Sarah Butler

Performer, Rehearsal Director, Creative Leader and Champion for Dance in the Midlands

For this edition of our Artist Spotlight, we’re delighted to shine a light on the brilliant Sarah Butler, a long-standing collaborator, performer and leader within the Autin Dance Theatre family.

Based in South Derbyshire, Sarah is a freelance dance and theatre artist with extensive experience as a performer, rehearsal director, movement director, mentor and educator. A working mum of two, she has built a remarkable career spanning dance, theatre and puppetry, performing nationally and internationally while also creating opportunities for other artists to thrive.

Since joining Autin Dance Theatre in 2021, Sarah has become a familiar face on Out of the Deep Blue, helping to bring Eko to audiences across the UK and Europe. Over the years, she has grown into the role of Show Captain and Rehearsal Director, supporting the company’s expanding touring programme while continuing to champion artists through her work with East Midlands Dance Artist Network (EMDAN).

We caught up with Sarah to talk about her journey with Autin Dance Theatre, her favourite touring memories and what continues to inspire her creative work.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do?

My name is Sarah Butler and I’m a freelance dance and theatre artist based in South Derbyshire. I predominantly work as a rehearsal and movement director and performer, alongside mentoring, facilitating and teaching. I’m also Co-Director and Project Manager for East Midlands Dance Artist Network (EMDAN).

As a freelance artist, I’ve always enjoyed working across a range of creative disciplines, from dance and theatre to puppetry and outdoor performance. That variety is something I really value and it’s helped shape the way I approach both performing and directing.

How did your journey with Autin Dance Theatre begin?

I first came to work with Autin Dance Theatre in 2021 when Out of the Deep Blue and Eko were first being developed.

I’d actually worked with Johnny several years earlier through Birmingham Opera Company and then auditioned online during Covid when the company was looking for performers with puppetry experience for the early research and development stages of Out of the Deep Blue.

Johnny invited me to join the first R&D at FABRIC in Birmingham and it grew from there. Since then, I’ve toured Out of the Deep Blue, worked on Parade: The Giant Wheel and performed in Brimstone.

You’ve grown into the role of Show Captain and Rehearsal Director. What has that journey been like?

One of the real joys of working on Out of the Deep Blue has been collaborating with so many talented people from different artistic backgrounds.

Because I stayed with the production as it evolved, I gradually learned more and more about different aspects of the show and the various roles within it. I was involved throughout the creative process as the work developed and changed over time.

Moving into the role of Show Captain and Rehearsal Director felt like a natural progression. As the company grew and expanded its touring programme and productions, there were times when Johnny needed to be elsewhere, and I was able to step in and lead rehearsals or support touring teams.

It’s been a wonderful challenge. After performing a show for a number of years, it’s important to keep growing as an artist and taking on new responsibilities. I’ve really enjoyed leading teams, maintaining the quality of the work and building relationships with festivals and presenters across the country.

What has been your favourite touring memory?

That’s such a difficult question because we’ve been fortunate enough to perform in so many incredible places.

Internationally, performing at the City of Winds Festival in Belgium was a real highlight. We were incredibly well looked after and performed to fantastic audiences. Touring in Oslo was another unforgettable experience and somewhere I would probably never have visited otherwise.

In the UK, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) in London stands out. There was a real buzz around the festival and a sense that everyone was striving to present their work at the highest level. It felt like a wonderful challenge and one of those performances where everything came together.

Another favourite was performing at Watergate Bay near Newquay. Taking Eko onto the sand definitely presented some practical challenges, but performing beside the sea in such a beautiful location felt very special.

What I appreciate most is that this work has allowed me to travel extensively, both nationally and internationally, and experience places and communities I might never otherwise have encountered.

We heard there have been a few memorable mishaps along the way too…

There definitely have!

Over the years I’ve accidentally broken Eko three times, which has become something of a running joke.

My favourite was during a parade in Ireland when a section of the puppet’s leg came apart halfway through the performance. We paused, searched for the missing screw and thought we’d found it, only to realise we’d picked up a completely unrelated screw from the street!

Eventually we found the correct part and managed to repair everything on the spot before continuing the parade. The timing was particularly unfortunate because it happened right in front of the mayor and mayoress.

Looking back now, it’s one of those touring stories that still makes me laugh.

Alongside Autin Dance Theatre, you’re involved in a wide range of projects. Can you tell us more?

Alongside my work with Autin Dance Theatre, I’ve spent many years building relationships with companies across the Midlands.

Since becoming a mum in 2014, I’ve worked hard to create a sustainable freelance career that combines performing, movement direction, rehearsal direction and mentoring. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with so many fantastic artists and organisations throughout the region.

One project that has become particularly important to me is EMDAN – the East Midlands Dance Artist Network.

The network began in 2018 with support from FABRIC and, after years of voluntary work, we’ve continued to grow. We delivered online classes throughout Covid and have since developed into a Community Interest Company.

We’ve successfully secured Arts Council funding to continue our activities through to 2027, which is incredibly exciting. I’m now Co-Director and Project Manager and we’re working to create opportunities, support networks and professional development for dance artists across the region.

What motivates you creatively today?

I think what motivates you changes throughout your career.

After nearly twenty years of freelancing, and as a parent, I find that I’m increasingly driven by the idea of giving back.

The arts can be a challenging profession, particularly for younger artists. There are financial pressures, barriers to entry and ongoing uncertainty. What motivates me now is finding ways to support people so they can continue building sustainable careers doing something they genuinely care about.

I want artists to have access to opportunities, mentoring, networking and creative development. I want people to be able to thrive rather than simply survive.

Creating supportive, nurturing and safe environments is something I care deeply about. When artists feel valued and supported, they can create their best work and contribute positively to the wider sector.

That’s what drives me at the moment: helping to build stronger communities, stronger networks and better opportunities for the next generation.

What’s coming up next?

It’s an exciting time both for me and for EMDAN.

We’ve recently secured new Arts Council funding and will soon be launching another mentoring programme for Midlands-based artists. The programme will support choreographic development, career sustainability and wellbeing, while providing opportunities for artists to develop and share new work.

We’ll also be launching artist development days aimed at students, early-career artists and the wider creative community.

Alongside that, I’m continuing my work with Autin Dance Theatre, touring Out of the Deep Blue and supporting the company’s growing portfolio of outdoor productions.

There are lots of exciting things ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication, creativity and leadership. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of the Autin Dance Theatre family and can’t wait to see where the next chapter of your journey takes you.