Alumni profile
Course studied: BA (Hons) Dance
Graduating year: 2007
Bridie Doyle-Roberts is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Citrus Arts Ltd, established in 2009.
Citrus is a Welsh physical theatre company specialising in devised and collaborative works that include circus, dance and drama. Projects include touring theatre and open air productions, commissions for festivals and events, collaborations, consultation, education performance projects and New Professionals mentoring scheme.
Bridie leads on new show concepts and collaboration projects, writing, directing and choreography as well as day-to-day running of an organisation.
"It is so import to be adaptable and have a toolkit of skills that will support your dance career and help you to take charge of your future."
Why did you choose the course you studied at Bath Spa?
Bath and the campus is such a beautiful location that inspires creativity.
What were your highlights?
Performing my solo dissertation work, a piece where I performed a duet with a projection of myself on the floor below me. That was a piece that meant a lot to me emotionally, as I had drawn on my personal experiences of grief and loss, and considered the traces of energy and memory that a person leaves when they are gone. I was proud to be invited to present the research at a public conference as well.
How did the course support your steps into industry?
This course gives a brilliant range of practical skills that supports you to become Entrepreneurs of dance. It is so import to be adaptable and have a toolkit of skills that will support your dance career and help you to take charge of your future.
"The best thing about the course was..."
Daily classes with fantastic views.
"I am most proud of..."
Being asked to return to the University as a guest lecturer after graduating.
"My advice for current students is..."
Make the most of the time to explore, research and devise your projects. Having the space and time to really challenge yourself creatively and push the boundaries of an idea is a gift. Enjoy it.
"I recommend Bath Spa because..."
Studying in a place like this gives you an enormous sense of wellbeing, a beautiful, nurturing place.
Notable projects
Creative Lead for Citrus Pips (since 2017)
Creative workshop strand for families, children and young people in the South Wales Valleys. Bringing together teams of artists and community members to create adventurous performances outdoors in the community.
Associate Director – Performing Arts programme, Green Man festival (Since 2015)
Writing and Directing the headline performing arts show; a collaboration between professional dance and circus artists and artists in training from Circomedia and Royal Welsh College for Music and Drama.
Associate Director – Big Splash festival at The Riverfront, Newport (2011-2015)
Writing and Directing the capstone finale performance on the banks of the River Usk. Bringing together circus artists, street theatre actors, dancers, pyrotechnicians and musicians.
Associate Dance Artist of The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury (2013-2016)
Working closely with their Interns, Youth Theatre Company and local Artists on show creation and development, creating curtain raisers and site-specific performances. Bridie developed a new production whilst in this post which toured Nationally: "Savage Hart", which brought together dancers and aerialists with mask work.
Co-Artistic Director – London Youth Circus, National Centre for Circus Arts (2012-2014)
Two-year tenure where we worked with the cast of high achieving circus trainees to create narrative-led, devised ensemble productions for public performance.
Lead Choreographer – “Ar Waith Ar Daith” Walk The Plank’s commission for Wales Millennium Centre’s tenth anniversary (2013 -2015)
Core team member involved from inception to delivery over 18 months. Creating choreography with 300+ participants from across Wales and a professional cast of aerialists and Ballet Cymru dancers for a large scale open air spectacular.
Choreographer – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru (2010 - 2013)
Worked alongside Director Elen Bowman on three theatre productions for the National Welsh Theatre company including "Spring Awakening" and "The Tempest".