At New Perspectives, we are dedicated to supporting talent within the East Midlands both through our New Associates programme and employing some of our associate artists for our projects. Though it isn't possible to hire every single New Associate, they are always at the forefront of our minds when casting a production or finding freelancers. 

In this blog post, two of our New Associates Alumni, Abigail Pidgeon and Grace Carter, reflect upon their experiences of working on New Perspectives productions and projects as actors.

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Abigail Pidgeon - MODEL VILLAGE & OPEN PITCH

As an Associate Artist of New Perspectives Theatre Company, I can say with complete certainty that their professional development programme changed the course of my career and opened up a variety of employment opportunities.

After completing my year as a New Associate, I was invited to take part in an R&D process of a new play written by Anita Sullivan: Model Village. Fast forward a short time later and I was cast as Holly/Jill in the rural tour of the play as part of New Perspectives’ 50th anniversary year. This was an incredible experience as not only did I get to bring Anita’s complex characters to life, but I also had the chance to be directed by Angharad Jones, who I’d wanted to work with for some time. As an actor, this was an exciting, challenging and unique opportunity and one I will treasure for a long time.

Since Model Village, I’ve also worked as an actor on a New Perspectives Open Pitch project. This involved an R&D process followed by a sharing of the work. It was a brilliant opportunity to work with a first-time writer and explore their idea in a supportive and collaborative rehearsal space.

I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to work with extraordinary new writing, inspiring creatives and to have been fuelled artistically by these different roles. Thank you, New Perspectives. I’d urge any East Midlands artists to apply to be a New Associate as you won’t find a more nurturing, encouraging and supportive theatre community.

Grace Carter - Open Pitch

Alongside all the other incredible free opportunities, tickets, events, workshops, friends and knowledge I’ve gained through New associates, I’ve also been employed through the talent development programme.  

My first experience of employment was through an Open Pitch project, a play in development called Black Diamond Dancers by Susie Brig. Set in a Derbyshire coal mining village in the 1960’s and 1980’s, I was asked to be an actor for the R&D as Susie was supported to develop drafts of the play. 

I was employed with 4 other women, either current New Associates like I was at the time or New Associates alumni. I remember getting the email and being absolutely bowled over by excitement to be given the opportunity to be in a rehearsal room as an actor, with other creatives and play around with some special material. I was also astounded that I was being paid to do it. Being an early career artist, the majority of my personal creative projects by that point had been unpaid, born out of my passion and thirst to tell stories, even if I had to fund it myself. This was the first time in my career I’d gained employment as an actor and a substantial day rate for my time and skills. 

New Perspectives also helped me gain funding through a DYCP, and through this support I’ve been able to pay myself for my time researching Dramaturgy, organising shadowing experiences and mentorship, and paying for my time writing script reports. I wouldn’t have had access to this self-employment without New Perspectives’ help on the bid. It’s from this year-long self-created programme I hope to gain the skills and experience necessary to generate more employment for myself through Dramaturgy. 

I have also been employed again by New Perspectives for another Open Pitch project this coming April. I will work as an actor for the R&D of Lisa McKenzie’s play sixTEEN, in collaboration with Jayne Williams, as they create a script drawing from personal experiences growing up in Sutton in Ashfield during and after the Miners’ Strike. With the help of New Perspectives, I’m also awaiting a decision on an Arts Council funding bid for an R&D of a new play I’ve written, which would mean I’d be able to pay myself and the creative team for its development.  

There was no expectation coming into New Associates for employment. I know it’s an ultimate goal for the theatre to help early careers gain employment, but it’s not always possible and I’m incredibly grateful for what I’ve been given. Not only has the employment helped pay the rent, but it’s made it easier for me to say yes to creativity when there’s no stress if it’s unpaid. The employment I’ve been able to access through New Perspectives has given me the confidence, learning and experience to keep going, keep putting myself forward for more employment opportunities in the industry, and to actually start getting paid for my creativity.