Derren,

It's a pleasure and an honour to meet you here at the Café. Sincere toadying over, I was wondering if you could describe for us your creative process? How do you get your ideas? (What inspires you?) And how do you then develop those ideas for performance?

Regards,

Caleb Strange.

Do you find yourself browsing through old, dusty tomes to find inspiration within stories, or do you keep to traditional 'magic' books?

Well, I have the luxury now of having people paid to thrash ideas around with. It's great. I find conversation with like-minded performers invaluable. But in terms of when I am on my own, there's no formula. I just try to keep the effect uncluttered and simple. Or I might think of the situation I would like to have an effect for first: in the street meeting a fan; in a restaurant; on stage; or wherever. Somehow from imagining that, ideas for effects sometimes organically flow. Or occasionally it's from something I realise I can do reliably, or from very satisfying method I stumble across while playing or out walking.
I don't go through old books as much as I should. But from time to time I will, and there's normally some treasure in there which I feel I can change into something which suits me.

No idea if that helps...

db