About
Currently a freelance theatre producer based in North West. I love working with exciting artists across all mediums, developing their ideas, and helping them find funding, venues and partners. Previous to this I have worked in various roles in the third sector - heading up diverse and exciting projects. These projects range from developing and recruiting (over 70 volunteers) for a new overnight phone service, Nightline to help combat poor mental health amongst students, to setting up an internship scheme with Austin, USA based not-for-profit organisations.
I am particularly interested in the growing spoken word arts movement across the UK, and think it has even more potential to integrate into theatre and artist development programmes.
I am particularly interested in the growing spoken word arts movement across the UK, and think it has even more potential to integrate into theatre and artist development programmes.
work (arts +theatre)
CURRENT
As a freelance producer:
Torn From Home (Video Here) January 2019 - two monologues developed specifically for International Holocaust Memorial Day, in association with Holocaust Education Trust and Princes Road Synagogue, concerning genocides of the 20th century.
Silver Meadows May 2019 - new musical with book by Ian Salmon, with music/lyrics by Vinny Particular (4* Irish Times), developed with Everyman Playhouse, in R&D at the moment.
Undisclosed Edinburgh Project August 2019 - to run at major Edinburgh venue, with nationally famous comic in lead role.
A Lovely Word January 2017 - Now - produce and host Liverpool's most popular spoken word night, and associated podcast and artist development programme. Listen here.
Other roles
Imaginarium Theatre - Development Manager/Producer
Imaginarium (formally known as MATE Productions) is a theatre and community arts organisation, an associate company of Shakespeare North, and specialises in site specific outdoor theatre and large scale community engagement.
I work alongside the Artistic Director and the CEO to book touring work, on artist development and producing festivals, in the 110 seater exciting new Hope Street Theatre.
Collective Encounters - Fundraiser/Producer
Collective Encounters is a Theatre for Social Change, Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, based in North Liverpool. My role includes;
Rubbish Shakespeare is a creative education and children’s theatre company, working in schools and areas of low engagement across the UK, particularly the North-West.
Rapid Response Unit/Culture Liverpool - 'Poet for Hire'
Rapid Response Unit is an organisation set up by Liverpool City Council's Culture Department to celebrate 10 years since 2008 Capital of Culture, using artists as journalists to respond to the news. I was hired an as 'Poet for Hire', running how to write poetry workshops, writing people poems who request, and reading them out for social media coverage.
Signature Living Ltd – Creative Producer
Learnt how to produce in a medium scale subsidised theatre. I produced;
I wrote and performed a 20 minute interactive solo play, based on the testimonies of UK based serial killers, to a sellout audience, for two nights at the Liverpool Guild of Students. Contact to request a script.
Write Now Festival - Producer and Assistant Director
I produced and assistant-directed Hovering on the Edge (an original writing piece) at the Unity Theatre in Liverpool, as part of the Write Now Festival, a paid position.
''Inner Workings of The Mind of a Psychopath from London', 'Let's Play a Game' - Director and Writer
Directed my own work as part of the Liverpool University Drama Society's Short play evening, a 20 minute two hander, based on an terrorist interrogation. Contact to request a script.
As a freelance producer:
Torn From Home (Video Here) January 2019 - two monologues developed specifically for International Holocaust Memorial Day, in association with Holocaust Education Trust and Princes Road Synagogue, concerning genocides of the 20th century.
Silver Meadows May 2019 - new musical with book by Ian Salmon, with music/lyrics by Vinny Particular (4* Irish Times), developed with Everyman Playhouse, in R&D at the moment.
Undisclosed Edinburgh Project August 2019 - to run at major Edinburgh venue, with nationally famous comic in lead role.
A Lovely Word January 2017 - Now - produce and host Liverpool's most popular spoken word night, and associated podcast and artist development programme. Listen here.
Other roles
Imaginarium Theatre - Development Manager/Producer
Imaginarium (formally known as MATE Productions) is a theatre and community arts organisation, an associate company of Shakespeare North, and specialises in site specific outdoor theatre and large scale community engagement.
- In charge of grant writing and fundraising, and then guiding finance and direction of projects
- Researching and compiling advocacy documents for Imaginarium Theatre and subsequently being the main liaison point with external partners
- Producing Imaginarium Theatre's shows; monitoring ticketing and sales, writing press releases and working with Artistic Director on production logistics and event managing the shows
- Successes:
- Increased audience attendance through partnering with new venues, streaming sales process and utilising social media and email advertising, and doubled our artistic output through a new autumn outdoor touring show as well as a summer production
- Wrote several successful small/medium-sized funding bids. (x4 ACE Grants for the Arts (15k), Granada Foundation x2 (2k), Ragdoll Foundation (10k), Youth Social Action (5.5k), Comic Relief (3k), Knowsley Better Together (10k), Local Councils (totalling 20k))
I work alongside the Artistic Director and the CEO to book touring work, on artist development and producing festivals, in the 110 seater exciting new Hope Street Theatre.
Collective Encounters - Fundraiser/Producer
Collective Encounters is a Theatre for Social Change, Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, based in North Liverpool. My role includes;
- Leading on bid-writing for small grants and supporting the Executive Producer with future planning for Collective Encounters
- Building and maintaining a network of funders, cultural partners and project collaborators
- Providing administrative support to the CE office
- Producing the Arts Council England and BBC The Space music video commission Keep Pushing, and 15 year celebration production In Our Times.
Rubbish Shakespeare is a creative education and children’s theatre company, working in schools and areas of low engagement across the UK, particularly the North-West.
- Growing the company through development of a Family Theatre wing; a 7 date North West tour in Spring 2018, and 8 date National Tour in Spring 2019.
- Preparing press releases, audience development and marketing plans
- One of four actors in touring show
- Producing successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe run of 26 shows at Pleasance Above (150 capacity), receiving 4* and 5* reviews
Rapid Response Unit/Culture Liverpool - 'Poet for Hire'
Rapid Response Unit is an organisation set up by Liverpool City Council's Culture Department to celebrate 10 years since 2008 Capital of Culture, using artists as journalists to respond to the news. I was hired an as 'Poet for Hire', running how to write poetry workshops, writing people poems who request, and reading them out for social media coverage.
Signature Living Ltd – Creative Producer
- Produced the ‘Santa’s Christmas Party’ event for Signature Living at the Cunard. This included;
- Creating the concept for the event as part of a creative team, taking into consideration marketing, logistics and sales.
- Auditioning and hiring actors to play elves and Santa.
- Directing and writing the 15 minute children’s show and post-show interactive activities.
- Managed the budget of over £100,000, and onsite manager for all staff on site
- Organised outreach work with Croxteth Gems Community Association and others.
- Achieved a Signature Living record for lowest percentage of complaints and highest ticket sales for the event.
- Programmed and managed the budget for all live music and entertainment across three hotels (30 James Street, The Shankly, Arthouse), and two bars (Alma de Cuba, Vista) owned by Signature Living in Liverpool for the duration of my fixed term.
- An hour long two comic two hander with spoken word poetry about Millennial existence. Starring Geraint Rhys, Actor (currently in training at Oxford School of Speech and Drama).
- Developed and wrote the script with directorial assistance from industry professionals, and guidance from the Everyman Playhouse 'New Works' team (on their Scratch Morning).
- Played the Liverpool Fringe to sell out audiences, before taking it to Edinburgh.
Learnt how to produce in a medium scale subsidised theatre. I produced;
- Scene Change; bi-monthly scratch night in Playhouse studio, with av. of 5 acts developing their work. Curating artists and organising logistics/marketing for the night
- Monologue Wars; an actor’s monologue competition, at the Everyman Studio. Auditioning actors, logistics, and designing judging process
- In The Dark; following an open submission for short radio scripts, played by a rep of actors, with audience in the dark sitting around the Everyman Studio. Script reading process, organising logistics/marketing, and auditioning actors
I wrote and performed a 20 minute interactive solo play, based on the testimonies of UK based serial killers, to a sellout audience, for two nights at the Liverpool Guild of Students. Contact to request a script.
Write Now Festival - Producer and Assistant Director
I produced and assistant-directed Hovering on the Edge (an original writing piece) at the Unity Theatre in Liverpool, as part of the Write Now Festival, a paid position.
''Inner Workings of The Mind of a Psychopath from London', 'Let's Play a Game' - Director and Writer
Directed my own work as part of the Liverpool University Drama Society's Short play evening, a 20 minute two hander, based on an terrorist interrogation. Contact to request a script.
Other previous work
Deputy President of Liverpool Guild of Students (August 2014 – July 2016)
- Board member, Resources & Audit sub-committee member, one of four strategic leaders of an unincorporated charity and business.
- Responsible for day to day decision-making, being the voice of the organisation, and enacting positive change for students.
- Communicating with 22,000 members, through social media, campaigns, events and representative structures.
- Overseeing and developing large student events like Fresher's week and the Summer Ball.
- Managing high level relationships with stakeholders, in the University of Liverpool, City Council, other Students' Unions and organisations.
- Focus on Higher Education policy, Research and Post-graduate student experience, social enterprise, sustainability and civic engagement.
- Launched student overnight helpline, Nightline, at the University of Liverpool, recruiting over 70 volunteering, and developing new service policy.
- Increased block grant funding from University by 25% though bid writing and developing case to University.
- Increased National Student Survey SU satisfaction question 23 by 18 points.
voluntary, work experience
Accentbase Project - Media and Communications Support (October 2016 - March 2017)
Assisted the marketing of Accentbase, a learning tool that uses accents from the UK to teach non-native speakers english.
Radio Hosted LiverpoolX Festival (November 2013):
Reported and hosted the Creative Industries LiverpoolX Festival at Camp and Furnace broadcast on NBS Online Radio.
NBS Radio Training Course (October 2013 – December 2013):
A weekly radio skills training course convened by Liverpool Radio City and the National Broadcasting School.
LS Radio and Soundcity (September 2012 – 2014):
Media and artist coordinator, volunteer position.
MAPA P.R. Company (July 2009)
Junior Copywriter, volunteer position.
Assisted the marketing of Accentbase, a learning tool that uses accents from the UK to teach non-native speakers english.
Radio Hosted LiverpoolX Festival (November 2013):
Reported and hosted the Creative Industries LiverpoolX Festival at Camp and Furnace broadcast on NBS Online Radio.
NBS Radio Training Course (October 2013 – December 2013):
A weekly radio skills training course convened by Liverpool Radio City and the National Broadcasting School.
LS Radio and Soundcity (September 2012 – 2014):
Media and artist coordinator, volunteer position.
MAPA P.R. Company (July 2009)
Junior Copywriter, volunteer position.
education and qualifications
Stage One Producers Workshop (October 2018);
Three day intensive workshops focusing on commercial producing. Including; theatre tax relief, investment, contracting (artists and venues), royalties/rights, establishing production entities, touring, co-producing, budgeting.
National Theatre Connections Directors weekend (October 2017);
Three day intensive directors training course with top practitioners from the National Theatre, West End and Spy Monkey
National Union of Students 'lead and change' leadership training programme (August 2014);
Intensive four day training programme, delivered by NUS' Learning Academy, where I learnt community organising, influencing, policy knowledge and leadership skills.
Mental Health First Aid Training (August 2015);
Two day course learning active listen skills and identifying signs of mental health issues.
English Literature and Language (Sept 2011 - July 2014);
High 2.1, with a focus on Renaissance and Medieval Literature (particularly Shakespeare), and a dissertation in the role of the political jester in mid-20th century British and European drama.
National Broadcasting School radio presentation skills training (Sept 2013 - Dec 2013)
12 week course hosted by NBS, learning presenting skills, about broadcasting regulations and about the radio industry.
Three day intensive workshops focusing on commercial producing. Including; theatre tax relief, investment, contracting (artists and venues), royalties/rights, establishing production entities, touring, co-producing, budgeting.
National Theatre Connections Directors weekend (October 2017);
Three day intensive directors training course with top practitioners from the National Theatre, West End and Spy Monkey
National Union of Students 'lead and change' leadership training programme (August 2014);
Intensive four day training programme, delivered by NUS' Learning Academy, where I learnt community organising, influencing, policy knowledge and leadership skills.
Mental Health First Aid Training (August 2015);
Two day course learning active listen skills and identifying signs of mental health issues.
English Literature and Language (Sept 2011 - July 2014);
High 2.1, with a focus on Renaissance and Medieval Literature (particularly Shakespeare), and a dissertation in the role of the political jester in mid-20th century British and European drama.
National Broadcasting School radio presentation skills training (Sept 2013 - Dec 2013)
12 week course hosted by NBS, learning presenting skills, about broadcasting regulations and about the radio industry.
references
References are available upon request - from senior professionals working in the arts, business and education in Merseyside.