In this illuminating final episode of the season, Kirsty Hunter is joined by Chloe French, an inspiring Head of Lighting whose work spans major theatre productions and global music tours.From touring with Blood Brothers and lighting up stages for The Book of Mormon to working on the Billie Eilish tour and immersive experiences like Come Alive, Chloe shares what it takes to bring live shows to life behind the scenes.We explore:Chloe’s journey into the backstage world of lightingThe creative and technical challenges of working in theatre and live musicWhat it means to be a female leader in a male-dominated industryPractical advice on how to enter the world of backstage productionThe future of lighting and tech in performance spacesWhether you're curious about what happens beyond the curtain or you’re dreaming of a backstage career, this episode shines a light on the incredible talent, precision, and artistry that fuels the creative industries.Follow Chloe: @chloefrench.lxChloe's Recommendation: The War of ArtIf you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/
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1:01:09
From Youth Roles to Adult Ambitions: A Conversation with Pierre Hanson-Johnson
In the penultimate episode of Season 2 of The Creativity Clinic, we shine a spotlight on performer and actor Pierre Hanson-Johnson, whose journey through the world of musical theatre offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to grow a career in the performing arts.Pierre shares his experiences beginning in youth theatre, landing roles in professional musicals at a young age, and the evolution of his craft as he’s matured into adult roles. We explore the highs and the learning curves of performing while growing up, and how he continues to shape his career with purpose, passion, and resilience.🎤 In this episode, we talk about:Taking the leap from youth theatre to professional productionsNavigating auditions and rehearsals as a young performerBuilding a long-term career in theatre—without burning outHow the industry treats young performers, and what support really mattersStaying motivated through rejection and redirectionAdvice for aspiring musical theatre performers and parents of young talentWhat’s next for Pierre—and how he’s defining success on his own termsThis episode is filled with honest reflections and practical insights for anyone interested in acting, musical theatre, or simply finding their place in the creative world.📌 Follow Pierre on Instagram: @pierrehansonjohnsonPierre's recommendation: Arcane - Netflix 🎧 Subscribe to The Creativity Clinic and stay tuned for our Season 2 finale next week!If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/
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48:32
Behind the Glass: Visual Merchandising with Lisa Clemenger
In this captivating episode of The Creativity Clinic, we step into the dazzling world of visual storytelling with Lisa Clemenger, a celebrated visual merchandiser who’s spent nearly two decades crafting iconic window displays and in-store magic at Liberty London.Lisa shares how her career in visual merchandising took shape, what it’s like to work at one of the most prestigious department stores in the world, and how every display—from the windows on Great Marlborough Street to international pop-ups—starts with a powerful concept and an eye for detail.Expect to hear about:🌸 The creative process behind Liberty’s legendary window displays✈️ Designing pop-ups abroad and translating British heritage into global retail🎨 The importance of storytelling and emotion in visual merchandising🛍️ Tips for aspiring visual creatives looking to break into the industry📦 How visual merchandisers collaborate with buyers, designers, and marketing teams💡 Staying inspired in a fast-paced, ever-evolving retail landscapeWhether you're obsessed with fashion, fascinated by retail theatre, or just love a good story about creativity behind the scenes, Lisa’s episode is full of inspiration and insider secrets.Lisa's Recommendation:Hamilton - The MusicalIf you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/
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1:12:06
The Wrd: Revolutionising Music Industry Training with Howard Monk
In this episode, we sit down with Howard Monk, founder and CEO of The Wrd – a dynamic online music education platform aimed at anyone aged 16 and above looking to explore, enhance, or enter the music industry. With a background in artist management, live event production, and music strategy, Howard shares his journey from the live music scene to education, and how The Wrd is transforming access to industry insights.🔑 Key Points:The Wrd’s Mission: Making music industry knowledge accessible through flexible online courses led by industry professionals.Courses for All: Whether you’re a budding artist, manager, or curious creative – The Wrd offers short and long-form learning tailored to real-world industry needs.Bridging the Gap: Howard discusses how The Wrd helps close the knowledge gap between formal education and lived experience in music careers.The Future of Music Education: Howard shares thoughts on community learning, accessibility, and the shift towards digital-first creative learning.His Personal Journey: From gig promoter and tour manager to creative educator – Howard gives us a real look behind the curtain of his career path.Advice to Creatives: His no-nonsense, encouraging advice for those starting out or pivoting into the music business.🧠 Great For:Independent musicians and bandsCreative industry studentsEarly-career managers, agents, and promotersEducators in music and the artsCurious creatives looking to build music careers📚 Mentioned in This Episode:The Wrd online platform: www.thewrd.comInsta/TikTok: @sharethewrdCourse highlights, guest lecturers, and upcoming workshopsHoward’s previous work with festivals, artists, and industry bodiesHoward's Recommendation:The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven PressfieldIf you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/
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1:09:38
Cue the Music: Liam Godwin’s Inside Look at Musical Direction
In this episode of The Creativity Clinic, we sit down with Liam Godwin, an acclaimed Musical Director whose work spans theatre and live tours. From leading the music for Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical and Misty to working on Gareth Malone’s nationwide tours, Liam shares his journey into the world of musical direction, breaking down what it takes to bring a production to life.We dive into: 🎵 The role of a Musical Director in theatre and live performance 🎭 The challenges of shaping the sound of major productions 🔥 Navigating the highs and lows of live touring 🎶 Collaborating with artists and creative teams 💡 Advice for aspiring musicians and MDs looking to break into the industryLiam’s insights offer a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes world of music in theatre and touring. Whether you're a musician, theatre enthusiast, or creative looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with gems.Tune in now and join the conversation! 🎙️✨Get in Touch with Liam: https://liamgodwin.com/Liam's Recommendation: Olivia Dean - singer/songwriter📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 📲 Follow us on Instagram @thecreativityclinicuk for behind-the-scenes content.If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/
The Creativity Clinic dives into the exciting and ever-evolving world of the creative industries. Through engaging interviews with creative entrepreneurs, performers, artists, UX designers, editors, producers, and more, we bring you behind-the-scenes stories and expert insights. Whether you're looking for career guidance, exploring a career pivot, or simply curious about the impact of creativity on society, our podcast provides the inspiration and knowledge you need to succeed in the creative world.Tune in for actionable advice, industry trends, and inspiring stories that will empower you on your creative journey. Subscribe to The Creativity Clinic, and don’t miss an episode! Have a role in the creative industries you'd love to learn more about? Drop your suggestions in the comments, and we’ll explore it in an upcoming episode!
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