Olivia Squires

What is performance to you?

To me, performance is expression. When I leave the stage after a show or finish a day of filming I have felt like I have given something, and I have felt a range of emotions in the space of a few hours. Performance is powerful.

How did university prepare you for your career?

I have gained experience in acting, movement and voice (singing and speech). It has also made me consider my personal needs as a performer and the things I need to do in order to give the strongest performance I can.

What have you been up to since graduating this summer?

This September I begin my new job as a graduate intern for the performance courses at Solent. I’m also working on establishing a theatre company with another Solent graduate. We will be working as a duo, devising original theatre work.

At the moment, we are both working with a final-year student on a theatre piece we have written about the lack of physical touch in society, due to be performed in October.

Tell us about what you are doing now and what it involves

During my internship I will be working to build more connections with people in the industry. I’m also now exploring theatre writing as I’m wanting to create new work so I’m always looking for inspiration and making a note of any ideas.

What’s your career highlight so far?

Being able to study performance is a highlight for me because I have learnt a lot; for example, how important it is to have individual preparation before a performance and which area of performance I’d like to focus on in the future.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Be experimental and always focus on what you have to do. Set yourself goals you want to achieve whether it be by the end of the week/month or in a couple of years time. Always be willing to learn!