how theatre bristol supported amy mason

As a mid-career artist, I was feeling a bit stuck. I was heavily pregnant with my second child and had recently had a couple of Arts Council funding bids rejected.

Sitting with Caroline, who had recently seen my work, helped me to re-evaluate my goals and question my lack of confidence. She encouraged me to set ambitious goals and to aim high.

 

Amy is dressed in denim dungarees and performs from behind a score. At the back there are two performers sat on hay bundles with guitars and a music score. There is a no smoking writing at the back of the stage.

Some specific goals we set were; to find a film and TV agent, to get something on Radio 4, to write a TV pilot and to apply for the Arts Council’s Developing Your Creative Practice fund. Amazingly, since we met, I have achieved all of these things (I had further help from Alex at Theatre Bristol with my Arts Council DYCP bid). The DYCP funding is to write a play for performers other than myself (previously I have made autobiographical performance work) and to work as a dramaturg with other artists. Also, I have recently had a TV script optioned by a production company. Another goal I set with Caroline was to get a play into a major new writing theatre… I haven’t achieved that yet. It’s next on the list and something I’m working on as part of my DYCP bid. 

 

It’s rare as a mid-career artist to hear someone encouraging you, you often have to be your own cheerleader which can be exhausting. The simple act of Caroline telling me I was good at my job and could and should aim higher has literally changed my life. I’d encourage other older artists to get in touch with Theatre Bristol and attend an Artist Support session, you may well come away feeling differently about your work and finding new opportunities.

Amy is dressed in denim dungarees and speaks to the mic. At the back there are two performers sat on hay bundles with guitars and a music score. There is a no smoking writing at the back of the stage.