If you’ve ever questioned how the transition from uni to the ‘real world’ works in the world of creative arts, you’re not alone. Sure, your portfolio will earn you that shiny degree, but what happens to it afterwards- does it just rot in the archives? Will it really come to any other use? Well, graduate Marina Cusí Sanchez and current students Shannon Houghton and Isobel Sheard have come to the Lakeside theatre with their production, ‘The S Is Silent’, and some advice.

‘The S Is Silent’ follows the story of Marina as she and a group of friends find clues about life during Spain’s recent fascist past as they help Marina dig through her late grandmother’s belongings.

Through spoken word, visual poetry, and flamenco dance, the multicultural theatre group, Mad, Who?, will transport audiences to the most important events of the Spanish Civil War, retold from a woman’s perspective. A bilingual show, it will be accessible to all with English subtitles.

After premiering at the London Off-West-End earlier this year, the show has visited theatres in London such as the Pleasance, the Bush Theatre, and The Space, and has been awarded the 'Audience Award' at FestelOff 2022.

I went to find out from the artistic director herself how to turn a university project into a real-life successful career. The theatre company, comprised of alumni and current students, has its roots deep in the university. 

“For us, this is the homecoming show as it started at the uni as my dissertation piece for BA Drama and Literature.” Marina revealed. “It was just about grabbing the last thing that I produced at university and throwing it out in the world. That’s how I became a professional theatre maker!”
She acknowledged how not many people think that a career in the arts is accessible, but her career proves that you really can make it if you have the passion and make the most of your resources.

“This university has so many opportunities and support that you can advantage from. Obviously, there’s classes and the academics of it all”, she continued, “but for me, the most important experience of coming to uni is everything that I did outside of the class. The relationships I’ve built with my lecturers specifically have been so beneficial- most of them have been the ones to provide me with my first experiences in the professional world! I owe so much of who I am to this university and the experiences that it’s brought me.”

The work/life balance is something that most university and non-university people have to deal with. But when producing a production while still studying, the work/work/life balance is a new one to deal with. Tech operator Shannon admitted it was difficult but organisation is your best friend to maintaining that balance.

“In regards to balancing your studies and work, it is difficult. But honestly, the best thing to do is try to stay as organised as possible. You just have to try to get as much done in those quiet moments as possible while also trying to save a little bit of time for yourself, because the last thing you want is to burn out.

Actress Isobel added that motivation was a huge part of the end success, saying that passion was the key. 

“Drama is one of the biggest loves that I have, and that passion drives me into productions even when things start to get hard. It really grounds me knowing that something beautiful will come out of it even if the road is a little bumpy along the way.”

Starting your own show can be a confusing and daunting step to take, but the most common mistake, as Marina has noted, is not reaching out to those already in the industry.

“It’s all very nervewracking and very overwhelming because you’re a student just entering the professional world” she said. “But just look out on Google for who you admire and send them an email, introduce yourself. The worst that’ll happen is they won’t take the time to reply, so you really won’t be losing anything. Just reach out to people! Building connections is vital, you learn from your successors.”

When reaching out, she noted that you need to approach professionals with the right attitude and intentions. Instead of going up to someone and asking them to do something for you, you will be far more successful if you show them ‘This is what I’ve achieved, can you help me go further?’. 

On a finishing note, actress Isobel advises any young actor who wants to start out to just “throw yourself into any opportunity you can get.

“It might not be the case that it goes any further than the first production, but that doesn’t matter. Any experience is good experience, and any experience will benefit you for the next productions that you do.”
If you want to go and see this UoE alumni-led show about womanhood during fascism in Spain, they will be at the Lakeside Theatre on Thursday the 23rd November at 7pm. Grab your tickets here!