Robyn Olivia, a 2019 graduate of the BA European Theatre Arts (ETA) programme at Rose Bruford College, has built a remarkable career as a children’s theatre maker, sensory practitioner, and community arts facilitator.

Her work spans non-traditional spaces – from hospices and secure mental health wards to refugee camps – creating playful, inclusive theatre that engages communities where it is needed most.

Reflecting on her time at Rose Bruford, Robyn highlights the inspiring environment that nurtured her creativity:

“I loved the campus. The studio spaces were bright and open, with views of the lake, the grounds, and the geese. Completing coursework or rehearsing outside during the warmer months always felt creatively liberating”.

Beyond the physical environment, Robyn emphasizes the support of the ETA staff team, who were always available for guidance:

“As a disabled artist, I also felt supported to follow my interests around disability arts, access, and theatre”.

Her degree laid the foundation for a career that combines clowning, puppetry, storytelling, music, and sensory theatre. Robyn describes her practice as collaborative and ensemble-based, with a focus on devising and playfulness. The course provided a wealth of artistic skills and the freedom to pursue those she was most passionate about.

“By the end of my degree, I had discovered a passion for accessible puppetry training, sensory theatre, and clown. Now I do all three for my career”.

Central to her work is a philosophy instilled by ETA: curiosity:

“Every project I approach as a freelancer I question—what am I learning? How is this helping me develop my practice? That curiosity has been the driving force of my career and the reason I find so much joy in the work I do.”

Among her career highlights, Robyn cites her work with The Flying Seagull Project, a troupe of circus artists, clowns, performers, and musicians who take play and performance to children in need.

“Running a workshop for 600 children in a refugee camp in a desert in Jordan was an insane and rewarding challenge”.

Today, Robyn serves as the project’s Sensory and Accessibility Lead, developing a new initiative that merges her expertise in access and sensory work with clowning and circus arts, aiming to bring sensory play to communities with disabilities across the globe.

Robyn has maintained strong ties with Rose Bruford College since graduation. She frequently reconnects with fellow graduates in rehearsal rooms and projects, collaborating as an access consultant, performer, or puppeteer:

“Whether they were on my course or not, there’s always a wonderful conversation about our experience at Bruford and mutual artists we’ve worked with”.

For students considering the European Theatre Arts course today, Robyn offers this advice:

“I thought I wanted to be an actor, but what I really wanted was creative freedom to explore multiple disciplines and see how my practice could be used in community settings. ETA is the course for taking ownership of your own artistic style and following your passions. Be proactive, follow your interests, and remain open to collaboration—the rest will follow.”

Discover more about Robyn Olivia and her work with The Flying Seagull Project at theflyingseagullproject.com

 

 

Curious about your creative career?

Find out more about our Undergraduate Programmes. 

Whether you’re a creator, performer or aspiring stage manager, you’ll discover a course at Rose Bruford College tailored to develop your passions.

 

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