Kathleen trained as an Actress at ALRA (The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts). She trained as a Singer at English National Opera, on a performance course called "The Knack", led by Mary King and Rufus Norris. There she performed in the end of year Opera, directed by Rupert Goold. Kathleen's experience of arts in Ballymena began when she was a teenager and was part of a drama group, called P.A.C.E., led by Don McCamphill. She played the part of Alice 1, in a summer show, of "The Enchanted Room", written and directed by Don McCamphill. She also attended summer drama workshops in the Braid Arts Centre, led by Zoe Seaton.
At school, at Ballymena Academy, Kathleen achieved grade 5 in the French horn, taught by Mr Burden. Since then she has achieved grade 5 music theory and grade 4 piano.
Previous acting roles have included: Mary Hawley in They Shoot Horses Don't They by Ray Herman; Bridget in Translations by Brian Friel; Mrs Needham in Art of Success by Nick Dear; Maria in Twelfth Night by Shakespeare and Natasha in Three Sisters by Chekhov.
Since leaving full-time training Kathleen has sung with a do-wop group and jazz-folk choir: performing in many venues around London including Madame Jo Jo's, Working Men's Club (Bethnal Green), The Royal Festival Hall, The Coronet as well as Glastonbury and Latitude festivals. Kathleen has also been a Singer with The Works group, associated with English National Opera, led by Laka D., Suzi Zumpe and Tim Welton. Kathleen helped set up a group called the Afterworks, which performed in Cargo and The Cube and Star in Shoreditch, London, amongst other venues.
Kathleen has previously studied singing with Kathy Taylor-Jones: singing teacher and vocal coach at GSA Conservatoire, Associated Studios and Singer with English National Opera.
Since returning to Ballymena, Kathleen has performed with the Ad Hoc Theatre Group. Some roles include Kathleen Gormley in The Blind Fiddler, by Marie Jones and Polly in Play On by Rick Abbott. Kathleen has also been on set with River of Spuds' production company, playing Jo in a web series - https://riverofspuds.co.uk. She has performed in The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, The Courtyard, Ballyearl, The Web Theatre, Newtownards and in Southbank Playhouse, Belfast.
Kathleen is a member of the Ballymena Arts Partnership in Ballymena and has worked with a team to organise rehearsed readings. She is also finishing off studying for a diploma in creative writing and preparing for grade 7 singing, with Sylvia Burnside.
Recently Kathleen has led workshops for Ad Hoc Theatre Group and has attended meeting about organising programmes.
Last year Kathleen had a short story published on InsideIreland.ie and has previously been a participant in the Young Writers' programme at the Royal Court, in London, led by Simon Stephens. In 2013 Kathleen had a play she had written, staged as part of the new writing festival, in the Braid Arts Centre.
Kathleen is also a qualified Assessor and Internal Verifier. She holds a recent CTLLS (Certificate of Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector) qualification. She has experience of working as a drama tutor for Stagecoach Performing Arts Ltd, as a Drama Tutor: planning and leading workshops and directing A Midsummer Night's Dream For Kids in Richmond and Harrow. Currently, in her spare time Kathleen tutors learners on the Teaching Assistant Diploma programme with NCCHomeLearning.
Kathleen is interested in collaborating with other professionals and enthusiasts interested in the arts, events and education.
Kathleen is interested in performing as an actress (on screen and live), singing at events, being involved with organising arts' programmes and events, leading and, or, assisting in workshops, writing and teaching. Kathleen has also 5 years' experience of working with children with special educational needs and has attended a residential course with Oily Cart, a company offering theatre for children with disabilities.
Kathleen is willing to negotiate fees
Kathleen is willing to negotiate these
Kathleen is currently committed to working with Ballymena Arts Partnership, Ad Hoc Theatre Group and River of Spuds' Production Company. Plans, not previously mentioned above, are to gain more experience in leading and assisting in workshops and gain more work as a singer and actress.
Kathleen attends rehearsals at the Braid and in different venues in Belfast.
Experience is always desired but not essential. A positive attitude and open mind make a big difference.
Working as part of a team
Please contact me about this if this is of interest.
The groups I am involved with are mainly adults with differing levels of experience.