The Artist Story: unveiling Battle Royal Studios ‘ creative minds
BRS’s talented artists with diverse backgrounds create bespoke concepts using an unparalleled understanding to engage audiences. Check out their inspiring journeys.
By Thao Tran
Credits©
Artwork – Sofia Silva
If you’re a creative talent, chances are you’ve been told that your passion for the arts is just a hobby and that you should pursue a more “stable” career path. But what if we told you that creativity is the key to innovation and new ideas? What if we told you that there’s a group of talented artists who have turned their passion into successful careers?
Enter Battle Royal Studios (BRS), a creative powerhouse that’s passionate about all forms of experiential innovation. Their team members come from theatre, concerts, ground-breaking events, and exceptional Olympic ceremonies. They’re dedicated to crafting bespoke concepts tailored to their audience’s needs and desires, using an unparalleled understanding to tell engaging stories.
But what does it take to become a successful artist in the modern world? What are the challenges that creative talents must overcome, and how do they navigate systemic and social structures to achieve their goals?
Let’s meet some of the talented artists behind BRS.
Brendan Shelper
Brendan Shelper, the founder and CEO of BRS, started his creative journey at the age of ten when he studied acrobatics and theatre. He toured the world as a child performer, working on major stages and living life on the road. After falling into modern dance and dance theatre, he worked in major international festivals within the creative arts circuits and cultural programs. Eventually, he started to realize his own ideas and work with other huge companies around the world, which led him to event design and experiences. This led to the birth of BRS.
Jonathan Buckels
Jon Buckels, the Creative Production Manager, had a chance encounter with Perth City Ballet when he was just fifteen years old. He worked with them over the years, performing in and even choreographing one of their full-length seasons. After working in various contemporary performance groups in Germany, his focus shifted to storytelling through his own choreographies and productions, mainly focusing on human connection and experiences.
Ky Lloyd
Ky Lloyd, the Production Manager, fell in love with backstage life at the age of sixteen while working in her high school stage crew team. She takes pride in working with the most capable people in her field and enjoys learning from them every day. Previously, she worked for Stage Entertainment as a caller for shows like Les Miserablés and Die Drei Musketiere.
Susana Beiro-Shelper
Susana Beiro-Shelper studied dance at the Univerity of Arts in Amsterdam before establishing herself in Berlin after several stops along the way. In 2008, she began working with Brendan Shelper, a collaboration that continues to this day. After joining Battle Royal Studios, Susana Beiro Shelper took on the role of managing the label SLIKK for several years. In addition to her work in artistic coordination, she regularly collaborates with pyro legends Groupe F as an aerial performer.
These are just a few of the talented artists behind BRS, each with a unique story to tell. Through their individual profiles and storytelling, BRS aims to inspire and empower creatives to pursue their passion, despite the challenges they may face.
So, if you’re a creative talent looking for inspiration, look no further than the artists at BRS. They’ve proven that with hard work, dedication, and a little creativity, you can turn your passion into a successful career.
