Local stage manager Emma Sanders recently agreed to join the newly founded Bolton Gate Arts CIC. We are delighted to have her on board and we thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to the team behind all the plans.
The arts industry has been decimated during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are keen to help play a part in rebuilding the industry, reimagining how we use green spaces and investing in our artistic communities.
Joe and Emma go way back having performed together as part of the Regent Theatre Academy back in their youth days, and were both involved with Stoke Youth Musical Theatre Company.
After a number of years at University, they are both reconnecting over their mutual love of arts and the environment, and hope to build an outdoor arts company that really serves its local communities.
Emma Sanders
Hi,
I am a freelance stage manager based in Staffordshire, who has always had a passion for theatre. I grew up performing with many local groups, before training in Performing Arts at the University of Cumbria, where I discovered my aptitude and love for Stage Management.
Since leaving university I have worked on various productions locally, around the uk and on cruise ships, before coronavirus put a spanner in the works!
I particularly enjoy working on collaborative projects as I love working with many different talented creatives. I am also very passionate about children’s theatre. It is such a wonderful feeling to be part of a child’s first experience of theatre and to be able to inspire young minds.
Additionally, I am very environmentally conscious, which is one of the reasons I am so happy to be a part of Bolton Gate Arts. I was very excited when Joe asked me to be involved in such a fantastic new venture.
What are you hoping to achieve with Bolton Gate Arts?
To bring a unique experience to the local area, combining the arts with nature. To be able to support local artists, especially those negatively affected by the pandemic. And to inspire people with meaningful theatre and art that has a powerful environmental message.
Joe Matty
Hello,
I am a Staffordshire based actor and theatre-maker, with training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the University of Warwick. I work most frequently with Pound of Flesh Theatre Company and am an associate artist with Nottingham based company Chronic Insanity.
I love work that is bold, challenging, work that experiments with music and especially work with an environmental focus.
It's fair to say, this whole project has really been born out of the pandemic, fuelled by a desire to redefine the way we make art, and people's rekindled passion for natural outdoor spaces. I can't wait to get stuck into supporting our community and growing this company to help with the enhancement of arts in our area.
What are you hoping to achieve with Bolton Gate Arts?
To create a space where everyone feels welcome. Where people can come to reconnect with nature, get creative, and learn some things about ourselves and our environment in the process.
We have already had lots of really fruitful chats with companies and individuals both locally and right across the country to figure out how we can best help and support artistic communities for corona times and beyond.
We have plenty of projects already in the pipeline, with lots of opportunities for you to get involved, so keep your eyes peeled!
