This interview with renowned choreographer Mark Smith explores his journey from Royal Ballet training to international stage success, his innovative integration of sign language into dance, and his insights on the importance of sign language and deaf culture in the arts.

Key topics

Mark Smith's career trajectory from Royal Ballet to international stages
The integration of sign language into dance and choreography
The importance of sign language as a cultural and artistic expression

Sound bites

"I feel vibrations through my feet first."
"I learned BSL quite late, at age four."
"Sign language was banned for 100 years."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Smith's Journey
03:02 Connection with Bird College and Creative Process
06:05 The Impact of Dance on Communication
09:12 Exploring the Role of Vibration in Dance
11:47 Choreography and Collaboration in Musical Theatre
14:54 Learning British Sign Language and Its Importance
25:04 Overcoming Communication Barriers
26:44 Celebrating Deaf Culture Through Dance
30:30 The Emotional Connection in Performance
32:33 Evolving Dance Styles and Personal Growth
36:31 Diverse Dance Training and Its Importance
40:57 The Journey to Choreography
43:12 First Steps as a Choreographer
46:52 Pitching Ideas and Securing Choreography Jobs
50:07 Navigating the Competitive Dance Industry
53:41 The Impact of Social Media on Opportunities

Links:

Royal Ballet School - https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/
London Studio Centre - https://londonstudiocentre.org/
Graeae Theatre Company - https://graeae.org/
Deaf Men Dancing - https://deafmendancing.com/
British Sign Language (BSL) - https://bslzone.co.uk/
Ramps on the Moon - https://rampsonthemoon.co.uk/

Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

Me'sha's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk

This conversation delves into the intricate world of costume design, exploring the casting process, the importance of colour inspiration, and the challenges of period costuming. Lindsay shares personal experiences, including career milestones, the impact of motherhood on her professional journey, and the significance of networking and mentorship in the industry. The discussion highlights the creative process behind wardrobe design and the collaborative nature of bringing characters to life on screen. Me'sha and Lindsay discuss the challenges and importance of self-promotion in the creative industry, particularly for freelancers. They emphasise the need for visibility and authenticity in social media, the nostalgia of working in familiar places, and the aspirations for future creative projects. Mentorship and sharing knowledge are highlighted as vital components of growth in the industry. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and personal life, the significance of taking downtime for creativity, and reflections on awards and recognition in their careers.

Lindsay's Links:

Website: https://www.lindsaybonaccorsi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaybonaccorsicostume/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-bonaccorsi-53a2ba1a/

Agent: https://saraputt.co.uk/client/lindsay-bonaccorsi/

Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

Me'sha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk

Takeaways

The casting process often starts with just a headshot.
Self-tapes can provide valuable insights into an actor's interpretation of a character.
Early conversations with actors about their preferences can enhance the design process.
Color inspiration can come from the environment and setting of the story.
Creating a coherent look for a series involves collaboration with production designers.
Period costuming benefits from historical references but presents unique challenges.
Winning awards can validate a designer's creative efforts and open new opportunities.
Balancing motherhood and a career in costume design can be challenging but rewarding.
Networking within the industry is crucial for career growth and opportunities.
Mentorship programs can provide valuable guidance and support for mid-career professionals. Self-promotion can feel vulgar, but it's necessary.
Having strong cheerleaders can propel you forward.
Visibility is crucial for freelancers in the creative industry.
Authenticity in social media is important for connection.
Nostalgia for familiar places can enhance creativity.
Creative aspirations drive the desire for new projects.
Mentorship is a valuable way to share knowledge.
Taking downtime is essential for creative rejuvenation.
Balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge.
Awards can be unexpected but are meaningful milestones.

Chapters

00:00 Casting Insights: Understanding the Actor's Presentation
02:50 Color Inspiration: Crafting Character Through Wardrobe
05:56 The Art of Period Costuming: Balancing History and Creativity
09:08 Career Milestones: From Awards to Motherhood
12:08 Networking and Community: The Importance of Industry Connections
15:02 Mentorship and Growth: Navigating Mid-Career Challenges
23:07 Embracing Self-Promotion
25:08 The Importance of Visibility in Freelancing
26:23 Nostalgia and Connection to Place
28:43 Creative Aspirations and Future Projects
30:10 Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge
32:55 The Value of Creativity and Downtime
35:08 Balancing Work and Personal Life
39:00 Reflections on Awards and Recognition