshops for my own performers.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
It’s a new-ish focus for this year and one that is proving quite fun. It’s also a great way to find new performers or to give people an option for an art form they may not have considered.