As part of our 20 year celebrations we are taking a deep dive into the career of PAD graduate and our co-leader of learning Sophie Maher. As Sophie first worked with Peer Productions in our tenth year it seemed appropriate to take a look back at how the past ten years have seen the charity grow and develop and to celebrate the decade in which Sophie has been part of Peer Productions.
Co-Leader of Learning Sophie Maher
Who is Sophie?
Sophie is a working class actor, based in Woking who trained at Guildford School of Acting. Over the years Sophie has worked in various performing jobs, such as working on P&O cruise ships, touring in Italy and even performing in ‘Spot the Dog’ in Dubai. Sophie has also done a variety of freelance work, running drama workshops for nurseries and SEN schools.
Her passion for theatre started at a very young age, she loved dancing, singing and performed in various shows in her childhood. When it came to choosing her GCSE’s that was the pivotal moment that Sophie chose to be an actor. She auditioned for drama schools straight after college, but unfortunately didn’t get in. That’s when her journey with Peer began…
Take us back to the beginning, what did you enjoy about being a PAD student and what drew you to the organisation?
Sophie Maher and Jamie Patterson as Poppy and Rob in the first ever cast of Losing It.
Funny story. So I knew some people who went to Peer’s youth theatre, so I always knew about Peer Productions. However, it was when one of the shows came to my school I was really inspired to apply for their PAD program. I absolutely loved being a PAD student. I had an incredible cohort of likeminded, talented people who I am still in contact with today. A highlight of my time was going on tour with the show Hidden which was about mental health and self harm. I remember after one show a young person came up to me and asked to shake my hand because I had inspired them to express their own struggles. It was at that moment I realised how powerful theatre can be. Having a one year course that was completely free was invaluable for my development as an actor.
If the course hadn’t been free I simply wouldn’t have been able to access drama school. It gave me the opportunity to discover my passion for Theatre in Education, which I really found through the experience of going out on tour.
We’re so lucky to be able to use theatre as a way to inspire and empower young people. We had a right old giggle on PAD too!
Now, as Leader of Learning, you've worked across a range of roles, including Learning Facilitator, Tour Manager and Assistant Director, as well as leading on Generation Girls. What do you love most about working with young people?
Sophie and previous PEP learner Archie on a field trip to London.
Well, I don’t think there isn’t a job I haven’t done at Peer (watch out Nina Lemon I’m coming for you heehee). If I had to pick one thing that I love it is just simply being able to teach and inspire young people who are either at the beginning of their career or who just simply love performing. Every day at work is different, I might be dancing with the PEPs one minute, then teaching Sex and Relationships the next and then helping a PAD apply for drama school. My journey through Peer has been so varied, but not one second has ever been boring.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person just starting their creative journey what would it be?
Sophie and another PAD graduate Devon backstage at a performance of The Welkin at Guildford School of Acting.
This industry is hard, you spend a lot of time doubting your own talent and ability. My advice is, DON’T. Never doubt that you are not good enough or you won’t ever be able to achieve your dreams. Never did I think my fulfilment in life would come from teaching, but it is clearly the path I was destined to take. Your path will become clear, just trust the process and YOURSELF.
As Peer is celebrating its 20 years, what are you most excited about for the future of the organisation?
As we raise money for our new (beautiful) building I am just excited for the prospect of more young people being able to access the wonderful things that Peer Productions does.
Sophie celebrating her graduation at Guildford School of Acting.
