4637776990
4638063214
4638063214
4637776990
PROJECT: East London to Kent - expanding access and engaging new communities
Information page for funders
KENT EXPANSION
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ELSF to launch new strand in Thanet
Emerging from 1 Co-Artistic Dir. relocating to Ramsgate (Dec 2025), making this an ideal moment to develop our work/engagement model in Thanet - a deprived area w/ limited access to theatre or participatory arts.
4 new Kent venues, expanding our participatory model beyond London for the first time - reaching new communities, building partnerships & bringing theatre to people & areas w/ limited access.
Kent Community Cast (see above)
PROPOSED KENT TOUR
Broadstairs Bandstand, Thurs 30th July (PWYC)
Ellington Park, Fri 1st Aug
Quex park, Sat 2nd Aug
Oval Bandstand, Sun 23rd Aug
LOOPING THE LOOP: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S TEA
FREE EVENT: NEW collab between ELSF & Looping-the-Loop (Thanet-based theatre & community co). Immersive event animating Ramsgate High Street & the creative prologue to ELSF shows. Engaging people facing barriers to theatre.
Supported by Ramsgate Town Council, featuring Kent ‘role-share’ actors & local actors & the Thanet Community Cast, mixing performance, food, music & crafts.
KENT VENUES
LOOPING THE LOOP: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S TEA
FREE EVENT: NEW collab between ELSF & Looping-the-Loop (Thanet-based theatre & community co). Immersive event animating Ramsgate High Street & the creative prologue to ELSF shows. Engaging people facing barriers to theatre.
Supported by Ramsgate Town Council, featuring Kent ‘role-share’ actors & local actors & the Thanet Community Cast, mixing performance, food, music & crafts.
LOOPING THE LOOP, Kent Partnership
KENT ROLE SHARE / ALTERNATE LEAD
Kent-London role-share for 2 leads in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Titania/Oberon) prioritising parent/carer actors. Supporting flexible working, local employment & sustainable touring. Kent based actors perform in 6 London shows before taking over for Kent strand (5 shows & Looping-the-Loop High Tea event).
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PROPOSED SCHEDULE... COMING SOON
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We are launching a KENT YOUNG COMPANY!
URS TO EDIT
WHO CAN JOIN
7-17 years (Key Stage 2-5). No prior experience necessary – it’s all about creating together and having fun!
Free trial session (Click button above to book your 1st session).
Please note that following the trial you will be required to pay for the term in full, however please get in contact if that is not possible and we are happy to discuss alternative payment schedules.
WHEN
FROM THURSDAY JAN 18TH 2024
WEEKLY CLASSES: Thursday afternoon/evenings
Classes will be split into 2 age groups:
7-12 years: 4.30pm-5.30pm
12-17 years: 5.35pm-7.05pm
Fun inclusive weekly workshops to develop skills in acting, performing & making theatre. Introducing Shakespeare and performing early, building confidence and understanding, enhancing the curriculum at school.
Perform in full Shakespeare productions & end-of term sharings!
We will also be offering: LAMDA coaching and exam prep for those keen to gain an acting qualification, working up to grade 8 (equivalent to 30 UCAS points).
WHAT WE OFFER
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Fun inclusive weekly workshops to develop skills in acting, performing & making theatre.
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Opportunities to perform in professionally supported end-of term sharings and productions.
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A literacy and confidence boost via our interactive introduction to Shakespeare.
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More ‘fun factor’ to banish the fear factor!
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Development of young people as creative artists.
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The chance to make friends and become part of an ensemble.
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Access to the wider industry and ELSF’s professional company, through: the ELSF apprentice actor scheme, theatre trips, the community cast, invites to professional company’s rehearsals and more.
If you have any questions feel free to email the Ursula & Catherine here: youngcompany@elsf.uk
WHERE
The CentrE17, 1 Church Hill, Walthamstow E17 3AB: CLICK HERE FOR ADDRESS
DIRECTORS OF ELSF YOUNG COMPANY
Ursula Early
Alongside the Young Company Ursula is co-artistic director of ELSF professional company, Producing all their professional Shakespeare tours and co-directing their Community Casts.
Ursula has been a professional actress for 15 years and has an extensive TV & theatre acting CV and trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
TV credits include: Eastenders, Doctors, The Bill, Life Begins. Theatre credits include: Please Right Back (1927), A Midsummer Nights Dream & Twelfth Night (ELSF), The Endings (Soho Theatre & Nottingham Playhouse), Powerhouse, Last Manor Standing and The Power Of Love (Pleasance Theatre), Wives As They Were Maids As They Are (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmund),, Guests (Hall For Cornwall), Master Of Mayhem (Eastern Angles), Diamond (Kings Head), The Glimmer (Bristol Old Vic Studio) and more.
Teaching/Facilitating:
Ursula is an experienced facilitator & has designed/delivered an extensive range of acting & drama workshops for theatre companies & acting courses and schools, including City Academy. She is currently on the professional development faculty of Dance Research Studio & teaches on their Professional Development Programme.
Catherine Skinner
Catherine is an actor and producer. After studying Drama at Manchester University, she began her career at Birmingham Rep and since then has worked consistently in theatre, television and radio.
Theatre credits include: The Crucible (RSC) Forward, The Witches (Birmingham Rep, Wyndams/ATG), Switzerland
(Hihtide), Margaret Thatcher in Little Madam by James Graham, Mirror Teeth (Finborough), Twelfth Night (Sprite).
Television credits include: Stonehouse (ITV), The Nevers (HBO), Trauma ((ITV), Close to the Enemy (Stephen Poliakoff), Casualty (BBC), Housewife 49 (by Victoria Wood, ITV), Henry 8.0 (with Brian Blessed), Catastrophe(Channel 4)
As a producer: A Bite of the Big Apple, Vintage Humans (Southwark Playhouse/Equilibrium). She has run intergenerational projects for WFBC and in Southwark.
As a facilitator/educator: She has led workshops for key stage 2-5 in schools across Birmingham and in London, including at Westminster School.
Community Engagement Programme 2026
COMMUNITY CAST
STRUCTURE
Walthamstow Community Cast Provisional Schedule 2026
Rehearsal Schedule:
Community Ensemble Workshop: Sat 16th May
1 x Saturday rehearsal with Cast, 10:00 – 1pm CentrE17 (23-May)
1 x Evening rehearsal, 6:30pm - 9:30pm CentrE17 (27-May)
1 x Saturday rehearsal with Cast, 10:00 – 1pm CentrE17 (30-May)
Dress Rehearsal with Cast, 6:30pm - 9:30pm Higham Hill Hub (04-Jun)
Performance Schedule at Higham Hill Hub 05-06 Jun
x 4 Performances
Friday 7:30pm
Saturday 3pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 3pm
(Required 60 mins prior to show)
Performance Schedule at Highams Park 07 Jun
x 1 Performances
Sunday 3pm
(Required 60 mins prior to show)
Performance Schedule at Lloyd Park 18-21 Jun
x 5 Performances
Thursday 7:30pm
Friday 7:30pm
Saturday 3pm (BSL) & 7pm
Sunday 3pm
(Required 60 mins prior to show)
Newham Community Cast Provisional Schedule 2026
Rehearsal Schedule:
1 x Saturday rehearsal, 10:00 – 1pm St Mary's Church Hall, East Ham (20-Jun)
1 x Evening rehearsal, 6:30pm - 9:30pm St Mary's Church Hall, East Ham (24-Jun)
Performance Schedule at Central Park 25-26 Jun
x 2 Performances
Thursday 7pm
Friday 7pm
NEW KENT Community Cast Provisional Schedule 2026
Rehearsal Schedule:
1 x Saturday rehearsal, 10:00 – 1pm Location TBC (25-Jul)
1 x Evening rehearsal, 6:30pm - 9:30pm Location TBC (29-Jul)
Performance Schedule 30 Jul - 02 Aug
x 5 Performances
Thursday 7:30pm @Broadstairs Bandstand
Friday 7:30pm @Ellington Park
Saturday 3pm & 7:30pm Quex Park
Cathall Community Cast Provisional Schedule 2025
Rehearsal Schedule:
1 x Saturday rehearsal/workshop, 10:00 – 12pm Leytonstone Toy Library (16-Aug)
1 x Evening rehearsal, 6:30pm - 9pm Leytonstone Toy Library (21-Aug)
Performance Schedule at Langthorne Park Amphitheatre, in partnership with Leytonstone Toy Library, 22-Aug
x 1 or 2 Performances
Friday 3pm & 7:30pm
This is a tried and tested formul - by inergrating the Walthamstow Community Cast with the professional cast during our rehearsal period with an extensive rehearsal and performance schedule:
- sets the tone/importance of the Community Cast from the offset
- allows the professional cast to get used to working with non-trained community members in a rehearsal setting
- develop and rehearse in detail the Community Cast moments, to ensure they are standalone sections which can be easily replicated & taught to Newham/Kent/Cathall community casts; and removed/amended for non-Community Cast performances throughout the tour
- Creates unique experience for Cast and Community to truly integrate, connect and learn.
ELSF Participant Feedback
FEEDBACK FROM 2022 - 2025
Community Casts are open to everyone 11+, no experience necessary.
Our Community Casts have been made up of 15-25 local participants from Hackney, Waltham Forest, Newham & Tower Hamlets ranging from a babe in arms (7 months), to 65 yrs. We are proud to be an inclusive & diverse company - participants have been: black, asian, from global majority groups, LGBTQI+, Neuro-divergent (ADHD, Tourettes and autism.) We have had disabled participants including cerebral palsy, MS, downs syndrome, wheelchair users, Makaton/BSL users.
We work with participants to put adjustments required that allows anyone who wants to participate to be involved!
Community Cast Alumni:
2022 Tasmiyah Rahman joined NYT Rep Company
2022, 2024 Zora Duric-Speare studying at Bodens Performing Arts College & ongoing employment with ELSF partner organisations
2022 Caitlin Stevenson became our 2023 Apprentice Actor, now studying at LAMDA
2025 Feedback, Michelle, age 54
"I got to meet new people, do something fantastic and out of my comfort zone, it has allowed me to kick start my acting career, which is something I have wanted to do but did not know how to get into, I have learnt the practise does make perfect in regards to learning my lines, enjoyed working with a very diverse team"
2024 Feedback, Loran, age 13
"I really enjoyed working with all of the actors, I really had fun getting to know all of the other community cast members in some of the breaks and I learnt something really valuable that I never really experienced prior. This was my first time doing the same show in front of an actual audience multiple times and I learnt that after the first show, your suddenly no longer nervous anymore! Which has really boosted my acting confidence."
2024 Newham Feedback, Simon, age 59
"An insight into how professional actors work, experience of performing in the open air and an understanding of the importance of a good warm up. I loved meeting my fellow community cast members and the professional cast."
2023 Feedback, Greg Madden & Ruby Madden (father/daughter)
"Hi Rosie and Ursula, just a quick note to say thank you for welcoming Ruby and I into the show. It was a great experience for us both. Please pass on our thanks to all the cast and crew. It was a genuine privilege to watch you all work and to see the life affirming impact your performances had on the audiences time after time. Thank you. All the best."
Act Up, Newham Partnership
Act Up! Newham is an inclusive theatre company made up of disabled and non-disabled people who work together to create high quality performances that challenge audiences' perceptions of disability. Act Up! produces work that reflects the lived experiences, stories and views of our members and most of our productions have been devised by our members. Act Up! aims to become a beacon for good inclusive practice and demonstrate to other groups how to develop good inclusive theatre.
Act Up! aims to provide opportunities for actors who are overlooked by other theatre companies to have main roles in high quality performances and by doing so proves to others that this is possible. This includes people with communication difficulties whom people often assume cannot have significant lines in performances. We work together in innovative ways to adapt our work so that all our actors are able to express themselves in an equal way. We use these differences in communication to enhance our productions. We have actors with different levels of support needs including actors with high support needs who have found that they are not always welcome in other integrated settings.
ELSF partnered with Act Up, Newham in 2025, when 9 of their members joined the Newham Community Cast for As You Like It in Central Park. We will continue to work together in 2026 and find more ways to integrate Act Up, Newham into ELSF productions.
Newham Community Cast 2025:
Zora Duric-Speare, Awa Jagne, Grace Fundu, Glory Sengo, Sterre Ploeger, Pritesh Patel, Hannah Facey, Jade Sempare, Ellen Goodey, Katie Blake, Paizah Malek
Paparazzi & fans
Wrestling spectators
Duke Frederick's bodyguards
Forest of Arden residents
Goats / Wedding guests
Sonnet 18
Together Space, Waltham Forest Partnership
Together Space/Down the Lens: Waltham Forest group which provides a place for disabled & non-disabled children, young people and their families to comfortably play, exercise, socialise & relax together.
Activities include a weekly performing arts classes (11–18 yrs).
ELSF connected with Together Space in October 2025. A Waltham Forest local, founder of Together Space Alexandra Martinelli-Kinmonth, reached out to discuss performance opportunities. ELSF will work with Together Space in Summer 2026 to engage their young people, in the Community Cast, with the support of Together Space.
APPRENTICE SCHEME
1 Apprentice Actor engaged in ELSF's 2026 Summer professional tour of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
East London Shakespeare Festival will engage 1 local young actor (Age 18-24) who have aspirations to audition for drama school and/or pursue acting professionally.
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Priority for these roles will be given to participants (18yrs+) who are members of Young Company/Community Cast Alumni, who will be invited to audition
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They will be full cast members and rehearse alongside the professional cast (25hrs p/w), obtaining a professional credit - please see dates below.
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They will multi-role
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ELSF will provide four sessions of free tutoring/mentoring/training/audition prep to support their aspirations i.e. applying/auditioning to drama school, securing an agent, professional auditions.
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Subject to funding: Statutory Apprentice rate + travel expenses
1 Stage Management & Theatre Production Apprentice engaged in ELSF's 2026 Summer professional tour of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
East London Shakespeare Festival will engage 1 local young person (Age 18-25) who has aspirations to pursue a career in Stage Management /
Theatre Company Management
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They will be full company member, rehearsing and touring with professional cast & creatives (25hrs p/w), obtaining a professional credit - please see dates below.
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ELSF will provide four sessions of free tutoring/mentoring/training/audition prep to support their aspirations i.e. applying for drama school / securing work / professional connections
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Subject to funding: Statutory Apprentice rate + travel expenses
Work Experience
ELSF currently works closely with Big Creative, Bodens, PinPoint Education, LBWF, Newham and Hackney council to offer work experience opportunities for young people, which have included:
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1 week work experience 'As You Like It' - theatre production, front of house, stage management, audience monitoring & social media
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Content creating & social media marketing for 'As You Like It 2025'
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Interviewing Cast & Creative Team ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021
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Rehearsal photographs, social media and video ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021 & ‘Twelfth Night 2022’ & 'Romeo & Juliet 2023', 'Much Ado About Nothing 2024'
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Performance Photography ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021
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Shadowing Musical director ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021
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Shadowing Director 'Much Ado About Nothing 2024'
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Front of House ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 2021 & ‘Twelfth Night 2022', 'Romeo & Juliet 2023', 'Much Ado About Nothing 2024'; 'As You Like It 2025'
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2 x 6 month Kickstart Placements (1 x Community Engagement assistant, 1 x Production Assistant) ‘Twelfth Night 2022’
LEGACY APPRENTICE ACTOR SCHEME 2022 - 2025
This opportunity was open to 18-24 yrs, for young people interested in pursuing acting professionally. They were cast in a paid, speaking role, joining the professional cast for the duration of the tour.
ELSF provided mentoring.
Peggy Barnes - Le Beau / William /
Jaques de Boys
Apprentice Actor 2025
ELSF provided drama school mentoring & advice on securing an agent
Since working with ELSF, Peggy has:
Secured an agent
Professional credit - The Rivals, Disney
Currently applying to Drama Schools
Beth Blackler
Stage Management & Theatre Production Apprentice 2025
ELSF provided drama school mentoring & advice on securing work. Since working with ELSF, Beth is:
Now working as Assistant Stage Manager at Layered Reality (Elvis Evolution)
Assistant at Act Out Performing Arts
Caitlin Stevenson - Rosalind / Petra
Apprentice Actor 2023
ELSF provided drama school mentoring & contribution to LAMDA fees
Since working with ELSF, Caitlin has:
Currently on BA Acting at LAMDA
Frank Alemitu Bertoletti - Valentine
Apprentice Actor 2022
During the run, Frank understudied & went on for Viola & Maria
ELSF provided industry mentoring inc. Spotlight/showreel/headshot advice, approaching agents & mock interview.
Since working with ELSF, Frank has:
Signed with Nina Lee Management
Now working professionally
Natasha Mula - Ursula/Conrade
Apprentice Actor 2024
ELSF provided industry mentoring, agent mock auditions & industry connections/introductions
Since working with ELSF, Tash has:
Secured 3 professional acting jobs - 2 with ELSF partners
Ongoing employment with ELSF Young Company
Ongoing employment with ELSF Partner organisations - UpFrontTheatre Company & Act Out Performing Arts
KICKSTART 2022
BUSHRA BAIG
Apprentice Community Engagement Assistant
Part of our Kickstart team, facilitated by Crate, Walthamstow
CAT WINTER
Apprentice Production Assistant
Part of our Kickstart team, facilitated by Crate, Walthamstow
SCHOOLS PROGRAMME 2026
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - SUMMER 2026
SCHOOLS MATINEES & PRE-SHOW WORKSHOPS
Professional Production, Schools Matinees and pre-show workshop
We offer matinee performances to local schools, which include a 20-minute pre-show group workshop run by the members of the cast, to introduce the characters and themes to the students.
This opportunity will be shared to our database of 250+ schools in E. London, and Newham Council, The Hub (The Education and Childcare Network for LBWF) with priority given to Newham based schools. We want to make these shows as accessible as possible and therefore are offering tickets at the heavily discounted price of £4 per child (full price children’s tickets are £8).
Provisional Schools Matinee Shows Times 2026:
Lloyd Park, E17 4PP Friday 19th June, 12.30 – 2:30pm
Applecart Arts, E6 1BX Friday 26thh June, 12.30 – 2:30pm
The pre-show workshops are designed by our artistic directors, Rosie Ward and Ursula Early.
Rosie runs educational theatre company, UpFront Theatre Company, which specialises in providing interactive workshops & plays exploring the PSHE Suggested Programme of Study for KS2, 3 & 4. She has worked extensively in educational theatre company, including The Young Shakespeare Company.
Ursula is an experienced workshop leader and facilitator and has designed and delivered an extensive range of acting and drama workshops for theatre companies and Drama Schools.
She has taught as an adult acting teacher for City Academy, She has Level 3 OCNLR Accredited Diploma in Leading Dance for Older People (course provided by Green Candle Dance Company). She is also currently on the professional development faculty of Dance Research Studio and teaches on their Professional Development Programme.
Testimonial
Thank you for the amazing performance of Romeo and Juliet. My year 6 group thoroughly enjoyed the production and we were so happy that we were able to see something so local (we walked to the town hall).. it was also wonderful that the weather co-operated!
We are a school in an area of high deprivation and we would not be able to afford to pay for 90 children to attend a play in London. Thanks to your supportive costing structure, we were able to engage 90 children in a fantastic production! This was an event that they will remember for years to come. Not only that, it will embed knowledge and build confidence when speaking about Shakespeare in Secondary School. You make Shakespeare accessible for all!!
Thanks Again,
Tanya Spain
Deputy Head
South Grove Primary School
SCHOOL'S WE'VE WORKED WITH:
VOLUNTEER SCHEME
We use a team of Volunteer Ushers at all our shows. Ushers will help during arrival & departure of the audience & the interval, at our performances in local parks.The team will meet the cast, get a behind the scene glimpse at a professional show & enjoy the show for free.The role is completely flexible - you choose the dates you would like to volunteer & the venue which suits you. Travel expenses will be covered if required.
INGEGRATED BSL SHOWS
PROPOSED BSL SHOWS
SATURDAY 20-JUN, 3PM - LLOYD PARK (2025 flagship & sell out venue)
This performance will be professionally filmed
THURS 25 - FRI 26 JUN, 7PM - CENTRAL PARK (2026 sell-out venue)
Outreach support confirmed from:
Act Up Newham
The Together Space
Deafroots
Empowering Deaf Society
Waltham Forest Council
Newham Council
Stella Creasey
SEN Schools incl. Joseph Clarke, JFK & Whitefield Academies
Confirmed intepreter Becky Barry - please see bio below
ELSF worked with Becky in 2025 and the experience exceeded any & all expectations we had of what a BSL show would look like. Far from a static interpreter standing on the side - Becky was fully integrated into the show. She had a character, she engaged with the other chracters and her blocking was sensitive & mindful of sight lines for BSL-users.
MAINTAIN SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE DURING TRANSITIONAL YEAR
Artistic Director - Ursula Early, re-locating to Kent
Artistic Director - Rosie Ward, maternity leave from March
Rehearsal space, CentrE17 closing
Plan to maintain project & organisational capacity
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Employ 2 x Assistant Producers
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Extend hours for remaining Co-Artistic Director
CREATIVE TEAM
URSULA EARLY - CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / YOUNG COMPANY DIRECTOR / OVERSEEING KENT EXPANSION / COMMUNITY CAST DIRECTOR
Based in Chingford, Co-artistic Director and Producer of ELSF and Creative Producer for Walthamstow’s performance & Community venue The CentrE17.
With a career in theatre production spanning 20 years - producing and developing projects across London and for UK touring.
Ursula is also a community workshop leader and facilitator, designing and delivering an extensive range of acting and drama projects and workshops for theatre companies and Drama Schools. Including City Academy. She has Level 3 OCNLR Accredited Diploma in Leading Dance for Older People (course provided by Green Candle Dance Company. She is also currently on the professional development faculty of Dance Research Studio and teaches on their Professional Development Programme.
She is an invited member producer on the The Production Exchange and has been a producer on Old Vic New Voices TS Eliot US/UK Exchange and completed Stage One New producers workshops:
Ursula is also a professional actor with has an extensive acting CV and trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
ROSIE WARD - CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - MATERNITY FROM MARCH
Based in Leytonstone Rosie is the founder, Artisrtic Director and Producer of UpFront Theatre Company Ltd, an educational company offering PSHE workshops for KS2 - 5.
Projects include: Before Anyone Else (UK Tour), In Harm’s Way (UK Tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Charity Performance), BuckleUp (EdFringe16) and Bump! (EdFringe16.)
She is the Principal at Act Out Performing Arts, which has 2 successful schools for 4-16 yr olds in Muswell Hill and Walthamstow.
She is a professional actor & singer with an extensive CV. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
ROSIE FRECKER - A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM DIRECTOR
East London based director, trained at University of Exeter and East 15.
Credits include Christmas Carol Beaulieu Abbey, Motion Drayton Arms Theatre, Camden Fringe & regular work with East 15, AMATA Falmouth and St Mary’s Twickenham
https://www.rosiefrecker.com/portfolio
BECKY BARRY - BSL INTERPRETER
Becky Barry is a multi-disciplinary theatre maker and BSL/English interpreter (Becky Allen RSLI). She has worked across the UK and abroad, including regular collaborations with Derby Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, ZooCo & Improbable and The RSC. Becky is a passionate advocate for access provision, representation and liberation - onstage and off.
SONUM BATRA – Musical Director
Sonum is a Yorkshire-based Musical Director, Composer and Sound Designer.
Recent credits as Composer/Sound Designer include: Mrs. President (Charing Cross Theatre), Spiders (Bush Theatre), One Punch (Hull Truck Studio), Northbound Boy (King’s Theatre), The Watsons (Mountview), The Art of Success (Mountview), Iloya (Utopia), Merry Wives of Windsor (Mountview), Jennie Lee (Mikron), Lumberjills (Capitol Theatre), Blue Stockings (Mountview), Ladies Unleashed (Hull Truck), Favour (Bush Theatre), Red Sky at Night (Mikron Theatre), Arabian Nights (Hoxton Hall), Relativity (Finborough Theatre) Not the End of the World (Edinburgh Fringe), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Warhorse Theatre Works).
Recent credits as MD/pianist include: Jack and the Beanstalk (Cast), A Christmas Carol (Derby Theatre), Guts! The Musical (Hull Truck), Beauty and The Beast (Cast), Pinocchio (Hull Truck), Spring and Port Wine (Bolton Octagon), Sleeping Beauty (Cast), Just an Ordinary Lawyer (Leeds University), 71 Coltman Street (Hull Truck), Aladdin (Buxton Opera House), Just an Ordinary Lawyer (Hull Truck), The Railway Children (Hull Truck), Dick Whittington (Grange Theatre), Aladdin (Embassy Theatre), Bend it Like Beckham (workshop, Dominion Theatre), Bring on the Bollywood (Belgrade Theatre), His Indian Boyfriend (Stratford East Theatre), Kat in Kixx (Stratford East Theatre), John and Jen (Rosemary Branch), Swallows and Amazons (Bristol Old Vic), They’re Playing Our Song (Catford Broadway).
jENNIE MAY DUNNE - MOVEMENT DIRECTOR
Jennie Dunne is an actress who studied languages at Cambridge University. She then trained at Jacques Lecoq Theatre School and East 15 Acting School.
Jennie is Co-Artistic Director of NMT Automatics for which she has movement directed: The Orpheus Project; Dido + Aeneas: Remixed, Pandora’s Box and Tempus Fugit: Troy & Us
Credits as choreographer include: The Cambridge Fool’s When In Rome; Where’s Your Mama Gone (Hen and Chickens); The Matchgirls (RDC); The Abominable Snowman (Moon on a Stick Productions). Praise includes: ‘outstanding choreography’ (WhatsOnStage).
Jennie is a regular performer and facilitator for the internationally renowned theatre company 1927, including lead roles in worldwide hit shows Golem, The Animals and Children and Roots.
She spent last year filming Interview With A Vampire in Prague, and can be spotted running around with fangs in the upcoming season.
Jennie is a Leytonstone local and performed in ELSF’s first season whilst heavily pregnant and is very much looking forward to Movement Directing Much Ado, with a little help from her toddler!
LUCY FOWLER - DESIGNER
Lucy is a London-based set and costume designer with a passion for storytelling through live performance. Since graduating with a BA (Hons) in Design for Performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2017, she has worked with a variety of companies and venues.
Her recent work includes: Revival Designer for Magic Flute (Charles Court Opera, Wilton’s Music Hall), Associate designer for As Long as We Are Breathing (Arcola Theatre), Set and Costume designer for Napoleon: Un Petit Pantomime (Charles Court Opera, Jermyn Street Theatre) and Hansel and Gretel (Arts Outburst, Thameside Theatre). She is also the Costume designer for A Pissedmas Carol which appears each Christmas at Leicester Square Theatre.
Lucy has also worked as a freelance assistant designer at the Royal Shakespeare Company and is frequently Assistant designer for Set and Costume Designers Nicky Shaw and Stewart J Charlesworth.
ANDREW HOLLINGWORTH - SET BUILDER
Andrew has been a set builder for Redbridge Drama Centre on a handful of their Christmas productions. He has also been Tech Operator and Stage Manager on Katie Arnstein's "It's A Girl" Trilogy: Bicycles and Fish, Sexy Lamp and Sticky Door, and most recently on her production of The Long Run at the New Diorama Theatre
Andrew trained as an actor and writes and produces shows for his theatre company Buckle Up Theatre. He has taken his work to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and to other festivals in the UK, America and Europe and won multiple awards.
ELODIE BASS - MARKETING
Elodie works in all aspects of theatre, as an actor, a director, a playwright and in graphic designing and digital marketing.
They have designed the marketing for ELSF's 2022-2025 projects, an 80's Twelfth, explosive Romeo & Juliet and luxe Mediterranean Much Ado!
CAROLINE ANSDELL - PR
I'm a freelance theatre and dance publicist with more than 17 years' experience in arts PR. I have boundless enthusiasm for live performance, and enjoy working with clients and media contacts to generate insightful and relevant coverage that supports ticket sales and raises profile. Previous experience includes in house at Sadler's Wells (Head of Media and Communications) and the National Theatre (Events Press Officer), and in an agency setting at Arthur Leone PR (Account Manager). I made the leap to freelance in February 2024 and have enjoyed promoting a range of theatre and dance productions. Current and recent clients include RG Live, East London Shakespeare Festival, Second Hand Dance and Sadler's Wells.
MARBLE & SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
Marble & Sky Photography is run by Hannah Brandon, an ex-Musical Theatre performer turned photographer. She trained at Urdang and Mountview before finding her passion for Theatre Photography and Headshots. Hannah has photographed performances at the Royal Albert Hall, The Royal College of Music, Shaftesbury Theatre & many more amazing venues. She is very excited to be working with the East London Shakespeare Festival. Shakespeare has a place in Hannahs heart after performing in Twelfth Night as Viola when she was part of Shakespeare School Festival. Hannah is available for actor's headshots and theatre photography all year round so get in contact if you have a show coming up or need some new headshots.
Instagram- @marbleandskyphotography
Website- https://marbleandsky.wixsite.com/marbleandsky
Email- marbleandsky@outlook.com
MICHAEL JORDAN - FOH MANAGER
Michael has been with ELSF since the beginning! He joined us in 2021 as our Apprentice Director.
& since then, has developed & grown the Front of House manager role, with our audiences recognising him year on year!
He is East London born and bred and trained with the National Youth Theatre and RAW Academy. He has previously written and directed his own play. Michael is excited to pursue more directorial roles in the future.
Confirmed Community Engagement Venues:
Central Park in association with Central Park Cafe
Supported by Newham Council
Langthorne Park Amphitheatre
Hosted and supporting by Leytonstone Toy Library
“Safe and stimulating place for young children and their parents and carers to play, learn and interact. You can also borrow toys and donate your unwanted items."
Lloyd Park, Walthamstow
Supported by Waltham Forest Council & Le Delice in the Park
Press Venue
BSL Interpreted Performance
The jewel in the crown of our local parks. Lloyd Park opened in the Victorian era and was given a makeover in 2012.
ELSF performed in 2021 with fully booked performances.
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Higham Hill Hub
Supported by Higham Hill Ward & venue
ELSF partner since 2020
Preview venue to ensure financial accessibility
Higham Hill Hub is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation based within Higham Hill Park whose social purpose is to facilitate, host and deliver a diverse range of activities & seasonal events for all generations of the community.
HIGHAMS PARK
Supported by Gordon Turpin, Waltham Forest Council, Greenspace & Humphy's Cafe
PARTNER SINCE 2022
Set in the beautiful park “The Highams Park” and surrounded by nature with stunning views of Highams Park Lake, Humphry’s is a vibrant but relaxing café and community space.
Humphry’s is also home to many community based activities and is used as an exhibition space for work by local artists
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Kukoolala Cafe Garden in Leyton Jubilee Park
Supported by venue & Greenspace
ELSF partner since 2020
"We have been awarded the permanent contract to run the community cafe in Leyton Jubilee Park. It is our hope to make the cafe a meeting point for local residents to come together in a diverse warm space. Whether you need a formal, but light & airy meeting room or a magical garden, we can make your event a success. Just feeling lonely? Come for a chat. Are you a new parent or carer & looking to meet others? Check out our events or just head on down anytime & let the little one(s) have a go at our toybox for a well deserved break."
These Venues will benefit from:
Community Cast
Pay-what-you-can Performances
Partnered with on-site cafe
BSL Interpreted Performance - Lloyd Park & Central Park
Schools Matinees - Lloyd Park, Central Park
All venues will experience/benefit from:
Apprentice Actor & Apprentice Stage Manager
Craft workshops 4-11yrs
Volunteer Ushers
Tickets well under Industry standard inc. Family discounts
Other confirmed venues include:
(These will be funded separately)
CRYSTAL PALACE CONCERT PLATFORM
PARTNER SINCE 2024
Update: Following the hugely successful #BackTheBowl crowdfunding campaign, which raised over £65,000 thanks to individual pledges of more than 1,000 people and the generous support of the Mayor of London, the new stage surface was installed in July 2022. This marks the end of the first phase of our project to revive Crystal Palace Bowl, with the next phase aiming to modernise the backstage area and improve access to the venue.
https://www.crystalpalacebowl.com/community
LAUDERDALE HOUSE
PARTNER SINCE 2024
Discover a surprising blend of historic elegance and creative opportunities in this vibrant Tudor house in Waterlow Park, Highgate.
HOXTON COMMUNITY GARDENS
PARTNER SINCE 2022
Thank you to Max Mason & Paul Fleming at Hoxton Trust.
The Hoxton Trust exists to make the area of Hoxton and Shoreditch a better place for everyone who lives or works there.
We do this by supporting those most economically and socially disadvantaged with opportunities to build their levels of skills, knowledge and confidence; by providing free legal advice and assistance to those without the means to otherwise obtain it; and by managing and maintaining a community garden for the health, wellbeing and general enjoyment of everyone.
Our award-winning garden is a private space for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in the area. It is maintained by our volunteers and is not a council-run park. The garden provides an oasis of beautiful green space in a densely populated urban area where more than 80% of people rent a flat (3 times the national average), most without their own garden. As well as a place to be, the garden hosts numerous groups and community events that help reduce isolation, break down barriers and boost social cohesion.
CLISSOLD PARK
PARTNER SINCE 2022
Thank you to Amarah White & Hackney Council
One of Hackney’s best loved traditional parks, Clissold Park was opened in 1889 and has held a Green Flag award since 2006. Green Flags are awarded annually to the best green spaces in the country.
Clissold Park and House were renovated in 2011 as part of an £8.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project.
Situated in the beautiful Clissold House, Park Life Café is the perfect place to unwind.
Enjoy locally roasted barista crafted Coffee which pairs excellently with tempting cakes and bakes that are made right here in Hackney.
Freshly made ‘to go’ food options are available for a tasty bite to eat on the move, as well as signature hot dishes from the kitchen. With a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, there’s something for everyone.
VALENTINES PARK
PARTNER SINCE 2023
Thank you to Janice Hunte from Vision and the wonderful Valentine Park's Gardeners Cottage Cafe.
Valentines Park is our premiere award winning park. It has been given a Green Flag Award and has been voted top 10 in the country in the People's Choice Award on 5 occasions.
The park was originally the parkland to Valentines Mansion and Gardens.
Valentines Mansion was built in around 1696 - the Council acquired the house in 1912. Since then, the mansion has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department.
After standing empty for 15 years, Valentines was restored in 2009 with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds, and strong community support to create the historic but contemporary venue it is today.
Gardener's Cottage Cafe
Nestled in the Kitchen Garden you’ll find the Gardener’s Cottage Cafe. Open everyday, the cafe has ample indoor and outdoor seating, Choose from a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes, soups, sandwiches and other lunch options.
The Old Bowling Green in SPRINGFIELD PARK
PARTNER SINCE 2022
Thank you to Amarah White & Hackney Council.
Springfield Park officially opened as a public park in 1905 and takes its name from its unique geology. The park was formed from the grounds of three private houses, of which only Springfield House (The White House) remains.
The park is 14.73 hectares in size, with formal gardens and conservation areas and has extensive views across Walthamstow Marshes.
The park holds a Green Flag award. Green Flags are given to the best green spaces in the country and are awarded each year to make sure the quality of the green space remains high.
NEW VENUES
Charterhouse
Alexandra Palace
Dulwich Park
Greenwich Royal Observatory
Previous Projects, Productions & Successful Initiatives
Jun - Aug 2023 Much Ado About Nothing + Community Engagement Programme - SEE REPORT
43 Performances
16 venues inc. 7 new venues
Expanded to Newham, Haringey & Bromley
4000+ tickets sold
760 x 3-11 year olds took part in mask-making workshops
1 x School matinees + pre-show workshops
2 Community Casts in Newham & Waltham Forest: 25 local people featured in 14 performances
Apprentice Actor, now working professionally and employed with ELSF Young Company, UpFront Theatre Company & Act Out Performing Arts
20+ Volunteers
Partnered with 50+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
21 Professional paid roles
£738 raised for 2 Charities
Jun - Aug 2023 Romeo & Juliet + Community Engagement Programme - SEE REPORT
Feedback:
""Very enjoyable as ever. Lifts the spirits, laugh out loud performance. Would recommend to young and old alike."
"Effervescent is the phrase that comes to mind. You always make Shakespeare comprehensible and easy to follow.”
"Such a treat to have this kind of engaging performance in my local neighbourhood!”
38 Performances
200+ Pay What You Can Attendees
3800+ Attendees
760 x 3-11 year olds took part in mask-making workshops
600 students 7-16yrs attended School matinees + pre-show workshops
Community ensemble: 12 local people featured in 10 performances
3 Apprentice/Work experience Schemes
Partnered with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
21 Professional paid roles
Feedback:
"We are so grateful for this cultural capital experience and the fact it was affordable.”
"I feel so lucky that we have the ELSF in our community. We've been every year for 3 years and the production is a highlight of our summer. I love that my kids have been able to get to know Shakespeare through funny, accessible shows where they can watch great actors up close. Thank you so much for giving us this joyful experience.”
June - Aug 2022 Twelfth Night + Community Engagement Programme - SEE REPORT
37 Performances
3500+ tickets sold
29 x flower garland making workshops for 3-11 year olds
3 x school matinees/pre-show workshops – 251 students 7-16yrs
Community ensemble: 17 local people featured in 10 performances
3 Apprentice Schemes
Partnered with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
21 Professional paid roles
The evaluation from our online survey, showeed that 99% of respondents “understood & enjoyed the performance," citing the key features as ‘joyful,’ ‘diverse cast,’ ‘beautiful setting.’ The majority walked or cycled to the show and their travel time was under 30 minutes.
See more feedback from our Community Engagement below.
June - Jul 2021 A Midsummer Night's Dream + Community Engagement Programme
21 Sold Out Shows
2000+ Tickets Sold
3 x School Matinees + Pre-show workshop
18 x Flower Garland Making workshops for 3-11 year olds
Amazing Community Ensemble - local people featured in the show
2 x Apprentice Schemes
Worked with 13+ Community Partners & Local Businesses
OFFIE Nomination for Best Company Ensemble
The evaluation from our online survey, showed that 98% of respondents “understood & enjoyed the performance.". A huge majority walked or cycled to the show and their travel time was under 30 minutes. As such our age range was huge, with an audience made up of 0-90 year olds.
See more feedback from our Community Engagement below.
Sept 2020 2 Metres to Shakespeare
MARKETING & OUTREACH
Through previous sold-out projects, ELSF have a proven local marketing and outreach strategy in place (ELSF sold out all venues/shows during their 2021 season and Fellowship Square performances in 2022-4):
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Collaborate with Parters to market/promote project and participatory opportunities to local residents
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ELSF has established a strong SM following through previous projects and will run an active campaign on Twitter/Insta/Facebook
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ELSF is member of 20+ local SM groups (i.e. Newham Community, Newham Residents Community Group, Bromley Borough, Haringey Friends of Parks).
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E-Flyers/ticket links will be shared/posted
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Partner organisations have committed online marketing in-kind on their SM platforms to achieve a diverse local participants.
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Partners include Newham Council, Applecart Arts, CentrE17, WF Culture team, RAW Academy, Higham Hill Hub, Big Creative, Natural Voices, Leyton Orient, local ward organisations etc
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Create engaging Flyers/Promo videos/Banners, using experienced designer Elodie Bass who designed our engaging 2022-4 print
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Partner organisation Stow Brothers offered to print flyers & offer online marketing
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Our new role of marketing Associate will offer outreach/marketing strategy
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Work with professional PR company to contact/invite local/national press to review the show.
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An important investment as will help to engage wider audiences for future productions and build ELSF’s brand London/UK wide.
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Distribute flyers/posters across wards/local businesses
LEGACY
The ambition for this expansion is to grow ELSF beyond East London, with the long-term goal to create a UK-wide touring company, that is rooted in East London values including diversity, culture & relevance.
ELSF started in Waltham Forest and have since expanded to Redbridge & Hackney. We are using a tried and tested expansion model to expand beyond East London, into Newham, Bromley (& neighbouring boroughs) & Haringey.
DIVERSITY IN ELSF
Celebrating, encouraging & promoting diversity is at the heart of ELSF’s core aims & ethos. ELSF is female-led & Co-Artistic Directors are both Freelance mothers to young children.
• ELSF hiring policies in-line with Newham/Haringey/Bromley’s inclusivity & diversity aims
• Job descr. to encourage apps from underrepresented groups
• Accessible venues
• Flexible working (accommodate parents/carers)
• Participants representative of diverse E. London communities
• Inclusive reh. Practices, consulting w/industry experts to ensure supportive environment
• Ongoing evaluation/feedback w/ participants/practitioners, to ensure diversity & inclusivity aims are met & adjusted if necessary
• Aim for all engaged Cast/Creative to be (min.) 50% from underrepresented groups
Track Record, 2021/2/3 Projects:
• Over 50% of creatives engaged by ELSF have identified as LGBTQI+
• All gender-identities auditioned for roles in pro-shows
• Feedback forms cited ‘diverse cast’ as feature of shows
• Cast/Creative team incl: Caribbean British, Middle Eastern, Indian, African West African, Caribbean, Mexican, Barbadian; non-binary, trans, queer
• Reasonable adjustments in place to facilitate working parents, pregnancy & Anxiety, ADHD, ASD, Bipolar
• Comm. Cast members from diverse backgrounds & additional needs: Autism, Tourettes, alcohol dependence
© East London Shakespeare Company Ltd, Registered in England, Company No 064-961760
East London based theatre company
© East London Shakespeare Company Ltd, Registered in England, Company No 064-961760 | Registered Charity number: 1203349
East London based theatre company