Sam Holland-Bunyan

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SAM HOLLAND-BUNYAN

I am a theatre director, visual artist, writer and sustainable materials designer. Following a career as a leading actor (incl. National Theatre, Gate, Hampstead, Royal Court) in 2007 I pivoted to directing whilst maintaining my work on materials research. I am interested in democratising theatre as a platform for a non-traditional audience and run a generous collaborative room in which actors and fellow creatives have a strong sense of agency in their work resulting in physical, truthful and visceral work. Community projects, introducing non-actors to theatre as a way to unlock creativity and empower groups and individuals forms a key part of my practice. “It\'s very rare to work with a director who refills your creative well. Sam is a director who not only does just that, but also expands your horizons and possibilities as an artist. I would work with her over and over and over again. One of the very best.\" Andrew Sheridan (Actor)\'A Taste of Honey\' and ‘First Love’ Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre 2024.“Sam creates a safe and nurturing environment in which to ‘play’ and explore, leading to greater depth in the work and a deeply satisfying experience for an artist. Her understanding and unique insight into the human condition provokes actors to ask difficult questions and push boundaries”. Gemma Ryan (Actor) ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘First Love’ Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre 2023/24.My process as a theatre director/maker aligns the philosophy of a ‘poorer’ theatre with Stanislavski’s active analysis and encourages the actor to tune into their physicality and imagination to create a story through an irreverent and playful lens. My director training (Birkbeck MFA Theatre Directing | Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester) has further developed my practice. I have worked alongside leading Theatre Directors, Makers and Practitioners as an Assistant Director whilst continuing to make my own work as a Theatre Director/Theatre Maker and Visual Artist. I graduated from Birkbeck in 2024 where I was awarded an MFA (Distinction) and am the recipient of the 2024 Peter Cheeseman Award for Outstanding Achievement and Exceptional Development as a Theatre Director.A muscle disorder has helped me to be ergonomic with the approach I take to my work and enabled me to take time to observe and develop my critical eye.