Mercy Phillips

I'm a black, female artist from Dagenham, Greater London. I have a background in theatre, more specifically acting, writing and directing. Since completing Young Vic’s Training Director scheme in 2019, I’ve worked to build on the skills and knowledge to progress from an amateur to a higher level in theatre-making. Having spent time working on my acting and writing, I’m keen to redevelop my skills in directing. Doing The Drunk Poet, I experimented with satire, socio-political art, naturalist and comedic ideas. In terms of style, I enjoy giving voice to the voiceless and storylines around comedy drama.

I've been able to transfer my skills into creative and non-creative settings. My employment history has mainly been within properties, however, I’ve dedicated time to nurture my artistic pursuits over the past few years. My day job as a property manager had opened my eyes to different circumstances that have placed me in situations, which required urgent creative intervention. To be able to engage, identify and solve problems, make decisions, and handle conflict with a range of people - asylum seekers, domestic victims, college students and even corporate heads - had been part of my day-to-day life for the past 5 years.

Credits

Assistant director | The Mysterious Affair at the Christie, Technis Theatre, Camden | 2020

Director | A Third Rail, UEA Drama Production | 2018

Assistant director | Black Ice, Theatre 503 | 2018

Director | The Murder Series, Marmalade Theatre Company | 2018

Director | Growing Pains, Marmalade Theatre Company | 2017

Training

Drama Studio London, 2022
Intermediate Advanced Acting Certificate

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, 2022
Actor and the Text Certificate
Acting for Screen Certificate

Barking Theatre Train, 2019
Volunteering Role; teacher assistant and team member for children ages 6-18 in performing arts

Young Vic Theatre, 2018-2019
Introduction to Directing Certificate