In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how their castmates would describe them and alternative careers, to their Theatreland idols, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Morgann Runacre-Temple, who is Choreographer/Director of Scottish Ballet’s Coppélia (2-5 March 2023, Sadler’s Wells Theatre).
Find out more about Morgann and her career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
It all started with Panto, then ballet classes. Eventually the two converged!
2. The thing I love most about my job is…
Collaborating with other artists and the joy in finding a shared language or idea. Being part of a team working towards a collective goal.
3. My favourite show from present or past (that isn’t one I have worked on) is…
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
4. A misconception about my job is…
That choreographers walk about with a cane and stamp the floor with it, or have to remember all their own steps in their heads (some do but I don’t).
5. The hardest part about my job is…
Prioritising – how you use the time, budget, dancers, energy. Picking your battles.
6. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Being in the audience on the opening night of Coppélia at the Edinburgh International Festival, and seeing the audience react so viscerally and be so engaged with the piece and the story in a way we never imagined (in a good way of course!).
7. On my days off I like to…
Since the birth of my daughter two years ago I have had to dramatically re-think the idea of a ‘day off’. It’s now mostly spent in a playground.
8. My daily work rituals include…
Coffee, prep for rehearsals, meeting collaborators, usually going over music counts or checking videos for notes and changes. If I have time I try and do a bit of ballet barre to get out of my head and into my body.
9. My inspiration is..
I’m always inspired by the immediacy of dance, a room full of people ready to go; even if you are not sure ‘what you are doing’ something happens. There is a finiteness to it, a beginning and an end. Dance is very alive like that – you can’t ‘think’ it into being. So that brings a kind of urgency or inspiration.
10. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is..
Just keep going.
You can use Theatre Tokens to book tickets for shows at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, including Scottish Ballet’s Coppélia!