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Participatory Practice

Prisons

Working within the prison estate forms a significant part of my participatory work.  Although I work predominantly with women's stories in my professional directing work, I am particularly interested in working within the male prison estate framed by a feminist-informed approach. 

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I work regularly with Unlock Drama and Synergy Theatre Project, and in the past have completed projects at HMP Belmarsh, HMP Lindholme,  HMPYOI Feltham, HMP The Mount, HMP Wymott, HMP Hull, HMP Lincoln, HMP New Hall (women) and HMP Littlehey and with organisations such as Rideout, Music in Prisons and the London Philarmonic Orchestra.

Community (Adults)

II have worked as a facilitator of drama, creative writing and performance skills with adults from a wide range of groups including those experiencing homelessness at day and residential centres, men with mental health histories, ex-offenders, even amateur orchestras as part of the BBC's The Great Orchestra Challenge.

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Most recent projects include directing sharings of the Young Vic's Neighbourhood Theatre plays developed on the community playwriting course, and directing the Arcola Women's Company community production.

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In 2012 I was Company Manager for Old Vic New Voices community musical, Epidemic, responsible for the pastoral care of over 120 volunteer performers and backstage crew.

Young people

Since graduating with Distinction from my MA in Applied Theatre at Central School of Speech & Drama in 2011, I have worked extensively with young people as a facilitator and director, using theatre and multi-disciplinary practise. My work is participant centred and responds to the ideas and needs of young people in order to support them to interrogate their world and tell their own stories. 

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I have worked with a variety of companies, including Kiln Theatre, ONG Ventana de Color (Chile), Lyric Hammersmith, Beachcroft School (PRU), WAC Arts, Shakespeare Schools Festival, Good Chance Theatre, Roundhouse, Cardboard Citizens, DreamArts, Creative ESOL (Rewrite), Drama Workhouse and the National Citizens Service. 

HE & Emerging Artists

I have been an Associate and Visiting Lecturer in Applied Theatre at St Mary's University and Central School of Speech & Drama working with both BA & MA Students. 

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I also regularly deliver workshops for CPD with emerging artists and educators through organisations such as NT Learning, VAULT Festival, Bechdel Theatre, the Old Vic, the Actor's Centre and my own company The Thelmas.

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