Today we are speaking with Becky Coote, a current student on the Writing for Performance, BA course about recording an original song titled ‘Hold the Light’.
Tell us a bit about what you are getting up to
My partner, Will Thompson (who is a graduate of the Theatre Sound, BA course ) and I recorded an original song titled ‘Hold the Light’. This song was written for us by Will’s father, Paul Thompson, after he witnessed how COVID-19 had impacted both of our lives, specifically relating to theatre work.
We made a video to accompany the song, and was then commissioned to make a new video using the song for the inclusive theatre company, Razed Roof.
How did you get involved with this project?
The original song and video was a side project that Will and I were working on as a creative outlet, especially as he has spent the past year working in COVID-19 testing as opposed to his usual theatre sound work.
I sent the video to the artistic director of Razed Roof, as this organisation has been hosting my writing residency as part of my course at Central. She loved the video so much that she wanted me to collaborate with them on a new video featuring members of her theatre company, who all have learning disabilities and most of whom have been shielding for the past year.
What made you want to get involved?
I work as a performing arts teacher, and all my classes had been suspended at the start of 2021. I wanted some creative outlet, especially in singing, alongside my course because my usual work just wasn’t happening. I was very excited when Razed Roof asked me to collaborate with them, it is very important to me increase positive representation of people with learning disabilities, and the video presents them as working actors. I grew up caring for my brother with a learning disability, and he has had such a rough time in lockdown, so this project was particularly close to my heart.
How did it all work?
For the Razed Roof video, we met over Zoom to discuss what each person’s costume and movement would be. They then filmed themselves at home, and sent the videos through to us, which we edited together and uploaded onto our YouTube channel.
How has this programme related to your coursework?
This relates to my current residency with Razed Roof, where representation and collaboration of people with learning disabilities plays a central role. This has also increased my knowledge of technology, including recording music with professional equipment and filming and editing a video, which will be very useful skills to use in my practice going forward.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
I was most surprised by the reactions of the members of Razed Roof. After we edited the video together, we streamed it to them over Zoom. Once it finished, half the group were in tears. They said that it had been so awful not seeing each other for over a year, but by seeing this video it made them feel together again, and as part of the Razed Roof community. I hadn’t appreciated how important this video would be to them whilst editing it.
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
When researching courses in higher education, I knew I wanted to work in theatre but I didn’t want to be an actor. I took a look at Central’s website, to see what other courses were available, and I found what was then called the Drama, Applied Theatre and Education page. This course had everything I wanted to be studying, so I applied and then here we are!
What are you planning to do after graduation?
My plans following graduation include freelancing as a performing arts teacher whilst writing and submitting my plays to various organisations. In a few years I intend to set up my own performing arts school with a focus on accessibility and developing important skills for children.
If you want to keep up with Becky, you can follow her on Instagram @becky.coote.
Hold The Light will be featured as a part of the programme for the upcoming Keep Creating Gala.
