a freelance journey

Written by Emily Smith, freelance Creative Practitioner.

​When I was lucky enough to be asked to be an Ensemble Leader for Stage Directions three years ago, I had no idea how brilliant of an opportunity it was going to be for me in so many ways.
 
My first project was with a community group in Eccles in partnership with Salford Community Leisure in 2019 . From the start, the support and training that Stage Directions offered was second to none. I felt that I was being truly invested in as a practitioner which in turn gave me the skills to work to a high standard with the young people in my group. 
 
Unfortunately Covid put a halt on the initial project I was working on. The Stage Directions team remained in contact & were incredibly supportive during a worrying time. 
 
Since then I have enjoyed working with a year 9  group in a high school, a SEND school, recruiting for the Off Stage work & being part of 2 amazing summer celebration camps!
 
Having such a wealth of different experiences on various projects has been invaluable to my development as an artist. Stage Directions has been fundamental in moving me forward in my career & I have learnt endless amounts about what a supportive, friendly and enjoyable working environment can do for you. 
 
Stage Directions has connected me with so many other amazing artists from across the city. I have some of the best memories from the summer camps that were a joy from start to finish. Coming together with a brilliant staff team & amazing young people to create an outdoor theatre  spectacular are a career highlight & something I think about often when I need a boost. 
 
Ultimately though, it is the impact on all the young people across Salford that has been magic to see.  From young people that wouldn’t say their name in the first session, not wanting to work in a group & saying that theatre wasn’t for them going to finding their own way in creating something they were incredibly proud of. I have witnessed how Stage Directions has changed the lives of young people & their families/carers  by connecting them to theatre in a way they have not been able to access before. It has been and always will be something that I value having being part of very much.