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VALERY REVA

Actress - Creator - Drama Tutor

Actress

Valery Reva is an actress and performer from Ukraine based in London. Prior to moving to the UK to complete MA Acting course in Mountview (graduated in 2022), Valery grew up and trained in Ukraine where she received a BA degree and subsequently went on to spend ten years working professionally within TV and theatre, including two years as a company member of the Lesya Ukrainka National Theatre in Kyiv.

Theatre credits include the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2023), the Camden Fringe (2023), Sujirya Theatre (Kyiv, 2020-2021), Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre (Kyiv, 2017-2019), "Black Square" Improv Theatre (2011-2013). Screen Credits include Commercials and TV Series, such as "Call" (2021, Ukraine), " Track" (2020, Ukraine), "Blood Brothers" (2019, Ukraine).

Monologue Reel

'Medea' Written by Euripides and Translated by Ben Power

Creator

Valery embarked on her theatre making journey 15 years ago, initiating improvised shows at Theatre Black Square in Kyiv. This early experience laid the groundwork for her distinctive approach to theatre, prioritising spontaneity and creativity in the creative process.

As Valery's career progressed, she delved into devising, showcasing her ability to collaboratively create and shape performances. A notable example of this was "Alice’s Dreams" at Suzirya Theatre in Kyiv, a contemporary reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll’s "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." These skills were also applied while directing student shows in the Black Square Drama Studio.

In the MA Acting programme at Mountview, Valery crafted her first solo performance, 'Please (no) Trauma,' delving into the complexities of trauma on and off the stage. This experience paved the way for her debut as a writer with 'in|Secure,' initially presented and well-received at the Kaleidoscope Theatre Festival in February.

'in|Secure' (2023) is a darkly comic one-woman show that challenges audiences with poignant questions about the ongoing War in Ukraine – questions that may be uncomfortable but are essential to explore. Through the performance, Valery asks the audience to ponder profound moral dilemmas: Does a refugee, striving to feed her child, have more or less right to share her story than a soldier on the front lines? In times of conflict and crisis, when lives are at stake, are we allowed to miss posting selfies to Instagram or sipping a cup of takeaway coffee? Who holds the permission to complain, and who deserves to feel the weight of guilt?

The show delves into the heart of 21st-century warfare, where individual narratives play as significant a role, if not more so, than traditional media. The stories in "in|Secure" are drawn from the experiences of Valery's own Facebook friends, individuals who shared their stories online and, like any content online, faced judgment and commentary.

This show is a unique blend of audience participation, music, comedy and vulnerable drama: it underscores the complexity of surviving war without a universally accepted playbook.

'At Least I'm Not Bald' (2024) is Valery's second Fringe run show and it centres on the “big C”, the terrifying letter we all dread. What does it mean to have your life on the line? All that you care for and that you love put in jeopardy at the drop of a hat, a whisper in the dark, a word we all dread to hear.

Cancer is tough to go through and for anyone involved, friends, family, it can be a hard thing to go through. But this is a safe space and all are welcome here - At Least I’m Not Bald will take you on a journey on what it means to be alive. Based on the performer’s experience of surviving cancer and other cancer patients’ testimonies, the play discovers what it means to live when faced with heartbreaking tragedy.

We follow the poignant journey of a woman returning to her homeland of Ukraine for her annual check-up, only to face the shocking diagnosis of cancer. During her journey, she meets a variety of characters at the hospital while she prepares for surgery. As the anesthesia takes hold, she enters a captivating world where folklore, reality and storytelling blend into giant spectacle. This show will leave you stunned, crying and laughing in the face of death. And don’t forget the beaver.

Reviews

"In|Secure" garnered critical acclaim and audience attention. It enjoyed runs at the Golden Goose Theatre, participated in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and featured in the London Camden Fringe, receiving good reviews from both critics and the audience.

'At Least I'm Not Bald' received outstanding feedback during its London preview, earned 5-star reviews at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was selected to participate in the SE Fest at the Bridge House Theatre and the Jack Studio .

Drama Tutor

Valery is a dedicated and versatile Drama Tutor with a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. Since 2017, she has worked with groups and provided one-on-one tutelage for a range of ages. Her journey in the field of education and drama has taken her across several countries, providing her with a unique blend of pedagogical and practical skills.

Valery's experience includes serving as a drama tutor at diverse educational institutions and theater organisations, including: CK Summer Stage School and Camp (Burgas, Bulgaria), The Conservatoire, Blackheath (London, UK), Les Kurbas Center (Kyiv, Ukraine), Drama Studio "Black Square" (Kyiv, Ukraine), Self-made Artschool (Kyiv, Ukraine).

Valery's teaching expertise encompasses a wide array of areas, including Drama, Text Analysis, Character Work, Voice, Improvisation, Acting for Camera, Audition Preparation, Monologues, Scene Work, Improvisation, Public Speaking, and various acting techniques such as Chekhov, Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg, Meisner, Katie Mitchell, Practical Aesthetics, and more.

Comprehensive Expertise

Strong background in both education and drama that equips her with flexibility in applying various techniques

Tailored Approach

Adaptability in tailoring the teaching techniques to meet the unique needs of individual students

Passion and Enthusiasm

Wholehearted dedication to assisting each student in reaching their full potential

Feedback

Unique classes

Valery Reva was my supervisor for a creative competition preparation. She was able to find an individualised approach and work plan for me - a person who needed both a basic theory of knowledge about culture and art and practical skills.

The work was done systematically and emotionally involved - in addition to professional training, I also had the opportunity to develop as a person with her. Always when I needed support, Valery could recognise it, even in my pseudo-confidence.

I believe that Valery Reva's approach to work, ability to be a leader, and personal human qualities make her classes unique.

Olha, Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg, Film Bereich/department

Knowledgeable and empathetic

I took Valery’s 'Voice and Verse' class in 2023 when I was challenged with public speaking responsibilities.

Valery helped improve my audience engagement and communication skills. She is knowledgeable and empathetic in her approach, coaching me through the self discovery process while adding valuable insight and guidance to accelerate my learning

Winnie, Director Media and Digital Marketing, London

Makes you fall in love with the art

Valery radically influenced my youth, and therefore my career choice.

I remember the several years spent at the Black Square Drama Studio under the mentorship of Valery as years of rapid development, both professional and personal.

I was won over by honesty towards myself and others. In my opinion, this is the most important quality for mastering a craft like acting.

It is not often that you meet people so dedicated to their work, devoting themselves to their profession wholeheartedly. It delights, infects, and makes you fall in love with the art.

Matviy, Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Karyi University of Theatre, Cinema and Television, Documentary and non-fiction Directing Department

Would highly recommend

Valery taught me voice and verse techniques at Blackheath Conservatoire. She helped me to perfect my warm up and prep for public speaking engagements, which resulted in a more confident and authentic speaking style.

Valery tailors her teaching to each student’s strengths and is able to empathetically critique to encourage key improvements across all areas of delivery.

I would highly recommend Valery as a tutor for anyone looking to improve their corporate or dramatic performances.

Alice, Head of Member Engagement at SMMT, London