We're lucky enough to have Enlight Insight Theatre back at The Bread & Roses Theatre this June with their Rebel Jam Cabaret. We spoke with the team about the highs and the why's!
What inspired you to create Rebel Jam? Why a cabaret?
We have always wanted to have several branches to our work as a company.
● Commercial: being our films and big productions either scripted or devised.
● Youth: Working with youth organisations and schools running workshops.
● And community...
When it came to thinking of what to do to engage the community we looked at what was most needed in the industry right now. It became clear through research that the performance industry was becoming harder to get into as a new comer. Applications to perform at festivals and theatres require you to have photo evidence of shows. Spotlight requires you to have credits under your name before joining their platform. This need is what gave life to Rebel Jam. A cabaret that allows emerging artists to get a performance credit in a fun and safe environment, whilst also getting the much needed performance photos.
What inspired you to create Rebel Jam? Why a cabaret?
We have always wanted to have several branches to our work as a company.
● Commercial: being our films and big productions either scripted or devised.
● Youth: Working with youth organisations and schools running workshops.
● And community...
When it came to thinking of what to do to engage the community we looked at what was most needed in the industry right now. It became clear through research that the performance industry was becoming harder to get into as a new comer. Applications to perform at festivals and theatres require you to have photo evidence of shows. Spotlight requires you to have credits under your name before joining their platform. This need is what gave life to Rebel Jam. A cabaret that allows emerging artists to get a performance credit in a fun and safe environment, whilst also getting the much needed performance photos.
Who are the collaborators on Rebel Jam? Rebel Jam couldn’t happen without a variety of people.
● First and most importantly are the acts themselves! Rebel Jam has been designed for them and wouldn’t run without them! We are always grateful to each and every act who joins us. It’s our pleasure to support them!
● Next would be our Artistic Director Crystal (also know as Kiki.) They produce Reb Jam through scouting the acts both in person at open mics and variety nights and online. They come up with the theme for Rebel Jam and promote the cabaret on socials and in person. They create the promotional materials and they also secure and liaise with the venue throughout the creative process.
● Last but certainly not least are our Associate Artists Elsbeth and Aggie. Elsbeth is Reble Jams photographer who takes and edits all the show photos. Aggie is our lighting and sound technician who gathers all the cues from acts and ensures the smooth running of shows.
● First and most importantly are the acts themselves! Rebel Jam has been designed for them and wouldn’t run without them! We are always grateful to each and every act who joins us. It’s our pleasure to support them!
● Next would be our Artistic Director Crystal (also know as Kiki.) They produce Reb Jam through scouting the acts both in person at open mics and variety nights and online. They come up with the theme for Rebel Jam and promote the cabaret on socials and in person. They create the promotional materials and they also secure and liaise with the venue throughout the creative process.
● Last but certainly not least are our Associate Artists Elsbeth and Aggie. Elsbeth is Reble Jams photographer who takes and edits all the show photos. Aggie is our lighting and sound technician who gathers all the cues from acts and ensures the smooth running of shows.
What do audiences have to look forward to? Rebel Jam always has an amazing variety of acts! No Rebel Jam is the same as we always have new performers and a new theme for each show! Previously we have had a Halloween cabaret with drag, music, poetry, dance, and a political cabaret with theatre for social change.
Have there been any obstacles in creating Rebel Jam? The main obstacle for getting Rebel Jam on its feet was finding a suitable venue. We went to a few before finding you, the Bread and Roses Theatre. We are now happy to have found our home and are excited to have scheduled shows with you until the end of the year! Our aim now is to start building a regular audience.
Who should see this show & why?
Everyone and anyone! Rebel Jam is open to all! The acts we get are never the same so audiences always have something new to see, so if you enjoy supporting emerging artists and watching exciting new work, then this is the cabaret for you! We also ensure we create an inclusive space through always having content warnings about the themes of our acts.
Have there been any obstacles in creating Rebel Jam? The main obstacle for getting Rebel Jam on its feet was finding a suitable venue. We went to a few before finding you, the Bread and Roses Theatre. We are now happy to have found our home and are excited to have scheduled shows with you until the end of the year! Our aim now is to start building a regular audience.
Who should see this show & why?
Everyone and anyone! Rebel Jam is open to all! The acts we get are never the same so audiences always have something new to see, so if you enjoy supporting emerging artists and watching exciting new work, then this is the cabaret for you! We also ensure we create an inclusive space through always having content warnings about the themes of our acts.
What attracted you to stage this production at The Bread & Roses Theatre?
The atmosphere and amazing team at the venue is definitely what drew us in and kept us there. We love how accommodating the venue is! The communication is great and you truly feel supported whilst having the freedom to settle and own the space. We also love that audience members can order food for the interval! That was such an amazing addition for the audience to have.
What have been the highlights of the creative process?
It has to be working with the acts and the creative team! It’s lovely to be able to build a network with such talented individuals!
What do you think the future of british fringe theatre looks like and how does the work
you do fit into it? At Enlight Insight we believe fringe is the future of theatre. Not only is it affordable for the audience but it is also a welcoming environment to everyone, unlike mainstream venues which are becoming elitist. Fringe dares to take the risks that mainstream venues don’t. New work is bold, topical, and postmodern. It’s not afraid to do something crazy or out there. It’s what we need more of in the arts, and it’s what we aim to produce as a company.
What's next for Enlight Insight?
We have some exciting projects lined up! Of course we have two very exciting Rebel Jams happening, with the first in June! (Tickets available now!) We also have an exciting short film coming out this spring called ‘Ripple’! that premiers on our YouTube channel. Plus a play in the works to be performed early next year!
We are also always open to collaborate with others, so if you’re an act looking for a cabaret or anything else, please do get in touch!
Book tickets for June 16th Rebel Jam here: https://app.lineupnow.com/event/rebel-jam-a-queer-cabaret
The atmosphere and amazing team at the venue is definitely what drew us in and kept us there. We love how accommodating the venue is! The communication is great and you truly feel supported whilst having the freedom to settle and own the space. We also love that audience members can order food for the interval! That was such an amazing addition for the audience to have.
What have been the highlights of the creative process?
It has to be working with the acts and the creative team! It’s lovely to be able to build a network with such talented individuals!
What do you think the future of british fringe theatre looks like and how does the work
you do fit into it? At Enlight Insight we believe fringe is the future of theatre. Not only is it affordable for the audience but it is also a welcoming environment to everyone, unlike mainstream venues which are becoming elitist. Fringe dares to take the risks that mainstream venues don’t. New work is bold, topical, and postmodern. It’s not afraid to do something crazy or out there. It’s what we need more of in the arts, and it’s what we aim to produce as a company.
What's next for Enlight Insight?
We have some exciting projects lined up! Of course we have two very exciting Rebel Jams happening, with the first in June! (Tickets available now!) We also have an exciting short film coming out this spring called ‘Ripple’! that premiers on our YouTube channel. Plus a play in the works to be performed early next year!
We are also always open to collaborate with others, so if you’re an act looking for a cabaret or anything else, please do get in touch!
Book tickets for June 16th Rebel Jam here: https://app.lineupnow.com/event/rebel-jam-a-queer-cabaret
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