This is a pitch based on applying for a drama therapist/facilitator role.
Transcript – Hi, my name is Olivia Sutcliffe, I am 21-year-old from Bradford, and I am currently in my final year at York St John University studying Drama Education and Community. I am wanting to apply for a postgraduate in applied theatre.
My passion has always lied with the arts industry; wanting to be a performer for as long as I can remember. However, it was only when I came to study at York St John University that I discovered drama therapy, from then on I became fixated in becoming a facilitator; running drama workshops with different communities to benefit them in a positive way.
I have had two main facilitation experiences, my first with young people aged 11-14 at Winifred holtby academy in hull and my second with converge: in the moment at York St John University with adults aged 18 and onwards who have used mental health services. Both experiences have provided me with skills that that will be beneficial in my journey to becoming a drama therapist etc taking a leadership role, my communication skills, working as a community, confidence and taking initiative.
Expanding this process further, I want to be apart of influencing different communities to create a piece of theatre that means something to them. That will be beneficial for them in a positive way. I want to be a role model for the different communities I work with; creating drama workshops where individuals can come and freely express themselves. Providing a safe space for participants is a priority to me; ensuring that they feel comfortable to perform, everyone’s specific boundaries being respected.
For me, performance has been such a big part of my life. It is something that I have always felt at ease with; the only thing that has truly given me the confidence to be able to strive. It is important to me that the communities I work with will get this same effect. That they are here for no other reason but to make a piece of theatre that is true to them; that changes their mindset. I also am interested in helping participants create theatre that surrounds issues that they have faces in their life, helping them to cope and take all their negative energy to create a positive piece of theatre. I want them to realise they are not defined by the struggles they have faced; that they can take any opportunity in the arts world and make it their own.