LAURA FRANCES-MARTIN:
Actor


Biography

Laura’s recent film appearances include wife and mother Katherine Harris in the short film ‘16’ written & directed by Daniel Wilding in 2008; Fiona Mayberry, female lead in feature-length drama-documentary ‘Tink’s Kitchen’ written & directed by Henry Davies in 2007; WPC Taylor and the Madame in the feature film ‘Golden Brown’, written & directed by Sharon Sheehan in 2008. She also appeared as Maria, female lead in the short film ‘The Sleeper’ written & directed by Tim Woodcock in 2008; and starred as Prudence in the short fairytale film ‘Cherry of Zennor’ directed by Elizabeth-Jane Baldry in 2007.

Recent live work includes the role of Catherine in ‘The Memory of Water’ directed by Kathy West for the Du Maurier Festival 2007; several roles (including a drum-playing gypsy, a wild female version of Archidamus, and The Bear…) in ‘The Winter’s Tale’ directed by Ben Oldfield for the Platform Company in Truro in 2007, and as a 1930s Depression-Era marathon dancer in ‘Duets for Unusual Souls’ choreographed & directed by Angela Praed at the Corn Exchange, Camborne in 2008 - a role to be reprised in 2009.

Laura’s performing career began with a love of dance and drama fuelled at school by a brilliant lunchtime club as well as some strange roles in the surreal school plays penned by a particularly creative teacher, and at home chiefly by the music of Kate Bush and the exhibitionist streak she shared with her younger sister.

Dissuaded from taking Drama at secondary school by teachers pushing academia, after A-Levels Laura finally enrolled on her first contemporary dance classes and joined the college’s drama group The Apprentices alongside her visual art foundation course at North Devon College. After a first year of combined arts at Crewe & Alsager, Laura eventually shifted her performance training to Dartington College of Arts where she went on to gain a 1st Class BA (Hons) degree in Theatre with a movement focus.

After graduating she worked as a performer and maker with project-based physical theatre companies in Glasgow, Bristol and Devon before getting involved in TV production running and multimedia production in Bristol. A subsequent move to Cornwall led to involvement in other arts-related professional work, including arts project management, press and PR, copywriting and photography, publicity, communications and print development.

In early 2007 Laura made the decision to re-start her acting career and has been gaining experience ever since with a passion for, and a main focus on, acting for the camera. She also writes and continues to practice as a visual artist.

Related skills
Singing: versatile alto with good vocal range, can sing solo and in chorus.
Dance & movement: strong physicality and co-ordination, dance / physical theatre trained.
Dialects & languages: RP (native), Irish (Southern & Northern), Scottish various, American various. Also speaks some French, Spanish & Italian. Good ear for dialects and accents. Driving: skilled confident driver; cars, PSVs & larger vehicles; full clean licence, own car. Horse riding: intermediate level.

Further training
Post-graduate industry-related training includes short courses in acting for the camera, the performer’s voice, singing, physical theatre, character development, improvisation, devising and a wide variety of dance techniques.

Details: Height: 5'6" weight 9st 12lb
Hair: dark brown
Eyes: green
Playing age: 31-40
Nationality: British
Build: slim, athletic

Online CV: www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/9259-9085-4062
email: laurafrancesmartin@btinternet.com