Overview
Whilst working on their dissertations for the MA at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Lydia and Mattea found common ground in both exploring storytelling, devising and play as a way to promote wellbeing and celebrate individuality. They were inspired to pursue this work after the course and so formed Balancing Act - a theatre company that believes the devising process promotes wellbeing and confidence.
Whilst planning the trajectory of Balancing Act both were hugely inspired by engaging in creative play as a way to promote wellbeing and explore the world around us as well as in our local South London community.
"The process of devising is about the fragmentary experience of understanding ourselves, our culture, and the world we inhabit" (Oddey, 1994, p,1).
Balancing Act embodies this idea creating devising workshops which enable participants to amplify their voices and tell their stories. Drawing on multiple creative practitioners, our practice is unique as it promotes artistic excellence whilst focusing on care. We use these techniques to explore participants' experiences and perspectives whilst, most importantly, having fun!
‘The beneficial effects of getting just a little true play can spread through our lives, making us more productive and happier in everything we do" (Brown and Vaughan 2010)
Bios
Lydia Huhne
A trained actor and director who studied at Rada and through various seasons with the National Youth theatre. She then co-ran “Burnt Out Theatre”, a company producing, directing and touring various shows. Lydia also commissioned and helped devise new writing, most notably the play “Muscovado”, which was the winner of the Alfred Fagon Audience award in 2015.
Since having children, she has focused her attention on teaching and facilitating drama workshops within a range of settings including an intergenerational project for the NHS during the pandemic. She gained a master's from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, in Applied Theatre theatre, theatre in the community and Theatre in Education. She strongly believes in the power of “play” for well-being, and the benefits of creating ensemble theatre.
Mattea Thomas-Gray
Has a background in support work with a BA/Bsc in Theatre Studies and Psychology and an MA in Applied Theatre from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her background in supporting men experiencing homeless and addiction inspired her to use the creative arts for social change and pursue a career in Applied Theatre. Following this inspiration, Mattea has worked internationally applying theatre in day centres, community halls, hospitals, and schools to inspire change and promote wellbeing. For the last 4 years, she has been working with young people with Autism exploring social skills through drama, creativity, and play.
With a passion for making accessible creative spaces, Mattea has directed multiple youth productions with schools in Streatham and as part of the teaching team at the South London Theatre in West Norwood. Mattea is passionate about the power of theatre and performance to promote wellbeing, reflection, and community.
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