Episodes

  • 030: 'Beyond the Steps: Shelley Maxwell on the Distinct Worlds of Movement Direction & Choreography'

    030: 'Beyond the Steps: Shelley Maxwell on the Distinct Worlds of Movement Direction & Choreography'
    Dec 3 2025
    In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Stephen Moynihan is joined by award-winning Choreographer, Movement Director and Intimacy Director Shelley Maxwell. They discuss her wide-ranging career across musicals, plays, and feature films; and the nuanced differences between choreography and movement direction - distinct roles that call for different skills. Shelley also explores movement as an emotional language, how actors embody feeling, and the ways that movement directors can support that process. Finally, she reflects on the growing recognition of movement practitioners and how industry awards help highlight their vital contributions.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • 029: 'How Do You Do It All? The Art of Building a Creative Portfolio Career'

    029: 'How Do You Do It All? The Art of Building a Creative Portfolio Career'
    Nov 19 2025
    Discover how to build a meaningful creative portfolio career with clarity and confidence. In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan unpack the realities of multi-stranded creative work, from navigating fear, financial pressure, and burnout to understanding identity, purpose, and the “why” behind your choices. Together, they explore the challenges and fears that arise when roles don’t quite fit, and the freedom that comes from making decisions aligned with your long-term goals and values. A grounding, insightful conversation for anyone balancing multiple passions and shaping a creative career on their own terms.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    56 mins
  • 028: ‘The Art of Being Found: Websites and Online Presence for Creatives’

    028: ‘The Art of Being Found: Websites and Online Presence for Creatives’
    Nov 5 2025
    In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Stephen Moynihan and Sarah Perry discuss the significance of having a personal website for creatives. They share their personal experiences in building their websites, the importance of brand clarity, and how to effectively present oneself online. The conversation also touches on the role of social media, the necessity of search engine optimisation (SEO), and the value of showreels in showcasing work. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for simplicity and accessibility in online presence, encouraging creatives to enjoy the process of building their websites.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 mins
  • 027: 'The Art of Being Visible: Social Media, Networking and Agents'

    027: 'The Art of Being Visible: Social Media, Networking and Agents'
    Oct 22 2025
    In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan discuss the complexities of using social media for professional visibility, the balance between personal and professional sharing, the challenges of networking, and the role of agents in the creative industry. They emphasise the importance of authentic communication, the need for self-promotion, and the value of building relationships within the industry. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on consistency in social media engagement and the importance of being proud of one's work and achievements.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • 026: 'Finding Voice and Movement: Brandon Lee Sears on Authenticity in Musical Theatre'

    026: 'Finding Voice and Movement: Brandon Lee Sears on Authenticity in Musical Theatre'
    Oct 8 2025
    In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Sarah Perry speaks with performer Brandon Lee Sears about his artistic journey, from early opera training to discovering dance and building a dynamic career in musical theatre. Brandon reflects on what it truly means to find one’s voice, both as a singer and as an artist with something to say. The conversation explores authenticity, creative fulfilment, and the courage it takes to speak up, collaborate, and stay true to one’s artistry in a demanding industry. He also shares insights into the challenges and triumphs along the way, offering valuable advice for emerging performers. Brandon’s stage credits include The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre, Dreamgirls, Shrek the Musical, Motown the Musical, On the Town at Regent’s Park, and Passing Strange at the Young Vic.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    58 mins
  • 025: 'Kate Flatt OBE: Choreographing Stories from Les Mis to Opera, Theatre & Dance'

    025: 'Kate Flatt OBE: Choreographing Stories from Les Mis to Opera, Theatre & Dance'
    Sep 24 2025
    In this episode of the Shapes in Motion Podcast, Stephen speaks with renowned choreographer and movement director Kate Flatt OBE. Kate reflects on her extraordinary career spanning opera, theatre, musicals, and dance, including her work on the original Les Misérables in the West End. She shares stories of her training, international experiences, and the teachers who shaped her. Kate also offers insights into working with actors and singers, the role of a movement director, and the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and community in creative practice.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    46 mins
  • 024: 'The Rejection Episode: What Creatives Really Go Through'

    024: 'The Rejection Episode: What Creatives Really Go Through'
    Sep 10 2025

    In this episode of the Shapes in Motion Podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan chat about something every freelance artist knows all too well - rejection. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, choreographer, creative ...rejection is a constant presence in our industry.

    They share their own experiences and reflections, and also hear from four incredible creatives who open up about how they’ve coped, managed and made sense of rejection in their own careers. From journaling and physical practices to leaning on community and social support, they each bring their unique perspectives and stories.

    Together, they explore not only the emotional toll rejection can take, but also the ways in which talking about it openly can help inspire a stronger sense of belonging, resilience and understanding within our creative community.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    52 mins
  • 023: 'Exploring Movement Direction with Ayse Tashkiran'

    023: 'Exploring Movement Direction with Ayse Tashkiran'
    Aug 27 2025
    In this episode of the Shapes in Motion Podcast, Stephen is joined by movement director, teacher, and researcher Ayse Tashkiran. They trace Ayse’s journey from discovering her passion for theatre to training at the Lecoq School in Paris and developing her distinctive approach to movement direction. Ayse reflects on her creative process, the influence of her cultural background, and her work as a teacher at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. The conversation also explores her role in the Movement Directors Association, the challenges of recognition and advocacy in the field, and her writing, including her book Movement Directors in Contemporary Theatre, as a way of passing on knowledge to future generations.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins