Gemma Windle
At the time of doing ShowStarter Gemma was a final year BA (hons) Performing Arts Student.
Gemma attended 62% of the ShowStarter sessions plus the 2 day intensive course ‘Running workshops in schools’. Gemma attended the sessions between January 2007 and May 2007.
On beginning ShowStarter Gemma felt that pursuing an independent performing arts practitioner route would be hopeless, however through attending the sessions, networking and meeting the speakers and professionals Gemma felt ready and equipped to pursue her dream of being an actor who runs workshops alongside.
As a result of ShowStarter Gemma got an audition and then a part in Ikebanas production of Come forth people of the city, under the cover of night, which was part of PANDA-monium, a Manchester First Commission in association with Manchester International Festival. Also she started to work as an assistant in workshops with young people with Primary Creations who are PANDA members.
With the continued support from ShowStarter Gemma felt more able to take chances and started to network into the region far quicker than she otherwise would have done.
Gemma says:
"I have found ShowStarter very valuable as it has clued me up about many things in the performing arts industry. Particularly setting up a theatre company and running workshops in schools. This has become apparent when I meet people and have answers to their questions!
“Various opportunities have arisen for me as a result of ShowStarter. I have worked as an assistant for Primary Creations and had my first taste of TIE with the Waterfall theatre company. I am still in close contact with both these companies, which I would never have met without ShowStarter.
"In addition to this I had my first professional theatre experience in ‘Come forth people of the city, under the cover of night’ with Ikebana Performance at the Town Hall as part of PANDA-monium.
"I feel my confidence in myself has grown since having all these experiences and have you to thank for that”
Update as of March 2008, ten months since completing the ShowStarter programme.
“Over Christmas I did a panto and before that I was working at a radio station, so very different from running workshops in schools. However I still work for Salford Council as a sessional worker and I am assisting at a pilot scheme to engage children in the local area in a 10-week series of workshops looking at issues of anti social behaviour!”