Movement Maker
Laura is an actor and movement director from Wales and is passionate advocate for creating an inclusive and accessible rehearsal environment. She believes in the power of playfulness and collaboration, using movement as a tool to bring the ensemble together. What sets Laura apart is her unique ability to work with individuals who may not have received traditional movement training. This skill has led her to be sought after for projects that involve a diverse range of performers, including both disabled and non-disabled actors. Laura's commitment to promoting inclusivity and is evident in her recent collaborations, notably 'Quality of Life is Not a Measurable Outcome' by Jamie Hale which has recently been restaged for Roundhouse London (originally ‘Not Dying’ at HOME Manchester) and her longstanding creative partnership with Olivier nominated actor and playwright Athena Stevens.
Recent projects include the movement direction for Iphegenia Yn Sblot at Sherman Theatre & Tour and Under Milk Wood R&D at Theatr Clwyd.
Laura also currently works for Hijinx Theatre, Bridgend College and WAVDA as well as creating an original work ‘The Yoga Class’ with support from Arts Council Wales’ Create Fund.
RECENT PROJECTS
-
Movement Director
Sherman Theatre & Tour 2024
Dir. Alice Eklund
Link: Iphigenia yn Sblot | Sherman Theatre
Let Effie guide you through the streets of today’s Cardiff. Step into her world. See how we live through her eyes.
It’s nearly a decade since Gary Owen’s heart-wrenching Iphigenia in Splott took the world by storm, entrancing audiences and critics alike, winning awards and becoming an international smash-hit.
Now, in 2024, one of the most important plays in Welsh theatre history returns more relevant and resonant than ever, with so much to say about life in Wales today. Alice Eklund’s powerful production of this new Welsh translation urgently brings this devastating classic to life once more. Full of raw emotion, empathy, compassion and heart, Iphigenia yn Sblot is a shattering wake-up call and the play we all need right now.
Performed in Welsh. Captions in English will be available at every performance (except the Eisteddfod).
-
Movement Director
Theatr Clwyd, 2024
Dir. Kate Wasserberg
-
Co-Director & Movement Director
Roundhouse London, 2024
LINK: Quality of Life is Not a Measurable Outcome | Roundhouse
What happens when the NHS decides it costs too much to keep you alive?
Quality of Life is Not a Measurable Outcome is a multi-media play exploring what it means to live in the world as a profoundly disabled person. After surviving critical illness and rebuilding their life, Jamie is now faced with the loss of the care package that keeps them alive and independent. Fusing poetry, monologue, film, and theatre in spoken English and British Sign Language, the oppressive panopticons of medical and panel-based social care assessments come into stark conflict with Jamie’s bold, transgressive desire to live joyfully in the world.
-
Movement Director
2024
Artist: Caitlin Lavagna
Directing the movement and story for video and photo to accompany the release of single 'Pretty Alright'
-
Co-director
Wales Millennium Centre, 2024
Supported by Arts Council Wales
-
Movement Director
Bridgend College, 2024
-
Movement Director
2023-2024
National Theatre Connections
LINK: The Periodicals | Sherman Theatre
Set in a dystopian future, not too far from our own world, The Periodicals follows a group of young people living outside of society. Determined not to be sent back to school, the Periodicals form their own alternative community.
Exploring issues important to our young people today – from mental health and friendship to the importance of having their voices heard – The Periodicals is an eye-widening experience to the very end.
The Periodicals will also be performed when Sherman Theatre plays host to the NT Connections 2024 Festival from 3 – 5 April.
-
Movement Director
2023
-
Co-Director (Movement)
2023
-
Co-Director (Movement)
2022
-
Movement Associate
2019
-
Dance Captain
2018
-
Step Choreographer
2018
WINNER OF THE VAULT FESTIVAL ORIGINS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NEW WORK 2018
-
Assistant Director
2018
-
Movement Director
2020
-
![]()
The Periodicals, Sherman Theatre
-
![]()
Icarus, Unicorn Theatre
-
![]()
Run A Mile, Music Video for Caitlin Lavagna
-
![]()
The Periodicals, Sherman Theatre
-
![]()
Pericles, National Theatre
-
BOYS, The PappyShow @ VAULT Festival
-
Not Dying, HOME Manchester
Caitlin Richards, Producer CRIPtic Arts
“Laura joined our team for an R&D and then rehearsals for Jamie Hale's NOT DYING. Her expertise in movement direction, in centring access, and her wider creative vision were huge assets which enriched every part of the show - from direction, to characterisation, to building the confidence of our performers. Laura was also a huge joy to work with. She was clear, respectful, and brought playfulness and camaraderie to the room. If you need a movement director for your next project, you couldn't work with anyone better.”
Caitlin Lavagna, Artist ‘Run A Mile’
“Laura understood my project and my vision the second I contacted her. She threw her energy, creativity and commitment into the room and I was therefore able to work with her in a way that made me confident in my ability and body. She consistently checked in with how I was feeling about the movement and the story, my character’s physical and emotional journey. She blended into a new room of creatives that she had just met and played a vital part in how well the overall music video turned out. Though I am a confident mover, I struggle to let go and not think about what I look like when I move, especially on screen. Laura understood this anxiety and focussed the shoot in a more helpful direction, focussing on playing games with the camera and dancing alongside Laura who was off camera which ultimately got me out of my head and move in a natural, relaxed but confident way”