Musical theatre artist Grace Mouat launched her career in the original company of SIX, understudying all of the Queens, and has since joined the cast of the brand-new UK musical & Juliet. She has recently launched a Podcast called Cut to the Grace and a Youtube channel, which she uses to empower and encourage people. Grace will be performing in three of our Reunited livestream concerts; Girl Power, Oops!... I Streamed It Again and All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre.
MEET GRACE
Why did you decide to work in theatre?
I loved singing and dancing from a young age and when I found out that people actually got to do that for a living, I was determined to make a career in theatre. My parents have always inspired me with their work ethic, so I worked hard to be a performer alongside my school work and eventually found myself here.
Learning to let it go and if necessary, have a laugh is super important
What’s something that you've learned along the way that you use often?
I've learned not to put myself in a box and to not focus on trying to do a particular style or type of role. I've also learned to cut myself some slack and not take myself too seriously. We are such perfectionists in the performance industry but the beauty of live theatre is that things can and do go wrong. They’re usually bigger in your head than they actually are, so learning to let it go and if necessary, have a laugh is super important.
What experiences have shaped who you are and how you work?
Getting to work with the incredible director, Luke Sheppard has taught me so much. He is the kind of director that allows and encourages actors to be totally themselves and have the freedom to play and try new ideas. He has such a passion for new work and new musicals which has inspired my love for them too. My experiences working with him changed how I work because it gave me that ‘just do it’ attitude that helps me throw myself into tricky situations.
Remind yourself why you want to do it.
What advice do you have for people wanting to engage with the arts during this difficult time?
Keep believing! This current climate is not forever, it is temporary. Theatre will be back along with opportunities to nurture new talent and story-tellers. Now, more than ever, I would like to believe creatives know the importance of giving opportunities to those starting out in the arts because they are the future of our industry. In the meantime, my advice would be to do as much as you can to hone your skills and learn about your craft. This could be through Zoom workshops, watching online musicals and shows or doing some singing exercises. Take that time to stay motivated and keep working hard. Remind yourself why you want to do it.
What kind of theatre would you love to see more of?
I would like to see more representation in theatre and I'd like to see the real world and all of the wonderful people that make up our society being represented in their best lights. This includes, people of colour, all different shapes and sizes, sexual orientations, identifications and disabled performers. I'd like to see them telling all kinds of stories whether they are specific to them or not. These are the stories that we need to uplift, empower and educate and I truly believe the theatre industry is, slowly but, finally starting to make these changes.