I trained in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts way back in the 1990’s. I worked, predominantly, in West End musicals jumping from show to show until I met what I call a pivot point in my life - the early death of my father.

This moment altered everything. I had what I now understand to be a breakdown, which impacted my ability to work. The industry wasn’t particularly understanding of emotional well-being in those days, so it has taken me many years (and a lot of therapy) to fully process what I went through.

I stepped away from performing and quickly into motherhood and had 3 babies in 4 years. I suffered from post-natal depression as a result of not dealing fully with the loss of my father. Motherhood and having 3 children under 4 and a partner away on tour proved to be my most challenging role!

I tried my hand at ‘muggle’ jobs and felt the loss of creativity massively.  So, I learnt to adapt and to rebuild myself for the life I was now living. I dabbled in teaching performing arts at youth theatres & privately, I also worked on the cabaret circuit, writing, producing and performing and worked with my partner in his company supplying tour and production management to the live events industry.

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There were many ups and downs over these years, financial struggles, relationship struggles, parenting struggles, all tinged with sadness, anger and a feeling of unfulfilled potential for a career cut short by life interrupting it.

Then one day I had a conversation with someone who re-framed my situation for me. I was bemoaning how I was no longer an actor and he laughed and said ‘you will always be an actor, it’s who you are – regardless of whether you are currently doing it!’ – This was revelatory for me and spurred me on to re-frame my idea of myself in the landscape of creativity. I realised that I had the power to change and adapt and re-emerge as whoever I wanted to be. Just that one conversation had moved me forward. I went back to drama school and topped up my diploma to a degree and then got a place at RADA to do a Masters in directing. I now combine acting, writing, directing, lecturing and coaching and live a full, creative life.
 

To sustain a career, and ourselves, in this industry we sometimes need to pause and take stock of where we are and what we want. We need to be able to establish a healthy work/life balance and to be open to new versions of ourselves as we grow and change over the years. We need to be ready to pivot.
 

If any of this resonates with you, If you are currently stuck or are trying to re-emerge into the industry after a break or if you’ve recently graduated from conservatoire training and don’t know what to do next,  or if you’re just struggling with the day to day overwhelm of being a creative, get in touch for a 30-minute discovery call, it could be that one conversation that opens the door to you fulfilling your potential of a creative life. Let me help you move forward.