Laura Ford 

How did you start off in theatre?

I completed a BTEC in performing arts at college and then went to university to study for a performing arts degree. When I graduated, I jointly ran Stepping Stones – a graduate theatre in education company established by the National Trust and Derby University’s theatre department. We devised and toured shows for children and young people at National Trust properties and in schools. From there, I grew in confidence and co-founded my own company, Fifth Word. I wanted to tell stories on stage that were socially engaged and had something important to say about the world we live in today.

What would you change about the theatre/arts industry if you could?

The economics of producing theatre is tough and, like so many other theatremakers, we rely heavily on subsidies to make work happen. The current funding situation is getting harder and harder. So, I think more money and less time-consuming funding applications would make a huge difference.

What is the best part of your job?

Seeing your production come to fruition on stage in front of a live audience. It sometimes takes years to develop a play with a writer, so it’s an incredible moment when you finally see it come together and witness how the audience responds to the story.

And your least favourite?

The night before the first day of rehearsals. The insecurities you feel that come with being a director don’t seem to go away – no matter how successful your past shows have been.

Which arts practitioners do you admire most and why?

I was recently reminded of some amazing practitioners as we’ve just relaunched a podcast we made on leading women in theatre. People like Indhu Rubasingham, Jenny Sealey, Amanda Whittington and Sonali Bhattacharyya.
What struck me was how everyone’s journey into this industry has been so different, yet they have the same doubts and fears. Also, Dorothy Heathcote – a world-renowned educational guru whose Mantle of the Expert approach to education had a profound effect on me.