Directing
When I direct, my top priorities are keeping the room collaborative and playful. As an actor I love when the rehearsal room is explorative, where you can feel comfortable to fail and feel trusted by the director.
Company Four R&D
I was the director for Company Four’s R&D that took place at The Lowry, Slunglow’s venue The Holbeck & Waterside Arts and was supported by Arts Council England and Action on Postpartum Psychosis.
The company experimented with spoken word, puppetry, projection, movement, verbatim and live music to explore real experiences of Postpartum psychosis.
HER Productions
I was Assistant Director and Movement Director on this female led, 90’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, which is now a renowned yearly event in Manchester. I loved being inspired by music video’s of the time to create an epic dance routine.
Joy of Cam
Movement Director on one woman show, ‘Joy of Cam’. It won Best Newcomer at the Greater Manchester Fringe 2019.
Gemma Davies, Performer:
“Havings worked with Josie I can say with confidence that she brings invaluable knowledge and expertise. She is able to bring the best out of people whether they are new to movement work or not“
Chloe Beale, Director:
“As a director, it’s always brilliant when someone comes prepared and with lots of ideas, and her enthusiasm for the project was always at the forefront. The steps we took to build in the movement in the piece were really accessible and everyone put a bit of themselves into the work. I would definitely work with Josie again and recommend her movement direction to everyone“
One Good Night
Movement Director on Aisling Caffery’s ‘One Good Night’ at Hope Mill Theatre, directed by Alyx Tole in 2020. This one act play explores rape and sexual assault.
“Josie is an asset to any rehearsal process. Through her work on One Good Night, she gave strength and confidence to the actors and helped develop a connected and reactive performance team. She does all of this with care, sensitivity and knowledge“
AISLING CAFFREY, WRITER
“I had the absolute joy of working with Josie on the production of One Good Night at Hope Mill Theatre. Josie worked with us as movement director and not only did she always work with enthusiasm & passion but her vision, choreography & capability of collaborating with the actors to bring out their best work made the production the success it was“
ALEXANDRA MAXWELL, PRODUCER
Footloose
My first time directing a full-length production was as a visiting lecturer at the University of Cumbria in 2018, I had a blast with the final year students putting on ‘Footloose’. It was a mighty challenge even designing the set myself, I learnt lots and got some great feedback from the students and audiences loved it!
ADP
I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to hone my craft regularly by directing script in hand performances for the formidable ADP in Manchester. Anything from a one man show to a devised piece with 7 women! There’s a very quick turn around with only one rehearsal and around half an hour to tech the show. This has given me plenty of confidence in making essential and quick decisions whilst working under pressure.
Greater Manchester Fringe
I directed a one woman show written and performed by Victoria Tunnah. The show was part of at the Greater Manchester Fringe and received a great response in reviews and feedback.
“And thanks to director, Josie Cerise, her movements were natural and contained a good energy throughout. Nothing felt forced, which is in keeping with the writing style“
MEGAN RELPH, NUMBER 9