Paul Smethurst has a long history with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures; working for the company as a performer, character principle and rehearsal director.  Alongside his work for the company Paul worked as a freelance interdisciplinary artist in the fields of dance, musical theatre, acting and physical theatre with a career spanning opera and West End productions. Paul also worked extensively as a mentor, teacher and workshop leader in the creative learning and education sector within the fields of dance and physical theatre

After over a decade of a diverse performing career, Paul moved into Arts Management and Education. Paul was Head of Dance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, lecturing, coordinating and managing the Dance strand for their BA and MA in Musical Theatre. During this time Paul expanded his creative career and worked extensively as a Director, Movement Director and Choreographer. 

Paul is currently Resident Artist for New Adventures; responsible for the strategic and artistic direction and delivery of their engagement portfolio serving communities, young people and schools.

Paul will be leading the ‘In Partnership’: exploring collaborative working and how to embed artistic quality in socially engaged practice session alongside Helen Linsell and  Mohammed Saeed from Dance United Yorkshire in the second Breakout Session.

For over 30 years Matthew Bourne and New Adventures have delighted, inspired and nurtured people of all ages and backgrounds: audiences, artists and the next generation. Find out more.