Through Young Everyman Playhouse, we have seen some incredible talent come through our programmes – from actors, directors, producers, technicians, writers and marketers.

Some have gone on to do some amazing things in Liverpool theatres and beyond, so we’ll be catching up with YEP alumni, to see how they're getting on, and what they're up to next.

First up is freelance theatre maker Rachael Smart. A former YEP Director, she completed the programme in 2018, and has gone on to work on tons of exciting projects, most recently as Stage Manager on the sell-out production of Y'MAM at the Everyman.

Hiya Rachael! What have you been up to since you completed the Young Directors' Programme?

I’ve been up to LOADS since Young Directors. My work-life has been so varied since starting out, as is the case for most freelancers! But my main focus throughout has been running Ugly Bucket Theatre alongside Grace Gallagher. With Ugly Bucket, I came in as a technician and eventually assistant director shortly after the first version of Bost Uni Plues was made. Since this show, I have directed and produced 2 Clowns, 1 Cup and Good Grief.

We have taken 2 Clowns, 1 Cup and Bost Uni Plues to the Edinburgh Fringe (and sold out the entire run!) and toured each of our shows nationally. It has been unreal to share our work with so many people and hear the different reactions to what we do.

I’d always been drawn to naturalism, as I thought that was where the most truthful work can be found, but after seeing Bost Uni Plues that first time in its earliest form, my head fell off! I realised there was a way to combine my love of truth and my love of comedy in one form which is why I treasure the work I make with Ugly Bucket.

Through my own work I have worked with amazing companies such as 20 Stories High and their Youth Theatre who honestly blow my mind in every session.

How did it feel to be working at the Everyman on Y'MAM?

Working in the Everyman, Stage Managing Y’MAM, was a real full-circle moment! I always say my biggest lesson from my time at YEP was the confidence to call myself a director. I’ve battled with self-confidence in my career-life a lot and I always remember being told ‘you are all directors’ and I was like whaaat?!

Even though it sounds small the knock-on effect this gave me was huge and meant I was suddenly open to applying for jobs.

Have you got anything coming up that our audiences should look out for?

Well....we are right in the middle of planning a big 2021 Autumn/Winter tour with venues and dates still coming through so keep an eye on our socials... because it’s going to go off!

In lockdown, we’ve been really looking at who Ugly Bucket are as a company and have been working on some workshops so we are developing a workshop series that again will be released very soon.

Also... this is a bit of an exclusive to be honest, we are at the conception stages of a new show. All I can say is that we are challenging ourselves more than ever, and want to create something totally us, but totally unexpected. It’s the result of being very angry about a lot of things so there’s that.

You can find out more about what Rachael is up to next and Ugly Bucket Theatre, over on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.