Jonathan studied Performing Arts with us and is currently navigating a fascinating mix of performing, teaching and research in movement and physical theatre. He has also competed for Britain in Obstacle Sports Racing, representing the country at European and World Championships.
What you study now might not be what you do forever, but it will equip you with skills that can be transferred to different careers and unexpected directions.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Kendal College? Best memories?
My most enjoyable memories were the dance showcase and the Threepenny Opera! I loved all of our dance classes, as I love movement. This influenced how I continued my physical training later in life and in my career.
What skills did you develop in your college course that you find useful in your present role?
My course at Kendal College prepared me more than I thought before heading out into Drama School and the early years of my career. It supported the foundations of my training as a physical artist and multi-disciplinary performer. The more hands-on experience, the better! It taught me skills for performance discipline and character research and, through its practical nature, to be more comfortable letting go of inhibitions that may block my work. To DANCE and be FREE!
Did you choose your career path with this occupation in mind?
Yes! I continued to work as an actor and physical performer across the UK and continentally in Europe. I love the arts, how the world works, and how art can capture many angles of this. I don't perform as much anymore. However, I still audition for commercials, teach physical theatre at universities and lead outdoor movement-based retreats for professional theatre makers and performers. I accept working on specific work projects that radiate to me and plug away at my own projects and creations.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at college?
Yes, actually, I led the movement sequence for a collaboration with Kendal College and (something else that I can't remember now) for a performance of Requiem. I performed and danced at Kendal MintFest in my final year and was approached to dance/move and model for Leica Camera, where I met future collaborators. I did my first green screen experience in my final year, too, which was an extracurricular experience. I can't remember what it was called now, though. And, of course, performing in the local amateur dramatics groups for more practical experience and some random music videos.
Could you give us one or more career tips for current students?
Certainly! My main advice is to be specific about where you want your career to navigate and be open to embracing all opportunities as they come. You never know what one experience may lead to. For example, after taking a 0-hour role between my performing jobs, I really got into obstacle sports and now represent the UK and race as part of the British national team for obstacle sports racing. I do this alongside my arts career. My movement work has evolved from dance to physical theatre to natural movement to research-based work on eco-friendly explorative movement and outdoor creative training with university researchers (a paper has been written on this) and competing internationally on a world stage.
What would you say to potential students thinking of studying at the college?
Be as hands-on as possible! This is the time to make mistakes, have fun, be embarrassed, come to the realisation, love work, hate work, study hard, but also be a student. Collaborate with other students from other courses; they are your peers in the future of your expanding industries and will be experiencing the rollercoaster the same way you will at the same time. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it; if there is something you don't understand right away, that's okay - it'll come in time. Life and careers, at the end of the day, is a marathon not a sprint haha!
