Susie
MacDonald
Hello!
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I am a freelance director and theatre practitioner particularly interested in exploring inter-disciplinary work which sits in the liminal spaces between genres. I love experimenting with light, sound and DIY special effects.
Recent projects range from immersive/interactive/co-creative experiences as part of Mushmoss Collective in partnership with Theatre Deli. I have collaborated on new plays that have gone on to be longlisted for The Popcorn Award for New Writing and The Women's Prize for Playwriting. Particular highlights include 'Colossal’ by Patrick McPherson; following award-winning runs at Edinburgh and Perth Fringe, I oversaw our sold-out transfer to Soho Theatre, and is due to tour Australia again 2024.
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Areas of interest (including but not limited to):
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New Writing
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Anything fantasy, magical realism; particularly pieces which sit in the liminal space between genres, and focuses on visual storytelling.
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Gig Theatre, Musicals
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Spoken word, heightened language
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Adaptions (I have two Shakespeare gig theatre adaptations for young people ready to go!)
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Anything which intersects film, animation and theatre
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Lighting, especially internal lighting (torches/ projectors/ LEDs/ lasers/ over-head-projectors etc) and DIY illusion/magic
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R&D, devising
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Youth Theatre, young people, schools
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Directing theatre does not happen in a vacuum but must engage with, and be connected to the community. My Applied Theatre degree was inspired by the training I did with Chichester Festival Theatre facilitating community groups, schools and their youth theatre. I am keen to collaborate on projects which elevate underrepresented voices and explore current social issues.
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I regularly collaborate with my brother (Sam MacDonald) - a composer and sound designer currently doing a Masters at The National Film and Television School. Recent collaborations include ‘Colossal’ with a soundtrack of 9 original songs, ‘Finding Percy Erebus’ involving an original 1 hour cinematic score and ‘Your Unfortunate Servants’ a radio play in partnership with The National Archives. We are looking to find some lyricists and explore work which incorporates song or work on developing new musicals!
P.S. I am always looking to upskill: particularly film/ animation/ assistant director roles – any opportunities get in touch!
