"The industry is all about who you know, so start getting to know people at a young age"

Hometown
Bristol

What do you do?
Self employed puppeteer, maker and workshop facillitator

How long have you been at it?
Six years

What was your very first role in theatre?
A set designer at the Harbourside Festival for Cirque Bijou, a Bristol-based circus company. My first puppet-making role was making and designing for George’s Marvellous Medicine for Simply Theatre in Switzerland.

So what else have you done in theatre?
I have performed as a puppeteer, worked as a lighting and sound technician at The University of the West of England and been a set and costume designer

Between my first and post-graduate degrees, I did a six-month apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House in Geneva, spending a month each in the carpentry, marketing, wardrobe, wigs and shoes, stage management and prop-making departments.

Have you got qualifications?
I am part of training scheme called Toast in the Machine run by Green Ginger in Bristol that provides funding to train people involved in puppetry to a higher lever. Through my involvement, I have completed several short courses and workshops in specific styles of puppetry and puppet-making.

I also have a postgraduate degree in theatre design from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and a first degree in cultural media studies and drama from University of the West of England

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
Just a bit of temping work, however throughout my career I have had to take on part time work to make ends meet

How did you start working in theatre?
I was interested in theatre from when I first moved to England from Argentina as a child. I got involved in Stagecoach stage school and in high school productions.

At university I did a degree in drama but leaned towards design and backstage work. A friend who was a leading technician pointed me towards the theatre design course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A performer

What do you do all day?
Currently I am working on devising and creating puppetry performances. I also manage my blog to inform and contact people letting them know about the work I do as a puppeteer and workshop facilitator.

I am looking out for opportunities to use my maker skills in productions where puppets need to be made. I run workshops to promote the use of puppetry in education.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Creating characters and narratives that engage with audiences

And the worst?
The uncertainty of pay

What’s your dream job in theatre?
An artistic director and puppetry consultant

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Get involved at a starting level, maybe getting a job as an assistant stage manager in a youth theatre.

The industry is all about who you know, so start getting to know people at a young age.

Also, it is important to get to know your strengths and abilities early on so that you can train up in areas that require specific skillsets.

Corina’s blog Little Ray