Define choice talking to ideasmag (12/02/13):
Tell us about your business and what you offer.
Define Choice present inspiring, relevant theatre with a view to affecting social change. Under our motto of "Great Things In Unique Spaces" we've performed in old pubs, abandoned warehouses, bookshops, railway arches and even a crypt. As well as providing a platform for upcoming artists, every show is produced alongside a project-related charity who receives a donation from the profits.
What do you think makes you unique?
Aside from the socially aware, site responsive nature of our work, our company benefits from the additional projects that our members are involved in outside of their work for Define Choice. Between us we have access to a wealth of experience and the skill sets of associated companies allowing exploration of a diverse pool of talents from poetry, improvisation and storytelling to music, puppetry and stand-up comedy.
What made you set up your company in the first place?
The company was formed on graduating from drama school when we quickly became aware that a great proportion of the opportunities available for young actors involved low pay/no pay to perform at rundown, hard to reach fringe venues in plays that seemed to be marched out in the misplaced idea that they could be a commercial hit. We wanted to do something different, so we created the opposite: An actor led company dedicated to producing ambitious collaborative performances in interesting spaces with an open book financial policy from start to end.
What projects or achievements are you most proud of?
Since our first production in 2008, each show has been produced in support of a charity relevant to the project in question. In doing so we've been able to generate hundreds of pounds for worthwhile causes and, due to the charity's link to the content, add an additional layer to the piece - allowing our shows to continue their work after the curtains have dropped.
What are you working on at the moment?
Having recently completed a work-in-progress London tour of Guns, Love & Chemistry, we're now preparing to take these new stage adaptations of Anton Chekhov's lesser known short stories on a tour of the UK performing at arts-related, non-theatre venues. Keep an eye on http://www.definechoice.co.uk for more details!
What advice do you have for anyone hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Go for it. Be active, inspired and do the things that really appeal to you. Collaborate with people you respect and don't be afraid to fail.
Define Choice present inspiring, relevant theatre with a view to affecting social change. Under our motto of "Great Things In Unique Spaces" we've performed in old pubs, abandoned warehouses, bookshops, railway arches and even a crypt. As well as providing a platform for upcoming artists, every show is produced alongside a project-related charity who receives a donation from the profits.
What do you think makes you unique?
Aside from the socially aware, site responsive nature of our work, our company benefits from the additional projects that our members are involved in outside of their work for Define Choice. Between us we have access to a wealth of experience and the skill sets of associated companies allowing exploration of a diverse pool of talents from poetry, improvisation and storytelling to music, puppetry and stand-up comedy.
What made you set up your company in the first place?
The company was formed on graduating from drama school when we quickly became aware that a great proportion of the opportunities available for young actors involved low pay/no pay to perform at rundown, hard to reach fringe venues in plays that seemed to be marched out in the misplaced idea that they could be a commercial hit. We wanted to do something different, so we created the opposite: An actor led company dedicated to producing ambitious collaborative performances in interesting spaces with an open book financial policy from start to end.
What projects or achievements are you most proud of?
Since our first production in 2008, each show has been produced in support of a charity relevant to the project in question. In doing so we've been able to generate hundreds of pounds for worthwhile causes and, due to the charity's link to the content, add an additional layer to the piece - allowing our shows to continue their work after the curtains have dropped.
What are you working on at the moment?
Having recently completed a work-in-progress London tour of Guns, Love & Chemistry, we're now preparing to take these new stage adaptations of Anton Chekhov's lesser known short stories on a tour of the UK performing at arts-related, non-theatre venues. Keep an eye on http://www.definechoice.co.uk for more details!
What advice do you have for anyone hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Go for it. Be active, inspired and do the things that really appeal to you. Collaborate with people you respect and don't be afraid to fail.
