Performing Passions

Performing Passions is a podcast that celebrates the wonderful world of the performing arts. Each episode features inspiring conversations with people from across the industry as they share their journeys, the positive impact the arts have had on their lives, and advice for young people who are just starting out or looking to take their next steps in the performing arts. Some of our guests also bring extensive experience working with neurodivergent students, offering invaluable insights into inclusive practice and the importance of supporting every young person’s creative potential. Hosted by Thomas Grimwood, a 2024 Diana Award recipient, Performing Passions is driven by Thomas’s deep love for the performing arts and his dedication to helping young people find a sense of belonging and a place where they can truly express who they are.

Episodes

  1. 2 days ago

    Performing Passions with Emily Wheatley

    In this episode of Performing Passions, Thomas Grimwood is joined by Emily Wheatley, a talented performer currently training at the Emil Dale Academy. With experience in musical theatre, dance, singing, and acting, Emily shares her passion for performance and the creative journey that has shaped her as an artist.   Together, Thomas and Emily explore her experiences as a dancer in particular, discussing the process of creating choreography and the inspiration behind developing movement for performance. They also look into a variety of dance styles, examining how dancing brings unique opportunities for expression.   Emily reflects on the creative process behind dance and describes the unique sense of freedom and self-expression that performing can provide. She shares insights into her training, the dedication required to succeed in the performing arts, and the joy that comes from communicating stories and emotions through movement.   This episode is full of creativity, inspiration, and thoughtful reflections for aspiring performers, dancers, and anyone interested in the power of artistic expression.   To get connected with Emily, find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_wheatl.e.y?igsh=cGd6aHVoNDdpamZi    To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/grimwoodthomas?igsh=MWhvd2FpcjZ0MHJoag==   To follow Performing Passions, click on this link: https://www.instagram.com/performingpassions?igsi=MTU4OGZxa3pxNXowYw==   Please leave a rating, share a comment and subscribe!   Follow Be The Change Media Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangemedianetwork?igsh=bGZ6MGJ5MWVvejl4   If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at: lily@bethechangepodcast.org   The views and opinions expressed by guests and host are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

  2. 11 Sept

    Performing Passions with Lucinda Leal

    In this episode of Performing Passions, Thomas Grimwood is joined by Lucinda Leal, a talented voice actress who shares her passion for bringing characters to life through the power of voice alone.   Lucinda discusses what she loves most about voice acting, particularly the freedom it offers. Unlike traditional stage performance, voice acting allows her to become anyone regardless of appearance, opening the door to a wide variety of characters and stories. She reflects on the excitement of playing roles she might never be cast as on stage, including villains and more challenging characters, and explains how portraying these roles can sometimes be surprisingly cathartic.   Together, Thomas and Lucinda explore the creativity and imagination involved in voice acting, from building a character's personality through vocal choices to connecting with audiences without ever appearing on screen or stage.   Lucinda also speaks candidly about how her plans within the performing arts changed following the onset of a chronic illness. She reflects on the challenges this brought, the adjustments she had to make, and how voice acting became a way of continuing her creative journey despite unexpected obstacles.   Throughout the conversation, Lucinda shares an inspiring message about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of continuing to pursue your passions even when life takes an unexpected turn.   This episode is full of honesty, creativity, and encouragement, offering valuable insight into the world of voice acting and the power of determination in overcoming challenges.   To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/grimwoodthomas?igsh=MWhvd2FpcjZ0MHJoag==   To follow Performing Passions, click on this link: https://www.instagram.com/performingpassions?igsi=MTU4OGZxa3pxNXowYw==   Please leave a rating, share a comment and subscribe!   Follow Be The Change Media Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangemedianetwork?igsh=bGZ6MGJ5MWVvejl4   If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at: lily@bethechangepodcast.org   The views and opinions expressed by guests and host are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

  3. 4 Sept

    Performing Passions with Mark Harrington

    Season 2 starts now! In this episode of Performing Passions, Thomas Grimwood is joined by Mark Harrington, a SEND Drama Teacher, children's author, and playwright of the powerful production "Big Man. Little Man".   Mark was once Thomas' Drama teacher, making this a particularly special conversation as they reconnect to explore their shared passion for drama, education, and supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Together, they discuss the impact that inclusive education can have, the importance of creating opportunities for every student to thrive, and the unique role drama plays in building confidence, communication, and self-expression.   Thomas and Mark also look into the inspiration behind "Big Man. Little Man", a play centred around a young person with SEND, examining the themes it explores. Mark reflects on his career in education, his journey into writing, and the experiences that have shaped his work as both a teacher and creative practitioner.   This episode is full of empathy, encouragement, and valuable insight for students, teachers, families, and anyone passionate about the positive power of the performing arts.   To get connected with Mark, find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrington_projects?igsh=cDRpMng5bWk0cGNq   Follow "Big Man. Little Man." on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigman.littleman.play?igsh=MXJpZHZseGFkYm8zMw==   Check out the Harrington Projects Website: http://www.harringtonprojects.co.uk/?fbclid=PARlRTSATlVhhwZG9mAmZkaWQWUMLxAUxKT8ZjQCbQx4IS4AQXad-TmmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABpxmnnxUUe-wxUg65-OPPLXneXYmQPLstz1vdc8nOUSU44DdhhbZ2B-U161Qy_aem_Rq1UeQNlU33_jLwFNExHBA   To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/grimwoodthomas?igsh=MWhvd2FpcjZ0MHJoag==   To follow Performing Passions, click on this link: https://www.instagram.com/performingpassions?igsi=MTU4OGZxa3pxNXowYw==   Please leave a rating, share a comment and subscribe!   Follow Be The Change Media Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangemedianetwork?igsh=bGZ6MGJ5MWVvejl4   If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at: lily@bethechangepodcast.org   The views and opinions expressed by guests and host are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

  4. 20 Mar

    Performing Passions with Matt Godfrey

    In this episode of Performing Passions, Thomas Grimwood is joined by Matt Godfrey, a dedicated Drama Tutor with extensive experience in working with neurodiverse young people. Matt shares his insights into creating supportive, accessible, and empowering drama spaces, and talks about the rewarding nature of helping every young person express themselves through the performing arts. Together, Thomas and Matt explore what effective support looks like, how to nurture confidence, and why inclusive practice is so important. Matt also offers thoughtful advice for neurodiverse and disabled young people who are interested in starting drama and might be wondering where to begin. He also reflects on his own journey toward becoming a teacher, discussing the moments that shaped him and the passion that drives his work today. This episode is full of empathy, encouragement, and valuable guidance for students, educators, and families alike. To get connected with Matt, find him on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1Avvd7yVhp/?mibextid=wwXIfr To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimwoodthomas?igsh=MWhvd2FpcjZ0MHJoag== Please leave a rating, share a comment and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangemedianetwork?igsh=bGZ6MGJ5MWVvejl4 If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at:lily@bethechangepodcast.org The views and opinions expressed by guests and host are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

About

Performing Passions is a podcast that celebrates the wonderful world of the performing arts. Each episode features inspiring conversations with people from across the industry as they share their journeys, the positive impact the arts have had on their lives, and advice for young people who are just starting out or looking to take their next steps in the performing arts. Some of our guests also bring extensive experience working with neurodivergent students, offering invaluable insights into inclusive practice and the importance of supporting every young person’s creative potential. Hosted by Thomas Grimwood, a 2024 Diana Award recipient, Performing Passions is driven by Thomas’s deep love for the performing arts and his dedication to helping young people find a sense of belonging and a place where they can truly express who they are.

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