In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry speaks with Victoria Worsley, Feldenkrais teacher, former actor, and author of ‘Feldenkrais for Actors: How to Do Less and Discover More.’ Victoria shares her journey from a 20-year acting career to discovering the Feldenkrais Method for herself, which transformed her approach to movement, recovery, and performance. Victoria discusses how body awareness supports creativity, why habits shape identity, and how subtle, intentional movement can unlock new possibilities - not only for actors, but for anyone looking to enhance their physical awareness and overall well-being or creative self.

In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan open up a vital conversation around ‘downtime’ in the creative world. They unpack the stigma behind being "out of work" and offer a refreshing reframe: downtime as a chance for growth. From financial planning and upskilling to finding joy in rest and celebrating small wins, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of how creatives can navigate balance, resilience, and self-investment, both in work and in the spaces between.

In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Stephen Moynihan speaks with acclaimed choreographer and performer Theo Clinkard about his journey from Cornwall to an international career in dance. Theo reflects on how boarding school shaped his identity, how grief became a catalyst for creating his own work, and the role of authenticity, play, and queerness in his artistic practice.

They explore the challenges facing emerging artists, the importance of mentorship, and the value of local, sustainable creativity outside major cities. Theo also shares insights into his design-led approach to performance and his commitment to creating inclusive, expressive spaces for artists.

With a career spanning dance, film, opera, and theatre, Theo has worked with renowned UK choreographers including Matthew Bourne, Wayne McGregor, Siobhan Davies, and Lea Anderson, and more recently brought his expertise to screen as Movement Director on Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (starring Emma Thompson) and Jimpa (starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow).

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, host Stephen Moynihan speaks with Ingrid MacKinnon about her journey from growing up in Canada to becoming a movement director in the UK. They discuss the impact of representation in dance, the cultural differences between North American and UK dance scenes, and Ingrid's transition from performance to choreography and movement direction. Ingrid shares her experiences in dance education, the importance of kinesiology, and how she articulates her ideas in collaborative spaces. In this conversation, Ingrid MacKinnon discusses her journey as a movement director and intimacy professional, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, joy in the creative process, and the evolving recognition of movement directors in the industry. She highlights the need for greater visibility and understanding of the role, as well as the challenges faced by performers, particularly parents, in balancing their careers with family life. Ingrid shares her aspirations for the future, including working on projects that represent diverse stories and voices.

IIn this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan explore the rich relationship between literature and movement. They share how books influence their creative practices as movement directors and creatives, the role of reading in script analysis and character development, and the joy of discovering inspiration in bookshops. From historical context to the psychology of movement, this conversation reveals how words shape performance, storytelling, and the artistic process.

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry speaks with writer and poet Susan Richardson about the profound relationship between writing and movement. They explore how the body and the written word intertwine, the role of research in creative work, and the power of poetry to celebrate biodiversity and give voice to the natural world.

Susan shares her personal journey with writing and movement—including her ambitious challenge of exploring 52 different dance styles in a year. We discuss how movement not only enhances physical wellbeing but also serves as a powerful tool for overcoming creative blocks and deepening artistic expression. Join Sarah and Susan for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the dynamic interplay between movement, writing, and inspiration.

n this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Stephen Moynihan and Sarah Perry delve into the intricate relationship between movement directors, choreographers, and performers in the realms of TV and film. They discuss the casting process, the importance of collaboration, and the need for reliable performers. The conversation highlights the challenges faced when working with supporting artists and the potential for movement specialists to elevate productions. As they look to the future, they emphasise the importance of building networks and championing the skills of movement specialists within the industry.

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, host Stephen Moynihan speaks with choreographer and artist Marie-Gabrielle Rotie about her artistic journey, the discovery of Butoh, and its influence on her work. They explore the origins and philosophy of Butoh, its connection to nature, and the transition from live performance to film. Marie-Gabrielle shares insights into her creative process, the role of assistants in choreography, and her aspirations for future collaborations.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Perry and Toby James, Film and TV organiser at Equity discuss the evolving role of movement directors and choreographers within the Equity trade union. They explore the challenges faced by these professionals, the importance of collective bargaining, and the need for recognition in contracts. The discussion highlights the positive changes occurring in the industry, the impact of AI, and the steps necessary for movement directors and choreographers to advocate for their rights and roles effectively. In this conversation, Toby James discusses the evolution of trade unions for movement directors and choreographers, emphasising the need for representation and empowerment within committees. He highlights the importance of collaboration across various disciplines in the performing arts and the ongoing negotiations with PACT to secure better contracts and recognition for both movement directors. The conversation also touches on the necessity of awareness and education about the roles of movement directors and choreographers in the industry.

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan delve into the intricacies of creative processes in movement direction and choreography. They discuss the importance of research and preparation, share insights from their experiences, and explore how different mediums influence their work. The conversation highlights the need for alignment within creative teams and the challenges of navigating rejection in the creative process. They also touch on the significance of showcasing the often-hidden work of movement directors through video documentation, emphasising the collaborative nature of their craft.

In this episode Sarah Perry chats with Elizabeth Cairns. Elizabeth is a coach, facilitator, trainer, writer and holistic therapist and has worked closely with scores of organisations and thousands of entrepreneurs. She understands just what it takes to create a thriving business and live an empowered life. They discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs, including the struggle to balance artistic passion with business acumen. They explore the importance of understanding one's worth, the complexities of pricing in creative industries, and the necessity of creating a cohesive identity across various roles, encouraging creatives to embrace their diverse talents while navigating the industry's demands.

In this episode, hosted by Stephen Moynihan, Neus Gil Cortes discusses her journey in the arts, the importance of leadership training, and the creation of her initiative, Lead and Create. She emphasizes the need for vulnerability, trust, and genuine connection in leadership roles, particularly within the arts. Neus shares insights on how to empower future generations and redefine leadership in traditional hierarchies, advocating for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to artistic processes.

In this episode Sarah Perry chats with actor and motion capture performer Cheryl Burniston, discussing Cheryl's journey into the world of performance and motion capture. Cheryl emphasises the importance of finding a safe space to explore movement, researching the industry, preparing showreels and continuously learning new skills, she also highlights the collaborative nature of performance capture and the importance of building connections within the industry. Cheryl shares her experience starting a voice reel company to provide affordable options for actors and suggests training options such as Performance Capture Academy, The MoCap Vaults, and Target 3D, she also encourages reaching out to universities and studios for work and experience opportunities

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Stephen Moynihan and Sarah Perry delve into the world of motion capture, exploring its evolution, the skills required for performers, and the differences between motion capture and performance capture. Sarah shares her journey into the industry, the importance of preparation for actors, and the role of imagination in performance. They discuss the collaborative nature of motion capture projects and the distinct challenges faced when directing in this medium compared to traditional film and TV. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding technology and animation in enhancing performance capture.

In this episode, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan discuss the critical importance of wellbeing for actors, creatives, and freelancers in the arts. They explore the responsibilities of movement directors in supporting the mental and physical health of performers, the challenges faced by freelancers in maintaining a work-life balance, and practical strategies for fostering a supportive environment on set. The discussion emphasises the need for self-care, the role of movement in wellbeing, and the collaborative effort required to create a healthier industry.

IIn this episode Sarah Perry chats with Animator, Animation Educator and former VFX Production Manager Stuart Messinger discussing the animator's journey, highlighting education, performance and character movement. Stuart shares his path from storytelling fascination to industry success, emphasising connections, preparation and key skills for animators. They explore believability, collaboration, physicalisation and the role of props, music, and backstory in character portrayal. Stuart offers insights into balancing technicality with authenticity and reflects on his creative projects.

In this episode, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan discuss how to get into the movement direction industry. They share their personal journeys and offer advice for emerging movement directors. They emphasise the importance of understanding performers and building a network of relationships. They also discuss the value of ongoing education and the need to find one's own unique style and niche in the industry. The conversation concludes with the recommendation to live life authentically and follow one's passions.

In this final introductory episode Stephen Moynihan speaks to Sarah Perry, founder and creative director of Shapes in Moton, about the company’s origin and evolution. Shapes in Motion is a company that offers workshops and training in movement and performance to professional actors, movers, dancers, animators and creatives. It was formally established in 2010, but had been operating informally since 2006. Shapes in Motion has fostered a strong sense of community and support among its members. The podcast is a natural extension of this community, providing a platform to share experiences and insights from practitioners in the field.

Sarah Perry shares her journey in the arts, from being a shy child to finding her confidence through acting and performing. She discusses how she transitioned from being an actor to a movement director, particularly in the field of motion capture. Sarah also talks about the balance between working in TV, film, and live action, and the importance of storytelling through movement. The conversation concludes with the introduction of the Shapes in Motion podcast and the motivation behind it.