Joshua Vine
When did I graduate from the University of Chichester? October 2016
What course did I do? Performing Arts (Theatre Performance) BA & Performance (Theatre Collectives) MA
What am I doing now ?
I am working at the Chichester Festival Theatre, developing a career in theatre management and administration. At the same time, I am working with Zoe Fidel and Steven Cotton, developing work for our company, SeriousFools. We are currently re-working our MA performances, honing them and updating them. In addition to this, as part of SeriousFools, I am supporting Zoe in making a film in London. I am also working on the drag scene as “Cilly” and beginning writing her a solo show about the construction of drag identities through pop culture. Also most imminently, SeriousFools are going to filming a parody of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” video, as part of our social media presence.
What do I love about my job/artistic practice/lifestyle?
The wealth of enthusiastic, passionate, creative people that I get to work with. The artistic community is so vibrant and exciting and there is never a dull moment. As a community we share our passions, concerns and loves with one another and that is an incredibly special place to belong.
How did doing Performing Arts/Theatre at Chichester help me to do what I do now?
I wouldn’t be doing what I do now, if it hadn’t been for the courses at Chichester: they set me down a different path. What began on my audition day as a general curiosity and a gambit, turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I would probably still be learning scripts and doing as I was told by a director if hadn’t of been for Chi! The level of quality and diversity within the teaching staff and the modules offered really is amazing: they literally cater for whatever you might wish to do on leaving University. Personally, I think the main turning point for me was a conversation with Brian Lobel: he held up a mirror to me and made me realise I was a queer artist, and I haven’t looked back since. I work in an amazing community of queer artists, whose dedications’ to LGBTQ+ rights and works are phenomenal!
What was my favourite moment/class/project when at Chi?
My favourite/least favourite moment would probably have to be performing my Solo Performance, which was rather like an out of body experience, very bizarre, yet incredibly exciting!
What do I most miss about Chi?
The thing I miss about Chi, is probably getting to do what we do EVERY DAY, and being around people who are doing it as well EVERY DAY! The ability to bring up Post-Structural theory in conversation in an attempt to understand/explain something!
My advice for anyone starting in the Theatre Department this coming year....
Take advantage of every opportunity, do not shy away from anything new, if it seems scary “support/help will always be given at Hogwarts/Chi for those who ask for it!” and MOST IMPORTANTLY love Julie, she is amazing, and take her chocolate on the beginning of every term!!!
