Lennette Randall
“I aim to learn and investigate certain foundational aspects of directing including forming creative teams and working with other creative experts in sound, lights, music, costumes, movement, puppetry, videos, etc.
Bio: Lennette Randall is a creative practitioner focused on acting, directing, producing, writing, artistic education, and leadership. A cosmopolitan with roots in three continents, Lennette is passionate about creating cross-cultural and inter-generational stories, especially those that showcase the rich and diverse narratives of people of African Descent/Lineage.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS: RBC Emerging Director (Canadian Stage), Artistic Director Intern (Grand Theatre London, ON), Young, Gifted and Black Inaugural Member (Obsidian Theatre) and Indie Producer (Theatre by the Bay).
TRAINING: Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA); London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA); Currently, Master of Studies in Creative Writing at the University of Cambridge, UK.
AWARDS: Black People Making History in Calgary (2023), awarded by CRIEC; Fight Directors of Canada Jacie Levinson Memorial Award (2017), and Stephen Hair Emerging Actor Award (2014).
Lennette’s other passions include music, afternoon teas, seasoning food, cocktails, Amarula, Baileys, tea blends, politics and the impact of words.
What piece of art, by a Black artist, inspires you?
Hmm, this could take all day, so I’ll go with the most current one, which is from a YouTube channel called Ambiental Planet.
Western Classical Music was my go-to for calm and focus, but over the past few months, I’ve discovered instrumental styles from other cultures, such as the Tibetan Flute. Then, one day, I stumbled on the “Savannah” series on Ambiental Planet. The music massages my soul with its rich layers of vocal and instrumental sounds from the Mother Continent. There are multiple photos of the most beautiful women of African Lineage as well as images of the Savannah. The creator uses computerized effects to pronounce the colours and features, turning them into breathtaking digital art. Instead of listening and getting on with my work, I stare at these images, mesmerized by the detail
What does it mean for you to receive this award?
There’s a commissioning that comes with such an award.
It says: “Don’t give up! Don’t slack off! There’s work to do!”
It is an endorsement from my artistic community, believing I have the character, integrity and potential to become a skilled and crafted director. These training opportunities will further equip me with the knowledge and techniques to lead a creative team and direct a full production from start to finish. It will provide access to theatre companies and educational spaces that would be willing to entrust me with directing opportunities - an essential and intentional step toward becoming a diligent, imaginative and impactful director, educator and theatre maker.