Embodied Mindfulness Training for Performers
Laura recently undertook a European Commission Marie Skłodowska–Curie Fellowship. The fellowship enabled Laura and a team of Deaf research associates to design, develop and test the efficacy of an accessible embodied mindfulness training programme for D/deaf and hearing actors through an exploration of mindfulness practices which focus on the body. The role of the physiological mechanisms which underpin awareness and which are instrumental in the development of mindfulness have also been examined.
Inclusive Theatre Practice for social change
Laura established Equal Voices Arts in Aotearoa New Zealand, as the country’s first professional touring Deaf and hearing theatre company. The company is now Deaf and hearing led, and make original theatre work in both New Zealand Sign Language and English, with all performances accessible for both D/deaf and hearing audiences. The company have toured and delivered workshops both nationally and internationally. Their workshops cover physical storytelling, non hierarchical devising methodologies and Sign Theatre.
Embodied awareness and neuroscience informed psychophysical performance training
Laura trained as a physiotherapist whilst touring with a dance theatre company, followed by a year of specialised anatomy training. Her placements in neurology and stroke rehabilitation further enhanced her understanding of the body. Her PhD found the site where the two passions of arts and science were combined in the field of neuroscience informed psychophysical performance training.