Spotlight on…

Sarah Redmond has worked extensively as an actress, choreographer and director. Recently appointed as Associate Artistic Director for the Waterloo East Theatre, she directed and choreographed Pinkalicious, which was listed in the Evening Standard as one of the top must-see family shows in London.

She has been involved in numerous NYMT workshops and productions, most recently directing
Sweeney Todd. Sarah returns for NYMT's 2012 Season to direct the Jason Robert Brown musical Songs for a New World at the Bridewell Theatre from 31st July until 4th August.

What was your first introduction to theatre?
The very first play that I saw was Macbeth at the National Theatre. I was seven years old at the time and still vividly remember the witches. My mum and dad were talking about going and apparently I asked if I could go too, so I did!

How did you first get involved with NYMT?
When I was studying at Mountview, I auditioned for NYMT's production of Guys and Dolls and got in. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do the show as I couldn't miss three weeks of term. Then, about three years ago, I was invited to be involved with the NYMT workshops by Dominic Francis [former NYMT Producer] who I'd worked with for a number of years. Working with the NYMT is a great opportunity to work with such talent and enthusiasm. I am glad to be able to give back a bit of what I know.

Tell us about the experience of transferring the musical to the Rose Theatre in Kingston for the International Youth Arts Festival?
As I had been Movement Director for Sweeney at The Village Underground with NYMT the previous year, I found it a really satisfying challenge. It was a great opportunity to take the show in a different direction from the year before and to challenge the cast members to make fresh choices about the characters. It was a terrific learning opportunity for the young people not to reproduce the work from the previous year and to bring freshness to it, especially as we had a large number of new company members. I was particularly thrilled to be able to place the orchestra on stage and visible for this production as NYMT is blessed to have so many talented young musicians.

Songs For a New World is a show with which you have a history having performed in the European Premiere at the Bridewell Theatre in 2001. What are your memories of this experience?
There was such a buzz within the industry. It felt a real privilege to be part of the show as Jason Robert Brown is so revered – the new musical theatre composer of the time. He writes such amazing music, which set the kids, and the industry, on fire.

How will that experience influence your approach to directing the NYMT production of Songs for a New World in 2012?
This production is going to be nothing like it. Every director has his own ideas and speaks in very different ways. I know the music very well but want to approach it differently. It's going to be very character-based. Originally the show was written for a cast of 4; we are looking for 20, all of whom are distinctive characters. Throughout the show there are references to the "new world", and our world is now a very different world from ten years ago when the show was first performed. Also we want to explore contemporary movement within the piece. I have Cristian Valle, a fantastic choreographer, working with me and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.

What advice do you have for those planning to audition for the NYMT 2012 Season?
Don't copy the CD - I love originality!

Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahARedmond