The Optimists 2025 course wrapped up at the end of the summer, so we caught up with one of our cohort members, Linzi, to find out what she enjoyed about the programme, what has influenced her approach to producing, and what are her biggest takeaways.
Why did you apply to The Optimists?
As an actor and writer, people often tell me to “make my own work.” I’ve always wanted to – I even have a pitch for a new musical – but the practical side of producing felt out of reach. Between supply teaching, auditions, commuting for castings and juggling multiple freelance roles, I didn’t know how to move my ideas forward in a sustainable way.
I’m also a late-diagnosed neurodivergent creative, which helped me understand why certain processes felt overwhelming. I’d been developing a project since 2019 but couldn’t quite get it off the ground. Friends who had done The Optimists spoke about how transformative it was, and this year finally felt like the right time to apply. I wanted to understand Arts Council England (ACE) funding properly, advocate for my work with confidence, and develop the skills I needed to take creative ownership of my ideas.
On day one of The Optimists, something shifted. The clarity of the sessions and the warmth of the team made producing feel possible – I realised I’d been quietly producing for years without naming it.
What did I take away from the course?
The Optimists gave me structure, confidence and language. It demystified the funding and producing process in a way that felt grounded and practical. I left each session feeling clearer about what I could do next, rather than overwhelmed by what I didn’t know.One of the biggest gifts was the sense of community. Freelancing can be lonely, especially when you’re self-funding and juggling multiple roles. Having a supportive group to talk things through with – whether over WhatsApp or a coffee – made a huge difference. The fear I’d carried about “not knowing enough” has eased, and I feel more capable of shaping my own path at my own pace. Most importantly, the course helped me recognise that I don’t need to wait to be chosen. I can choose myself.
What’s next?
Since finishing the course, I’ve been finding a balance between holding onto the momentum and not taking on everything at once. A few things already in motion include:
Our Green Days Out: A project supporting creatives to access green spaces – I hired a van and trialled a first trip to the Peak District during The Optimists course. Find out us on Instagram: @our_greendays_out
Rainbows and Writing: A joyful writing project for neurodivergent artists, with a slot confirmed at Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2026. Find us on Instagram: @rainbows_and_writing
The Nosey Project: My long-term passion project – NOSEY is an immersive solo show celebrating coffee, community and connection and is now in development and will be workshopped in 2026.
I’ve also become a studio holder at Stryx Gallery to give myself space to create. I’m developing a new draft of Nosey and a new performance piece, Running Late, which I shared at SHOUT Festival’s Talk of the Town.
The Optimists reminded me that producing is a long game – and now I have the tools and confidence to play it!
To follow more of Linzi’s work, you can find her on Instagram: @linziwinterburn
Interested in applying for our next Optimists course? Sign up to our Training & Development mailer to be kept up to date on applications opening, alongside other upcoming opportunities and events.
To find out more about The Optimists, you can visit the programme page, or get in touch with our Training & Development Producer Kristina Hall at [email protected]