These recent times have been some of the hardest challenges we've faced and as a community, it hit us pretty hard. However during these difficult times, here at Pocket Size Theatre, we wanted to spread a little positivity and share some peoples experiences because we are all in this together. Each day we'll be speaking to our friends in the industry to share their experiences with you all so take a read and see how people are getting through these hard times.
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation. Please keep that in mind when reading*
Chloé Pole will be playing the role of Skylar in the UK touring production of Bring it On. Her other credits include Swing/ Understudy Vicki in the Original West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre) and Ensemble/ Dance captain on Miracle on 34th Street The Musical (Liverpool Playhouse).
On Monday 16th March 2020, The Society of London Theatre announced the closure of all Theatres in London. This followed suit with regional venues. Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?
I was at home when I saw the news on twitter, it made me feel quite emotional actually. Although I could see it coming and completely agree with the action taken, my heart went out to everyone working in the theatre industry!
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I’ve kept myself busy trying to keep my fitness levels up during lockdown, I’ve set myself a little training timetable that I push myself to stick too. I’ve started pilates and I’ve been doing lots of weight training which I really enjoy. I’ve done a bit of teaching online and I’ve also been able to learn some new choreography for the upcoming Bring It On UK tour from home, which has been really cool! Other than that its been great to soak up the lovely weather we’ve had, wearing factor 50 of course as gingers and sun are not the best combination!
Whenever you log onto social media there is so much negativity circulating. How have you been trying to keep a positive mental attitude during these times?
If I spend too much time on my phone I find it makes me anxious and unmotivated even in the best of times, so I limit my time on social media for sure. Other than my friends, I only follow accounts that are positive or make me laugh. I find spending a little time each day doing something calming that I focus on helps me have a calm and positive mindset! During lockdown I’ve been especially loving chilling outside and doing some colouring, I find it really relaxing.
With the Arts temporarily shut down, how would you advise people to continue to support the Arts industries?
If you had booked to see a show which unfortunately couldn’t go ahead due to Covid-19 I would get rebooking those tickets for a different date where possible instead of just being refunded. I’ve seen lots of people fundraising or donating to theatres directly which is wonderful, especially for regional theatres who keep the arts alive outside of London!
Have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to our viewers?
I recommend any book by Gillian Flynn, her stories are pretty dark but they have you completely gripped! I also recently finished Glow on Netflix and I’ve absolutely loved it.
In these times of Social Distancing and isolation, how have you been trying to connect with Friends and Family? Any fun quizzes or games?!
I’m so lucky I’m currently living with my parents so it's been lovely to spend time with them. I speak to my close friends every day! I’ve done so many zoom quizzes but somehow I’m just getting worse, I won’t be going on The Chase anytime soon anyway. We’ve also been setting each other tasks for the quizzes like recreating an iconic movie scene image or crazy fancy dress themes, its been hilarious to see what each other come up with.
And finally, looking to the future, what are you most looking forward to when all of this is over?
My sister Ashleigh is due to give birth to my first niece or nephew any day now, I’m so excited for the baby to arrive! I'm so looking forward to seeing my friends and family and giving them a big squeeze! And of course I can not wait to start rehearsals for Bring it On UK tour, so excited to meet everyone involved and get to work!
We'd like to thank Chloé and all other performers who have given up their time to contribute to this feature.
Other useful links for anyone needing further help:
Acting For Others - Charity that provides financial & emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need.
Help Musicians - An independent Charity that helps all forms of Musicians through times of need.
Industry Minds - Mental Health Support for the creative arts.
Theatre Helpline - a free, independent and confidential phone and email service that provides support to people working in the theatre industry.
