Meet Our Associate Artists - Alexander Mushore
Alexander Mushore joined the Tangle Team some time ago, providing his marketing and theatre expertise to everything from productions to our tenth anniversary celebrations. We are thrilled that Alexander is now an Associate Artist, helping to shape the company's future plans and strategic vision.
We caught up with Alexander recently and quizzed him on how he sees the role evolving and what has been his most memorable moment so far.
You’ve been part of the Tangle family for some time now. Tell me a bit about your journey so far, how you started out and what led you to Tangle.
My interest in theatre began during my childhood in Zimbabwe and stuck with me way into my adult years. I went to university and completed a BSc in Marketing and Psychology and an MSc in Organisational Psychology, working for a number of years in marketing and behavioural science lab management. During these years, I maintained an active interest in the Arts and took classes, performed in community theatre, watched shows and eventually began auditioning for drama schools. In 2016 I got a place at Bristol Old Vic and in the same year came to see my very first Tangle production, Workshop Negative. I kept up to date with Tangle during my training, and when a vacancy was advertised for Company Manager in my graduating year I applied and was hired! Ultimately, I feel what led me to Tangle is my understanding, affinity and connection to the ethos and to the work we create.
How do you see your role as an Associate Artist and why is it important?
I see my role as an Associate Artist as an active participant and contributor to the future of Tangle. As well as my artistic and creative flair, I will be sharing my strategic, organisational development and psychology skills. The role of Associate Artist is important, as it puts artists at the helm of the organisation's growth. There's never been a hierarchical institutional structure at Tangle, and anyone can raise, and is encouraged to, express their opinions. The Associate Artists offer another relatable visible group now that our fellow artists can reach out to.
What has been your career highlight so far?
My first play ‘The Coal Train’ was performed as part of the John Thaw Initiative. It was a true return to my love of theatre and storytelling, showcasing a Zimbabwean and South African story from my childhood with some of my best friends. Very shortly after this, being cast in the REP company Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and performing and learning from the team there. Performing my own work and working at the RSC had long been dreams of mine, so both are big highlights so far.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself happy and grounded doing what I love. Assuredly still performing, working in a leadership capacity developing other organisations or my own, producing more of my work having diversified my artistic portfolio, helping open doors and being of support to others following their dreams.
What difficulties have you faced getting to where you are now and what advice would you have for aspiring actors?
Initially I found pathways into the industry difficult. I had started working and training in an unrelated field, so it took me some time to get to grips with how to start. Then when I chose the path I wanted to pursue (full-time training), it was about fundraising the remaining fees for tuition. I was fortunate to have support from amazing friends old and new, my drama school and a bursary. For aspiring actors, I would advise them to explore as much as possible. Watch shows, perform with community theatre/local theatre groups, do short films, create your own work. There is no ‘right’ pathway to the industry and you never know what opportunities will present themselves the more you explore and live.