Empower
Growth
Hello, I am Steve and I’m a Glasgow based creative. Since completing my training at Motherwell college (BA Hons, Acting) in 2013, I have enjoyed a decade's long career as a director, facilitator, movement maker and actor.
My typical work week sees me facilitating workshops and masterclasses for a host of youth organisations, in addition to lecturing professional qualification courses at Hamilton Theatre Arts & Theatre College of Scotland. I am a regular fixture on the youth theatre scene thanks to my role as Artistic Director of Glasgow Acting Academy (SCIO).
I am an experienced theatre director, with credits including 'Romeo & Juliet', 'Carrie the Musical', and new writing such as ‘Ash’ by Milly Sweeney, a compelling tale of queer love in 15th Century Scotland. Another notable co-director credit is ‘Chaos’ by Laura Lomas, which reached the final stages of NT Connections 2019 and was performed at the Dorfman theatre, London. Other directing credits include Connected Baby’s new children’s musical ‘The Little Iceberg’ which was performed at the 2022 & 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ‘The Pack’ by Stef Smith produced in association with Wonder Fools Theatre Company and ‘Glasgow’, a spoken-word piece, included in A Play, A Pie and A Pint’s PINTSIZEPLAYS project.
As Movement Director, I worked with Glasgow Live Productions on their 2022 production of ‘Big Fish’ and New College Lanarkshire on their BA actor's final year productions ‘Macbeth Reimagined' and 'Nora: A Doll’s House' by Stef Smith. Having been originally inspired by ThickSkin Theatre Company’s 2010 production of ‘Blackout’ by Davey Anderson, movement has since become engrained in my practice and defines my energetic and ensemble-driven directing style.
Other areas of the creative industries that interest me are photography, graphic design and film making. In producing marketing material for many of my past productions, I have discovered a passion for visual storytelling through a new medium in all its glory!
As an actor, I look forward to returning as the Dame in Hamilton Townhouse's Pantomime for the tenth consecutive year. I also appeared in Cora Bissett's ‘Grit: the Martyn Bennett Story’, and toured internationally with acclaimed children’s musical ‘Hairy Maclary and Friends’, playing lead vocalist, Sam Stone. An engaged LGBTQ+ activist, I have also worked with the Terrence Higgins Trust, featuring in their social media campaign around gay men’s sexual health.
Ryan J Mackay, Actor
"I first had the pleasure of meeting Steve in 2013, when he began teaching at Glasgow Acting Academy. I, personally was going through a tough time, doubting my capability of pursuing acting as a career. Thankfully, as soon as Steve invested his time and passion in me, it relit and sparked that fire I once had and from that day on, I have never looked back. Whenever I go back to watch Steve teach, I am always amazed at his energy, commitment and his ability to command a room, which leads to the work they produce as a company being of such a high standard."
Rachel Lincoln, Theatre Director
"I worked with Steve as part of The National Theatre Connections Festival 2019. Steve Directed Chaos by Laura Lomas and his production was selected from over 200 to be performed at The National Theatre in The Dorfman. I spent time visiting Steve and the company and got to see his extraordinary work. This was very clear through the talent, commitment, and enthusiasm that the young people he worked with. The quality of production he had created was of a highly professional standard, and showed creative vision, flair, and a brilliant work ethic, from choreography, to direction, to design. I supported Steve in leading a technical rehearsal and partaking in production meetings, which he delivered with professionalism and leadership."
Caitlin Gillespie, Operations Manager,
Glasgow Acting Academy
"I have worked closely with Steve for over 9 years. His compassion, humour and devotion to the task at hand have been paramount to the success of the organisation and I am proud of the incredible portfolio of work produced throughout his tenure as Artistic Director. As a creative, his sheer passion for theatre and visual arts is complemented by his drive to push creative boundaries, open important conversations through his work and ultimately, produce the highest quality work he can. As a tutor and mentor, his sense of empathy shines in his ability to adapt to the needs of young people, supporting them to be confident and considerate individuals while nurturing thoughtful, creative advocates for positive change in the world."