In this full interview we hear from Fran Richards a freelance Creative Practitioner and Director who works closely with the Arena and Grand Theatres in Wolverhampton running their joint youth theatre programme. Fran talks about her journey in to theatre and how it began from a very early age when she watched her Grandparents VHS videos of popular musicals over and over again and performed to old ladies on the bus.

She opens up about the disappointment she felt when she didn't get into a national drama school, but also how this inspired her to make the most of every opportunity open to her during her time at Wolverhampton University. Fran's passion for theatre has grown beyond a desire to be on the West End, as she has learnt more about the transformational power of theatre and seen what a difference it makes to the young people she works with, when they get the opportunities to write plays, produce them and star in them. Now twelve years into her career Fran realises not getting into a national drama school was the best thing for her as she now has the opportunity to make a difference to her community whilst enjoying the Black Country's beloved orange chips.

You can find her at Fran Richards on facebook, or @arena_theatre on instagram

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