We recently welcomed Theo Pye-Kendall for a one-off collaboration at Brewery Arts. Having taken part in BYD classes for over a decade, Theo brought a unique perspective shaped by years of creative involvement. In this interview, she reflects on how those experiences influenced her subject choices, creative passions, and what she learned during her time behind the scenes.
Can you tell us about your early experiences with Brewery Arts? What classes, events, or performances were part of your journey growing up?
Both my elder siblings started BYD before me, and I went in the car with them every week. I began really wanting to join in, so I ended up joining a year early at 6, so I’ve been attending BYD classes for 10 almost 11 years now. I always did and do look forward to dance platforms at the end of each term.
In what ways has your involvement with Brewery Arts influenced your school subject choices or career aspirations? Were there any specific events or classes that inspired you?
Doing the dance platform every term has really helped things like my stage confidence, which has since helped in drama lessons. I think it has set me up well for my music level 3 course, as I play gigs in a band, which ties into the course. In general, I think Brewery Arts has made me more aware of the arts, therefore influencing me to pick art GCSE and music level 3 (A-Level equivalent).
What are you hoping to gain from this experience at Brewery Arts? Are there particular skills, insights, or experiences you’re aiming to develop?
I really wanted to get a good understanding of what the workplace is like in general and, more specifically, how a creative workplace (like Brewery Arts) functions.
Which areas of the arts or creative industries interest you the most, and what draws you to them?
I’ve done a lot in most of the arts, but my favourite is probably music. A few years ago, I joined a band with a few of my friends, and we have done quite a lot of gigs since. I would say that performing at gigs is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. This inspired me to then take a level 3 course in music (A-Level equivalent), and my passion has only grown. I love the fact that no matter who or where you are, music in some way will be part of your life.
Have you been involved in any creative projects – either at school or outside of school – that you’re proud of?
I’m not sure how much this counts as a project, but preparing for and performing at gigs is not only very fun, but I am very proud of the progress the band and I have made. Each gig, it feels as if we get noticeably better, and I think we have gotten to a point where we have come into our own as performers, and I am really excited for us to get better going forward.
What does a typical “Creative Day” look like for you, if you have one?
I do play guitar and sing most days, but regrettably, I don’t practice that often. When I work on a song or riff for a while and have a good session of playing/practice, I feel very pleased, and that would become a creative day for me. I do not draw as often as I used to, but when I do occasionally, I still really enjoy it. I would say a peak creative day would be a day when I have a band practice or even a gig.
Do you see yourself pursuing a future career in the Creative Industries? If so, what kind of role appeals to you most?
I can’t personally see myself in any career that doesn’t have at least a small creative element, preferably it would be the main focus. Currently, I’m not 100% sure on what exact job I want to do at the moment, but I’ve been really enjoying music technology in my level 3 course, and I think something involving that could be very fun.
What has surprised you most about your unique behind-the-scenes experience with the Brewery Arts team so far?
I was quite surprised about how flexible the day was in terms of planned things (e.g. classes), with the rest of the time being yours to allocate the tasks you need to do. I thought it seemed like something that would suit me very well.
Are there any specific areas of Brewery Arts – such as tech, programming, marketing, front of house, or education – you’d like to explore further during your time here?
I think it would be really interesting to see the stage tech side of things, as I have been doing more music tech recently.
How do you think experiences like this can help other young people in your community?
I found this experience incredibly useful; it gave me a really good insight into how a workplace would work and also how more creative workplaces function in contrast.
Thank you to Theo for her time assisting the Brewery Arts Creative Learning team.
Our new Creative Learning Season starts on 16 September. Brewery Arts Members get priority booking from 5 August at 11am. General booking opens 7 August at 11am. Not a member yet? Sign up today and be first in line for our exciting new season.
