Claire Bounds

BA (Hons) Comedy Writing and Performance

Throughout Claire’s university career she has shown exceptional grace and maturity in the face of adversity. She has worked tirelessly to improve the wellbeing of others acting as a mentor for the lower year groups, helping them to acclimate during incredibly trying times. Living with a physical disability, Claire has brought a number of unique experiences to her cohort and developed a fantastic selection of interesting collaborations. One of her final pieces focused on the representation people with disability, raising awareness about ableism and hate speech, whilst performing with a sensitive yet comical eye.

Within her role as course representative, she has spearheaded the organisation of a panel and showcase event discussing race and how it is used in comedy. Having faced discrimination first-hand herself, it is a real show of Claire’s strength of character that she has ploughed her energy into an enlightening event for others. Claire is incredibly ambitious and, thanks to her successes during her time at Salford, has been selected to perform later this summer in the University’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival project where she is expected to wow the crowds nightly.

Claire says “I am incredibly honoured to be a 2022 Create Student Awards finalist. I feel that throughout the course I have really come into my own with the continued support and encouragement of the University of Salford; I am now, for instance, much more transparent and open about my disability and experiences. I’ve been able to find my unique comic voice whilst also hopefully providing a positive example for those who have had similar experiences to me. To have been shortlisted means that the hard work and late nights were worth it. The support of the University staff meant that I was given the scope to spread my wings and simply allow my passions to guide me. For that, I’m truly grateful.”

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