Performers who Pivot: Recent Episodes
Grace Francis
Welcome to The Performers who Pivot podcast.
This podcast is for actors and performers who are navigating two careers at the same time. In these episodes we talk about business, success, growth, manifestation, creating, building, dreaming and doing.
Each week I will be speaking with a special guest who doesn't take no for an answer when it comes to living their dreams and fulfilling their ideas.
Welcome to 'The Performers Who Pivot Podcast,' where we celebrate incredible journeys of transformation and creativity. I'm Grace Francis, your host, and I'm thrilled to introduce Arlo Carter to this episode.
Arlo Carter hails from a council estate in the picturesque Shires of the West Country in England. In 2020, the National Youth Film Academy honoured him with the title of Emerging Brit. His acting credits include a role as Alan Fisher in ITV's Doc Martin and a recent lead role as Logan in Joachim Hedén's The Last Breath, alongside the late Julian Sands.
Having received training both in the United States and in London, Arlo pursued his education at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Alongside his studies, he has also ventured into producing his own short films and made his debut performance as Lucas in 'Misunderstood' by Nutty Traxx Films.
Arlo's diverse skill set extends beyond acting; he is proficient in scuba diving and riding, facilitating his work across Europe, including shoots in Belgium, Malta, and Poland.
Currently, Arlo is attached as the lead in the upcoming Bez Glowy feature 'My Lovely Baboon,' slated to commence filming in late 2024 in Poland.
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Welcome to 'The Performers Who Pivot Podcast,' where we celebrate incredible journeys of transformation and creativity. I'm Grace Francis, your host, and I'm thrilled to introduce Dyonne Antonette Josiah, a talented creator who started her artistic journey nearly two decades ago.
Dyonne, once a performer, has gracefully pivoted her talents towards writing children's books. Hailing from Islington, North London, Dyonne discovered her passion for storytelling early on. Struggling with dyslexia at 16, she turned her unique perspective into a career, crafting stories that empower young minds and bridge gaps in understanding. Her journey led her to create 'The Adventures of Canary Ryland—How do you get a baby?'—a heartwarming tale that eases conversations about a sensitive subject.
Her journey from performer to author resonates deeply with our podcast's theme of performers who pivot. Join us as we dive into Dyonne's inspiring narrative. Grace Francis is the host of The Performers Who Pivot podcast. She is an actor, writer and entrepreneur. Grace started her award-winning company DramEd to enrich children through the arts in education. Grace shares her blueprint and brand with performers through DramEd licenses to help them build a flexible business that benefits from their skillset in the arts—allowing them the freedom to navigate their own performing arts career.
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Michelle Brooks is a Black British Writer and a graduate of the prestigious ROSE BRUFORD acting programme. Michelle's journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable.With a background that includes stints at BBC Entertainment in Salford and BBC Promotions in London, Michelle honed her comedic prowess under the guidance of luminaries like Logan Murray, Funny Women, Amused Moose, and Comedy 5050. Her dedication to her craft paid off in 2019 when she collaborated with Comedian Simon Watt and Imperial College to create and perform a science-based stand-up set titled "BAME" for the LOL Lab.2020 Michelle's talents were recognised when her pilot sitcom, "SAFE," was shortlisted among 235 entries in the SCREENSKILLS-funded TellherVision, Comedy50:50, and HATTRICK Sitcom Competition. Her one-woman stand-up show, "BASE STATION," was a hit at the 2021 Camden Fringe, showcasing her incredible comedic prowess.
But Michelle's talents aren't confined to the stage. She's a skilled writer and presenter, known for her insightful documentaries like "BRIDES AND PREJUDICE" in 2010, which delved into the world of Black Singles Dating, and "WHY SHOULD I GET MARRIED?" in 2011, a candid exploration of the wedding industry.In 2022, Michelle embarked on a new chapter, collaborating with DISNEY and DREAMWORKS SKG story consultant Pilar Alessandra to craft her first feature film. Simultaneously, she's contributing her talents to the NATIONAL TRUST, teaching filmmaking, and directing the 2023 Documentary on Sir Edwyn Lutyens and his remarkable architectural legacy for the ICAA in New York.Michelle Brooks is a creative force to be reckoned with, breaking barriers and making waves in the entertainment world. Tune in as she shares her unique journey and insights on The Performers who Pivot Podcast.
Follow Michelle on Instagram and her blog account here
Grace Francis is the host of The Performers who Pivot podcast. She is an actor, writer and entrepreneur. Grace started her award-winning company DramEd to enrich children through the arts in education. Grace shares her blueprint and brand with performers through DramEd licenses to help them build a flexible business that benefits from their skillset in the arts—allowing them the freedom to navigate their own performing arts career.
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Today's episode features a special guest, Dr Feyisara Mendes, the kind of Doctor you visit when you are concerned about your health. She has a medical portfolio which includes lifestyle medicine and women's health. However, this Doctor is equally passionate about writing and performing for stage and screen after a recent pivot back into the arts. Since paying homage to her calling to the screen and stage, Dr Shaz has secured representation by one of Britain's leading award-winning acting agencies IAG. She is about to grace the stage in her theatre debut of 'The High Life', a new play by playwright Scott Younger, produced by Forest Theatre Company and directed by Sarah Githugu. The High Life is showcased at Barons Court Theatre from the 14th to the 18th of February, 2023.
See Feyisara perform from 14-18th Feb 2023
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Grace Francis is the host of The Performers who Pivot podcast. She is an actor, writer and entrepreneur. Grace started her award-winning company DramEd to enrich children through the arts in education. Grace shares her blueprint and brand with performers through DramEd licenses to help them build a flexible business that benefits from their skillset in the arts—allowing them the freedom to navigate their own performing arts career.
Follow Performers who Pivot on Instagram
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In this episode I speak with Sophie Methuen-Turner. Sophie is a Brighton based, Spotlight actor. She has appeared in a channel 5 documentary this year, and is going on tour next year, to London, Oxford and Italy. Follow Sophie’s journey on Instagram https://www.Instagram.com/SophieMethuenTurner--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracedramed/message
In this episode I share how show business is similar to running your own business. Hello and welcome to the Performers who Pivot podcast brought to you by your host Grace Francis. This podcast is for actors and performers who are navigating two careers at the same time, maybe one performing arts career and one business to fall back on, or a business to have alongside your performing arts career or perhaps you want to leave the performing arts industry altogether. Still, you don’t want to retrain, so you are exploring how to progress using the skills you already have. Our objective is to uplift, inspire and have honest conversations about what it takes to lead a creative and fulfilling lifestyle. In this episode, I mention the book I am reading called New Earth by Ekhart Tolle On November the 10th, I am launching the next Performers who Pivot Bootcamp. This Bootcamp is for performers who want to pivot into multiple income streams or a career that aligns well with their skill sets. Join me inside The FREE 'Performers who Pivot Bootcamp' from 10th - 14th November 2022 - and prosper with your skillset in the arts.
Inner Work - Priming your mind for success in Arts and Business. Multiple Income Streams for Performers who Pivot How show biz is similar to running your own Biz Maximising your earning potential
Click here to lend your skills to a career that benefits from your skillset, creates wealth and gives you autonomy over your lifestyle.
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Ideas + Action = Success, and the ego belongs in the back seat…most of the time.
Fear is a friend of ego; their job is to protect but is it overworking? In this episode, I touch on navigating your ego.
Which by God do many Performers have.
Hello and welcome to the Performers who Pivot podcast brought to you by your host Grace Francis. This podcast is for actors and performers who are navigating two careers at the same time, maybe one performing arts career and one business to fall back on, or a business to have alongside your performing arts career or perhaps you want to leave the performing arts industry altogether. Still, you don’t want to retrain, so you are exploring how to progress using the skills you already have. Our objective is to uplift, inspire and have honest conversations about what it takes to lead a creative and fulfilling lifestyle. In this episode, I mention the book I am reading called New Earth by Ekhart Tolle
On November the 10th, I am launching the next Performers who Pivot Bootcamp. This Bootcamp is for performers who want to pivot into multiple income streams or a career that aligns well with their skill sets.
Join me inside The FREE 'Performers who Pivot Bootcamp' from 10th - 14th November 2022 - and prosper with your skillset in the arts.
- Inner Work - Priming your mind for success in Arts and Business.
- Multiple Income Streams for Performers who Pivot
- How show biz is similar to running your own Biz
- Maximising your earning potential
Click here to lend your skills to a career that benefits from your skillset, creates wealth and gives you autonomy over your lifestyle.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracedramed/message
Hello and welcome to the Performers who Pivot podcast brought to you by your host Grace Francis. This podcast is for actors and performers who are navigating two careers at the same time, maybe one performing arts career and one business to fall back on, or a business to have along side your performing arts career or perhaps you want to leave the performing arts industry all together but don’t want to retrain so you are exploring how to progress using the skills you already have. Our objective is to uplift, inspire and have honest conversations about what it takes to lead a creative and fulfilling lifestyle.
In this episode I share some backstory - part 2 about how this podcast came to be.
In this episode I mention a book called 'Purpose' by Jessica Huie.
If you are considering a pivot into the Childrens activity sector check out my FREE 30 day Performers who Pivot into the Children's Activity Sector Bootcamp
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracedramed/message
Hello and welcome to the performers who pivot podcast brought to you by your host Grace Francis. This podcast is for actors and performers who are navigating two careers at the same time, maybe one performing arts career and one business to fall back on, or a business to have along side your performing arts career or perhaps you want to leave the performing arts industry all together but don’t want to retrain so you are exploring how to progress using the skills you already have. Our objective is to uplift, inspire and have honest conversations about what it takes to lead a creative and fulfilling lifestyle.
In this episode I share some backstory about how this podcast came to be, it's a short one with a part two to follow.
If you are considering a pivot into the Childrens activity sector check out my FREE 30 day Performers who Pivot into the Children's Activity Sector Bootcamp
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracedramed/message
And we're back! With a second season of The Performers who Pivot podcast, a podcast to support performers through other areas of life. Life as a performer often means navigating another career or business at the same time or finding other ways to lend your skills to a life that feels good. In this episode, I am chatting with Tyan. Tyan is a mother of two children, an actress, writer and a creative freelancer for Dramagical Entertainment Ltd. She trained with the National Youth Theatre from young; featuring in many musicals, and gracing the stage of well-known theatres in the West End. She completed a degree in Performance Studies with Musical Theatre and whilst on route to becoming a Primary School Teacher her path took another direction. Spending a lot of time within the Special Needs and English as an additional Language departments she became interested in helping those children who may struggle within and outside of the classroom; devising workshops to help children combat such issues alongside their academic studies which she believed was just as important. She now creates these workshops full-time under her business name Dramagical Entertainment Ltd. She creates workshops for libraries, community centres, nurseries and schools and has reached out to far more children than she could have imagined possible! At the beginning of this year, she started term time classes "Stories and Rhymes with Tyan" a baby and toddler group which teaches culturally diverse workshops centred around reading stories, boosting self-esteem, confidence and empowering little people whilst they tackle growing up in the big world. In this episode we talk about pivoting into to teaching and from teaching into business all whilst navigating a performing arts career, not to mention parenting at the same time!
We hope you enjoy this episode.
For more follow: https://www.instagram.com/storiesanrhymewithtyan https://www.instagram.com/dramagicaltyan https://www.instagram.com/drameduk https://www.instagram.com/performerswhopivot
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Ian Weichardt is a "northern lad" from Yorkshire. His passion in life is to entertain, educate and tell stories. He is an actor, writer, children’s entertainer, educational practitioner and owner of a successful children’s entertainment business, Mr Ruffles Parties. Most notable acting performances are for the Olivier nominated play The Miser at the Garrick Theatre, West End, T.V. roles in Holby City, Coronation Street, Doctors and D.C.I. Banks, film roles for Razors and Freak of Nurture and BBC Radio 4 drama Fragments. He runs Mr. Ruffles Parties which offers entertainment for children of all ages and any occassion. As a children’s entertainer Ian has performed internationally and for various celebrity events. He has worked in Early Years and Primary education for over 10 years educating children through drama and peformance, specialising working with children with Special Educational Needs and children with Autism Spectrum Discorder. Find out more: www.mrrufflesparties.com Follow and Support Ian: https://www.instagram.com/mr_ruffles_parties/ https://www.facebook.com/mrrufflesparties/ In this podcast we reference Ian's recent lead role in the soap Doctors, BBC (Series 22: 59. Sub 25) www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000ww6x via @bbciplayer which received national newspaper coverage. His party entertainment (see a video) https://youtu.be/7cJBPye841c Ken Kelly and https://magicianbusiness.com Rikki Beadle-Blair https://www.instagram.com/rikkibeadleblair/?hl=en This show was brought to you by Grace Francis @performerswhopivot podcast and @DramEduk
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In this weeks episode of the Performers who Pivot podcast I update you with my pivots and my personal life. At the end of last year I felt called to pivot back to acting and managed to land myself a TV role! Here I tell you all about it.
In this episode I tell you about The Audience Friend
This show was brought to you by Grace Francis @performerswhopivot podcast and @DramEduk
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Jordan Pitt is an actor and award winning filmmaker with over 20 years experience both in front of and behind the camera. He launched ONE UMBRELLA PRODUCTIONS in 2011, premiering his first film 'LOST WORDS' which was shot in the South of France, at the 'Diversity in Cannes' showcase the following year.
In 2013, he released his second short film 'AMBITION TO LIVE' which screened at various festivals - London Film Network Film Festival (where it picked up an audience choice award), Portobello Road Film Festival, BUFF and was nominated for best short film at the BEFFTA's.
Most recently, Jordan directed and wrote 'What Would You Do?' which screened at the BBC and BFI before launching on Amazon Prime. Most recently, it was selected to be apart of California’s Newport Beach Film Festival.
He also directed and produced 'COFFEE' which has picked up 'best international film award' at the 'Wadadli Film Festival' in Antigua and has participated in the 'S.O.U.L' festival. It was also shortlisted for the 'Lift Off Global Network' festival and most recently selected for the Bafta qualifying American Black Film Festival.
Jordan is now in pre production with a few new projects.
In this episode we reference; Triforce Productions A book called Humility The television series 'The Sopranos' To support Jordan and keep up with his journey follow @Jordanpittofficial @oneumbrellaprodcutions and @theretroloungeshow
This show was brought to you by Grace Francis @performerswhopivot podcast and @DramEduk
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Sara-Jane is a Performer and Business owner who has pivoted back into the arts after a long run in the corporate world. Her passion for performing arts started at the age of 3. After graduating with a 2:1 BA honours in Performing Arts, Sara-Jane devised numerous dance and drama pieces for a variety of organizations ranging from directing Musicals such as Bugsy Malone to bespoke pieces written and devised for young children. After the birth of her first child in 2012, like many of us, she opted for full time employment to support her family. Now, with her youngest at school, she has returned to her passion of teaching performing arts, which she now does on a self-employed basis. She has also recently launched her own dance company, 'Soca moves'. Soca Move dance classes can be modified to teach children as young as 2 years old up to adults in their prime (60+).
Follow Sara-Jane on Instagram @SocaMoves & @DramEd Sara-Jane
Website: https://www.socamoves.com
Santanders Mentoring Support Programme
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B.O.S.S. (Be On Stage & Screen) Acting School is a new cutting-edge drama school founded in 2020 by professional actors, Jennifer Brooke and Samantha Shaw, who deliver classical actor training with a fresh and innovative twist!
In this episode we dive into what it's like to pivot from the arts and make a success of business with a friend! BOSS Acting School took off during the Covid_19 pandemic when there started building an audience online.
They both still act whilst merging their passion with their profession through BOSS!
In this episode I talk about a book called The Desire Map by Danielle Laporte which is all about going only for what makes you genuinely feel good, by checking in with your feelings first!
Check out BOSS Acting Schools Website here or follow them on Instagram here.
Enjoy!
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Uche Abuah is a Nigerian-British actor and producer from London who began acting professionally as a student at the famed Identity Drama School in 2009. She recieved praise for her role as Uwa in the theatrical run of Another Biafra at the Rosemary Branch theatre in 2011. She followed this up by playing the lead role in the 2011, Royal Commonwealth Society's award-winning short, The Unlucky Mother. Uche then featured in smaller indie films such as Woodfalls (2013) and Mum Dad Meet Sam (2014) before playing the title character in the Luxor Film Festival Grand Prize-winning film, Mona (2016). She recently featured in the 2020 Amazon Prime Video football commercial. She most recently concluded a production in Nigeria as one of the leads in an upcoming feature film entitled A ROMANTIC COMEDY FEATURING LARA AND TOBY, due to be released in 2022. She was also in the stage adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie's bestselling book, "Notes on Grief" at the 2021 Manchester International festival. Uche is represented by I.D. TALENT. This Performers who Pivot episode was brought by DramEd. To find out more visit www.dramed.com or follow us on https://www.instagram.com/dramed_uk/ If you liked this episode let us know by leaving a review and let me know what else you would like to hear by emailing grace@dramed.com Episode analytics
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Taja is a West London Actor and Franchisee of Frenzy Drama, a drama school for young people. Taja bought her franchise before the age of 25 and has been navigating both careers to date. She loves travelling, reading and meeting new people. In this episode you will hear about how Taja is navigating two careers at the same time. Her favourite book at the moment is 'We should all be Millionaires' by Rachel Rodgers. This Performers who Pivot episode was brought by DramEd. To find out more visit www.dramed.com or follow us on https://www.instagram.com/dramed_uk/ If you liked this episode let us know by leaving a review and let me know what else you would like to hear by emailing grace@dramed.com
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Eboni Taylor is a university student, business owner having founded her start-up 'Youthful Arts Expression Ltd' and a performer from East London. She is full of drive and ambition. This is a useful episode for any creative young person wanting to become a student entrepreneur. In this episode we mention; The book 'How to be a Student Entrepreneur' by Junior Ogunyemi. Eboni also references the book 'Boundaries' by Cloud Townsend and The Bible. You can support Eboni on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/youthful.arts.expressions/ https://www.instagram.com/ebzz_xo/ https://www.instagram.com/home.school.uk/ This Performers who Pivot episode was brought by DramEd. To find out more visit www.dramed.com or follow us on https://www.instagram.com/dramed_uk/ If you liked this episode let us know by leaving a review and let me know what else you would like to hear by emailing grace@dramed.com
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Tanya Nicole Edwards was born and raised in West London and has forever been a lover of music, she attended Sylvia Young Scool for a number of years as a kid and then went on to dancing with Impact Dance and joining the RBKC choir. After auditioning for The Lion King at the age of 16 she had an offer and made her WestEnd debut making her the youngest adult in history thus far in the cast, for the last 15 years she has been in shows including Dirty dancing, toured Asia with Hairspray, Motown The Musical, The Book Of Mormon, Beautiful The Carole King Musical and Aretha Franklin’s Songbook Uk Tour .
Tanya has been touring the world with The world renowned British musical collective
Soul II Soul for the last 4 years also.
During the pandemic Tanya set up her own company Fly High Workshops
Fly High Workshops is a Motivational Performing Arts Agency that provide young people with the tools to make them more confident in their individual performance abilities.
Follow Fly High Workshops on Instagram
Follow Tanya on Instagram
This Performers who Pivot episode was brought by DramEd. To find out more visit www.dramed.com or follow us on https://www.instagram.com/dramed_uk/
If you liked this episode let us know by leaving a review and let me know what else you would like to hear by emailing grace@dramed.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracedramed/message
Welcome to The Performers who Pivot podcast.
*Disclaimer - At the time of recording this first episode this podcast was called 'Performers in Business'.
This podcast is for actors and performers who are navigating two careers at the same time, maybe one performing arts career and one business to fall back on, or a business to have along side your performing arts career or perhaps you want to leave the performing arts industry all together but don’t want to retrain so you are exploring how to progress using the skills you already have.
In these episodes we talk all things business, success, growth, manifestation, creating, building, dreaming and doing.
Each week I will be speaking with a special guest who doesn't take no for an answer when in comes to living their dreams and fulfilling their ideas.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracedramed/message