TESTIMONIALs

“Phao was an incredible help throughout the process and had really put the time in before we first met to get to know the song and understand what my vision was for the video. She was very easy to work with and led each session depending on where I was that day both mentally and physically, which resulted in creating a final piece rooted in truth and nuance that exceeded my wishes for the piece.”

— Alissimon, Artist of ‘Valium’

“Phao was a vital member of our creative and touring team and often went above and beyond her duties, offering support to other creatives. She also mentored and guided countless young people who worked on the production with us. She was extremely collaborative, a good listener, and offered great suggestions in the room, over and above her movement sessions. She was always prepared, reliable, punctual, flexible and focused. She was direct about asking what was required and had a lovely, positive energy in the room. She was generous, patient, and kind in her approach, but rigorous, creating visually stunning choreography that could be simply taught to a new cast of young people each week of the tour.”

— Adam Pownall, Producer of ‘Camp Phoenix’, Executive Producer of Zest theatre

“Phao is an inventive, dynamic and fun collaborator, able to respond sensitively to others' ideas, but also confident and persuasive when leading a team. She exudes a quiet authority, loves a challenge and makes every rehearsal stimulating and rewarding for all involved.”

— Steven Dykes, Programme Director of American Theatre Arts, Rose Bruford College

“Phao is such a brilliant artist who brings such an infectious energy and openness to the space. I had the pleasure of working with her on my solo autobiographical show BLUBBER, and I can confidently say she was an absolute game-changer. Her professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail brought a unique depth to the physicality of the piece. She created an inclusive environment and her collaborative energy supported the process brilliantly. I also love the work she has made with your Young People, often taking seeds of ideas and expanding them in directions I would have never considered, which has only positively impacted the work we've made together. Her playful facilitation style is such an excellent fit for working with Young People, and her ability to match the energy, interest and experience level in any room is a huge asset. Phao’s ability to offer innovative ideas, to adapt to the ever-changing rehearsal room and offer detailed constructive and supportive feedback are, some of the many things, that make her a brilliant movement director.”

— Katie Greenall, writer and performer of BLUBBER and director of the Bush Young Company.

“ Phao is very playful with her work and really great at balancing the performers skills and energy whilst bringing high quality work. Working with Phao on intimacy was a breeze, uncomplicated and respectful to everyone's boundaries.”

— Mumba Dodwell, Director of ‘BOY / GIRL / BOY / GIRL’ and ‘Emilia’

“This was my first experience working in a professional environment, on set, outside of Drama school. As you can imagine I was very nervous, however, Phao made me feel safe and at ease with her beaming energy and attention. In collaboration, Phao was generous with her creative ideas whilst allowing space for my own input as an actor. Her direction was executed with specificity and freedom simultaneously which gave a hand in shaping the overall feel to this project. As a whole, Phao was an excellent artist to work alongside with; She made me feel safe, valued and like I was a true member of the team. To work with Phao felt like a celebration of what it means to be a creative!”

— Jack McBride, Actor in ‘Music to Move You.’

“Phao brought a strong creative energy to the rehearsal room, working with the cast in a calm, precise manner that enabled them to approach intimate scenes with confidence and clarity. Phao’s input was invaluable and the sessions were beautifully scaffolded.”

— Fi Ross, Director of Romeo & Juliet, Arts University Bournemouth

“Phao was an invaluable part of our team and I am so glad we found her! She was joyful to be around and brought so much fun and energy to her work, which rubbed off on everyone around her. Phao came up with lots of ideas and was an excellent collaborator. The result was a whole lot of physicality that would not have been possible otherwise.”

— Adrian Bliss, Writer & Performer of ‘Inside Everyone’

“I can't recommend Phao enough. Phao was a constant source of inspiration and energy across the whole project - helping us to 'find' the show with the professional company during rehearsals, and then relentlessly supporting local casts of young people to appear in the production across the national tour. Phao nailed the brief, staging arresting movement that was visually stunning for the audience, whilst remembering that untrained young people would be performing the work. Touring professional work that features local community casts in this way is not an easy task. But creatives like Phao make it easy - taking the work seriously to create the highest possible quality, whilst bringing joy to the room and responsiveness to the young people we work with.”

— Toby Ealden, Director of ‘Camp Phoenix’, Artistic Director & CEO of Zest Theatre

“Phao brought an amazing energy into the space from day one - she was encouraging and enthusiastic, and had a passion to work collaboratively as a director. As a movement director she was understanding of how different bodies move in the space, encouraging us to incorporate character into ensemble movement. She held the space with confidence, making space for laughter and joy, alongside a communal drive to get stuff done.”

— Asa Frost, Actor in ‘Men On Boats’, Graduate of Rose Bruford College

“Phao is the creative you always want to have in your room. What she brings to any process or major project is a special, magical and unique brand of alchemy. Her direction is always rooted in her playful and character-led process, which means that the work consistently feels ambitious and exciting - but always fun. As a director, Phao is sensitive, but also rigorous - and is highly skilled at getting the best out of every single person she collaborates with.”

— Benjamin Salmon, Writer and Performer of Miller & Salmon, Award-Winning Playwright