Kate Parker is a puppeteer, teacher, singer, director, devisor, actor, dancer, designer and image creator. Despite having so many lives in one career she says there's still time to explore new ventures and is constantly inspired by the young people she teaches. She also has some advice for aspiring artists.

"Do it. Start. Make something. Don't wait for someone to offer you a part make a role for yourself. Joseph Campbell (Incredible Mythologist) said 'Follow your Bliss'."

Beyond the Blue is Parker's latest work with co-director Julie Nolan from Pandemonium Theatre. The show is devised by twelve young aspiring actresses, who collectively weave visually stunning tales of feisty women and their daring escapades.Kate Parker is a puppeteer, teacher, singer, director, devisor, actor, dancer, designer and image creator. Despite having so many lives in one career she says there's still time to explore new ventures and is constantly inspired by the young people she teaches. She also has some advice for aspiring artists.

"Do it. Start. Make something. Don't wait for someone to offer you a part make a role for yourself. Joseph Campbell (Incredible Mythologist) said 'Follow your Bliss'."

Beyond the Blue is Parker's latest work with co-director Julie Nolan from Pandemonium Theatre. The show is devised by twelve young aspiring actresses, who collectively weave visually stunning tales of feisty women and their daring escapades.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Morning and evening generally.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Julie said : beauty and charm with rough edges, imaginative, hand made and unique. She wanted to add free but thought it might sound like I worked for no money.

What aspect of your role as director gives you the biggest thrill?
Being able to assist actors to access their flow, shine, joy, heart and connection. To delight in the connections that spark between the performers. The sense of alchemy that comes when all the parts of a devised work are being placed together.

How does your environment affect your work?
Hugely. Although in my past I've devised fantastic work in small kitchens, ballet halls and even a car. What I've come to know works best is Adequate space. Light. Quiet. Air and a good floor (helpful for physical work).

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
First bigger picture then details

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Determination, belief, faith and learning to write a good budget

What are you most excited about for your latest show Beyond the Blue?
The physicality of the these fantastic young women and the fact that there are 12!

What inspired the work?
Women travellers, physical movement and the idea of courage

You teach physical theatre at performing arts schools and primary and secondary schools. Why do you enjoy teaching?
I love watching young people perform. I enjoy being a catalyst for devise ideas and I appreciate the freedom young minds have.
I like being a part of the excitement and energy young people have for creating work.

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors or directors?
Do it. Start. Make something. Don't wait for someone to offer you a part make a role for yourself. Joseph Campbell (Incredible Mythologist) said 'Follow your Bliss'. Do what you love. Do it.

What are your hopes and passions for the future of New Zealand theatre?
More, more, more. That it will support the creation of more quality image based physical theatre. That these works will have the chance to be exported around the globe!

What challenges does the industry face?
In Auckland it seems the space to rehearse and the space to perform. This is especially for independent practitioners. Q Theatre needs to be supported!
Also a place for young experimental theatre - where do we get to see it? In halls and back street gallerys? WE NEED MORE THEATRES!

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
That's tough. So much of what I do I love. I'm really enjoying this show and process. I loved working with the team on The Butcher's Daughter. I'm looking forward to The Arrival!

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Shaun Tan and his incredible graphic novel ' The Arrival '. We are aiming to bring it alive with paper, cardboard and performers.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I really have had so many lives in one within this career. Puppeteer, teacher, singer, director, devisor, actor, dancer, designer, image creator.....perhaps a documentary maker.....there's still time yet.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The NZ bush - where I was born up north and where I live now in Titirangi.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Through your body with space to move. It's a definite mood enhancer.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
Some kind of puppet that is probably terrible but is an idea or springboard to an incredible show that tours and pays a top wage to all who come within breath of it and delights audiences for centuries!!!

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
'This too shall pass' - Buddha
Does that sound weird?
Music can change everyone's mood and yoga is a wonderful way to just be (a good rest from the mind helps).

What's great about today?
It's my daughter's fourth birthday and she is a blessing in my life!

What's your big idea for 2008?
Developing for theatre The Arrival by Shaun Tan.

Beyond the Blue is at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE, from March 1-6.

Kate Parker bio

Kate is a freelance actor, director and teacher who trained at the John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne. She is well known for her devised production Moa Hunting which toured nationally with co-creator Julie Nolan along with her fantastical creation The Butcher's Daughter, performed at Auckland's Herald Theatre 03, also directed by Julie Nolan. She is known to most NZ audiences through her singing and puppetry skill in Indian Ink's The Candlestickmaker which has been performed nationally and in Singapore over the last seven years.
She is a co-director of Pandemonium Theatre who have produced a strong body of work since 2000.

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26/02/08