I made two pieces in my time in the IOU studio, one project leading to the other. The first project was a kind of experiment. Audience members were 'subjected', one at a time, to one of five scenarios involving 4 different sets of puppets and a 'control' – a piece without any puppets. All of the scenarios took place in a dark tunnelled environment, the only lights forming a path along the floor and through the space. The participants were then asked a series of questions about the experience, and themselves, and recorded on video. The puppets made were based on local folk tales – all visuals and sounds were based on environments and locations I found around West Yorkshire.

The second project was made possible with a grant from Arts Council England. IOU helped me formulate an application and were incredibly supportive through the second phase of the incubation period, with continued mentor support and an extension to the access to studio space and facilities. With the puppets I made from the first project, some new puppets, and a period of development time, I created, directed and performed in a promenade piece set in local woodland, which was performed to an invited audience in October 2005.

What I got from the experience...
My period with IOU has most definitely affected and influenced my career as a performance artist in a positive way. IOU gave me the opportunity to have access to and meet valuable contacts – some of which have led to work opportunities for me as both a maker and performer. As a result of IOU Theatre's support, I have now created and sustained relationships of my own with other successful companies, festival organisers, promoters and funders – all of which have been massively influential on me and my life as a puppeteer. I have also met peers interested in performing with me, and I'm still regularly working with one of the performers that was involved in the project in 2005. Finally, the project gave me the insight and motivation to believe that I could carve out a career in the performing arts

Where I am now...
After completing the programme, I have been working part time in various roles (from shop assistant to project officer at an arts charity!), to support my career as an artist and performer/puppeteer. I have worked with some fantastic companies as a freelance artist (making puppets and performing) including working with the Whalley Range All Stars and Avanti Display, as well as being involved with other IOU projects. IOU have since continued to provide advice, support and have always been there for me – even if it is only to lend an ear when I'd like to vent about everything that I've achieved since the project started back in 2005!

I've also now fulfilled one of my goals at the start of the programme! My aim was to start my own puppetry company and I have since started 'Frolicked'  - we have been touring with shows created by the company throughout the summer of 2008. We also have a website which shows some of our work and what we've been up to! The address is www.frolicked.co.uk.

Overall, IOU have been instrumental in kick starting and supporting my career as a performer. The incubation programme has provided me with not only the space to create and develop my own work and my skills and ideas as an artist, they have introduced me to the world of street theatre and have helped to shape the continuing career that I have today!