30/04/2026
Our next Emerging Artist Highlight is Bryony Barclay 💖
Bryony has just joined the Vivd Roots Collective team as assistant producer for our 2026 programme, welcome to the team!
1. How would you describe your creative journey so far, and what influences from the region have shaped the way you make theatre?
My creative journey has been very varied so far - I feel like I've tried loads of different things! Originally I trained as an actor, so that gave me a different way in to the industry. I sort of fell into producing when co-founding Mad Bad Productions. Since then I have worked in TV and theatre in producing and AD roles. Alongside this, I write plays - the landscape of the Moray Coast inspires everything I do! I am particularly drawn to folklore and mythology in my writing and my plays blend poetry and spoken word with naturalistic dialogue.
2. You have just joined the team as Assistant Producer, congratulations! What element of the role are you most excited about?
I am very excited to help plan the scratch nights and artists residencies. It's always such a pleasure to give artists in the highlands opportunities to develop their work. I am also really looking forward to working with the Vivid Roots team at this exciting point in the company's development!
3. For other emerging theatre makers based in the Highlands, what advice or practical tips would you offer as they begin carving out their own paths in the industry?
Email artists and companies you are interested in, go to workshops, meet people for coffee, network, network, network. You can still do this if you live in the highlands! Also, creatives need time and space to develop ideas. Set aside time each week to be creative, and treat it with the same importance and commitment as your other work.
