Maria Karelina

Originally from Estonia, I grew up and moved to the UK at the age of 8 years old with my sister and my single mother. Growing up I always loved the arts and even with limiting funds and constant moving, my mother really did what she could to include me in performing arts, which I discovered was what I loved and always wanted to pursue.

Graduating as an actor and later studying in Psychology, I am aiming to further my route of directing by bringing my experience as a performer myself, accompanied by the knowledge of mental health. The importance of facilitating a safe space for actors is something I am deeply passionate about as it's an essential element I wish to provide as a creative. I also write and would love to bring some of my original work into action one day. I like to focus on works that represent reality, the human experience and often the hardships of life. Having come from a family with a single widowed mother, I believe the situations we faced have deeply inspired the style of work and the type of plays and writings I want to focus on.

Having the opportunity to be an assistant director for Tilly Vosburgh at the Tower Theatre in 2019, I realised how much I loved being on the other side of the industry and how creative it felt. I later went on to find ways to direct myself and so my recent project was a newly written Musical called PULSE which was staged at The Bridewell Theatre.
I would love to work on and develop my skill, and continue to grow as a creative and meet likeminded people where I feel I can create work, and bring my ideas to life.

Credits

Director, PULSE, The Bridewell Theatre, 4 Days, 2023
Assistant Director, The Love of The Nightingale, The Tower Theatre, 4 Days, 2019

Other Credits
Tillie(Actor), Mother's Day, Camden People's Theatre, 3 Days, 2023
Lead Singer, When The Curtain Called, Brasserie Zedel, 1 Day, 2023


I have many more singing and acting credits but wasn't sure if this was to list my directing and writing credits only. But am happy to provide more.

Training

The Musical Theatre Academy,
Psychology (London Metropolitan University)