Directing in Universities and Drama Schools: I have worked as a Visiting Director at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Education Education Education – The Wardrobe Ensemble), University of Northampton (Dodgers – Devised), Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company (Modern Scene Study – Various, King Lear – William Shakespeare), East 15 (Cafe Nero – Devised, Marketplace – Devised), and City Academy (Constellations – Nick Payne, After Closing – Various). Devising work for the University of Northampton and East 15 both centred improvisation, with Dodgers focusing on the semi-improvised play format, and, Cafe Nero, and Marketplace focusing on long-form hyper-realism.
As a student I trained on placement as a director/assistant director on The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama BA Acting Course and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts MA Lab Course. I have been mentored by Pippa Evans, Hamish Pirie, and Nik Partridge and on the RTYDS programme.
For further info on the semi-improvised play process please see dedicated webspage.
Fringe Theatre Productions:
As a director I specialise in acting theory, and enjoy working on different forms of theatre. I have worked on plays incorporating Verbatim Theatre, Poetry, Improvisation, Projection (electronic and overhead), and Autobiography. In addition to this I have worked in supporting positions on performance covering Stand-up Comedy, Long-Form Improv, Radio and Spoken Word; as well as Immersive Opera, Verbatim Theatre, and Improvisation.
Productions :
The Chanting Sea
‘The Chanting Sea’ is a horror-folk story using shadow puppetry, that follows the absence of a mother, and the search for fulfilment in a strange foreign land.
Written by Yihan Chen
Performed at Theatre Deli
Performed by Emily Millwood
Designed by Seoeun Hong
Produced by Yuhan Zhao
Hasbian
‘Hasbian’ is an autobiographical comedy that explores the experiences of growing up bisexual in Brighton during Section 28. The production prioritises accessibility by incorporating audio description, captioning, and relaxed lighting to enhance the audience’s experience.
Created by Beth Watson
Designed by Christianna Mason
Produced by Josephine Shipp
Projections by Edalia Day
Access Support by Koko Brown and Quiplash
Performed at Stanley Arts Centre, Pleasance Theatre, The Bunker Theatre and Camden People’s Theatre.
Babies/No Babies?
‘Babies/No Babies?’ is a verbatim play centered around interviews regarding the decision to have children. With a focus on audio, the production delves into the complexities of choice and explores diverse perspectives on parenthood and surrogacy.
Created by Lou Wilcox
Performed at The Vagina Museum, Omnibus Theatre.
6 Conversations
‘6 Conversations’ chronicles the experience of growing up as a caregiver for disabled parents. The production sheds light on the unique challenges faced by young carers and explores how queer friends or relationships can become like adoptive family, to help create bonds that shape our lives.”
Created by Sasha Kane
Performed at The Glory.
London Evening Standards Best LGBTQ Events in London In January.
Reasons I Want to Hurt My Boyfriend
‘Reasons I Want to Hurt My Boyfriend’ is a short film initially developed for a work-in-progress performance at the Omnibus Theatre in 2020. The research and development process explored the theme of female terrorism through opera and devising techniques, looking at veganism, sexual harrassment and middle-class versus working-class perspectives.
Film devised by Ellen Bannerman and Chloe Kennedy
Research and Development Processes:
Research and Development into Disabled Semi-Improvised Play Process
This process looked into the use of semi-improvised play formats for disabled artists in particular artists with chronic illness. Funded by an arts council grant.
With support from Amarachi Nwokoro, EM Williams, and Debbie Hannan.
Semi-Improvised Play – Magdalene Spa
I am currently working with an ensemble company and director Jessica Bickel-Barlow on a new semi-improvised play process. The play is set in a Spa and follows the relationships between ageing, femininity, death and gore.
The Bad Disabilites Club
‘The Bad Disabilites Club’ Short-listed for CPT’s Outside the Box Comission, Long-listed for BOLD Makers programme, and receiving support from CPT and Interactive Soup. This is a semi-improvised/devised play where the audience interact with the story and scenery; and dialogue is improvised every night.
Other R&D Support
I have provided early stage directing/dramaturgy support for a range of artists covering solo improvisation shows, improvised opera, stand-up (for soho theatre and BBC Wales), and new writing (plays).
Chloe Kennedy 