On Saturday 12 August, we will present one of our largest outdoor events to date! We spoke to local participant, Paige Mackay, about her experience in the project, and what audiences can expect on the night!
Name: Paige Mackay
Age: 24
Home town: Thatcham
Have you always been interested in dance? How did you first get into it?
I have been a performer on and off stage from an early age. It was in secondary school that my particular interest in dance started, firstly doing lessons and then auditioning and taking part in outside youth dance companies.
If you have previous dance experience, was this in hip hop, or other styles of dance?
My dance experience has been mainly in contemporary and jazz, so doing this project has enabled me to learn new styles of dance.
Outside of this project, are you involved in any other art forms? Theatre, music or sport, for example?
I have had so many amazing opportunities when it comes to performance art. At home I am part of a musical theatre society and have been for many years, doing a variety of shows each year, I have performed with local acting groups and been part of Hatton concerts.
I previously worked on Disney Cruise Line as a host/ performer and in Lapland doing character work as an Elf.
What was it like working at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space last year?
101 is a space like no other, this was like home for me. It is a space with so much atmosphere where everyone is friendly and welcomes you with open arms. I jump at any opportunity to go back there whether it be to rehearse, perform, watch a show or just popping in to say hi!
What is it like working with people from so many different countries?
It has been so interesting learning about different cultures and it has also been a good opportunity to learn some new languages (well try to anyway). But the most interesting thing I've learnt is that even though we have come from very different backgrounds we are all so very similar in our beliefs, goals for the future and the way in which we view the world. We have become a little family and will cherish these memories for a long time!
Tell us a bit about the rehearsal process in Freiburg.
Wow! Where do I start? Rehearsal processes are not always easy and this has been no exception, there have been ups and downs which of course is normal. Overall it's opened my eyes into how theatre works. I have learnt so much from these past 6 weeks about how theatre is created and how you have to be adaptable to change (especially in outdoor theatre, as things can change day to day). A lot of the content had been thought about and created for us however we have also been given lots of opportunities to come up with ideas and create our own choreography within the piece. During our time here we have also taken on new job roles as well as performing, such as: set building, costume design, make-up etc. These are roles we will be responsible for when we are on tour.
How does it feel to be bringing such a large scale production to your home country/county (if applicable)?
It is pretty crazy, when I told friends and family about this project the one question I was always asked was... "but what is it you are going to do?" And I simply replied "I have no idea but expect it to be big, bold and something like you've never seen before" and it's exactly that! I'm so excited to be performing in my local town in a show I'm so proud to be a part of.
Please describe the performance in 3 words.
Atmospheric, thought provoking (this question was so hard ! ) haha
Please describe how being a part of this project makes you feel in 3 words.
Proud, excited, professional
If you could say anything to persuade people come to see the UK show, what would it be?
This show will not only wow you visually but will get the wires running in your brain!
What are your plans for the future? Do you think that being a part of The Crossing Lines Project has influenced your current plans?
My plan for the future has always been to be happy, whether that is in regards to job roles or personal life. Ideally, job wise I would love to perform full time and it something I am currently working towards.