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!
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Karis Jack most recently appeared in Barefoot in the Park at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Her other credits include Esther / Lead Marvelette in Motown (UK Tour); Eponine in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre, West End); Young Viveca in The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (Theatre Royal, Stratford East & Tour); Fay in Baddies: The Musical(Unicorn Theatre); Little Inez in Hairspray (Curve, Leicester & UK Tour, Kuala Lumpur & Singapore); Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (Salisbury Playhouse & Mercury Theatre); Little Sally in Urinetown (St James Theatre and Apollo Theatre, West End).
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 in Scotland (Pitlochry) at my digs. It was our first day off, we had just opened our wonderful production of ‘Barefoot in the Park’ playing at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. I knew the severity of what was going on but It didn’t completely register until I got the call from our director (Elizabeth Newman) that evening. I absolutely froze, I had no words, I was gutted and felt anxious. I then spoke with my agent (Alex France) and he informed me all theatres in London had also closed, my heart sank.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Aside from spring cleaning my bedroom, singing randomly and watching documentaries or inspiring shows on Netflix’s, I have to say I’m quite proud of myself! I've never been a gym ‘everyday’ kind of girl, I, of course, stay active but don’t always stuck to a weekly routine. So, I made a vow to stick to a routine during this period. I’ve subscribed to ‘Ciara London’s’ LIVE exercise classes on Instagram, These classes are hardcore, I mean HARDCORE! I've survived two weeks so far, 6 days a week (I take a rest on Sundays) weights, resistant bands, Tabata Hiit, core etc, been pushing myself & loving it. Would highly recommend, there’s so many around the world who tune in too, so you feel supported and part of a community. When I finish each class I feel pumped & full of life, it also helps to break up the day.
