LAUREN CROWLEY – Artistic Director & Founder
Lauren is a multidisciplinary arts facilitator, combining theatre, creative writing, visual arts and crafts into her work. She specialises in working with young people, particularly in developing and facilitating inclusive programmes, and workshops accessible to disabled young people, principally those with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities (LDD) or Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In 2008, Lauren completed a MA in Applied Drama at Goldsmiths College, where she met GSA fellow directors.
MILES OPENSHAW - Community & Education Director & Founder
Miles has over 10 years of experience of working with young people in a wide range of drama, theatre and educational settings. He is particularly interested in social inclusion work as well as working with children who are at risk of exclusion. Miles has experience of working in Pupil Referral Units with vulnerable young people, focusing on self-esteem and identity. In 2008, he completed a MA in Applied Drama at Goldsmiths College, where he met GSA fellow directors. He is also an experienced intergenerational arts facilitator and dramatist.
MARILIA LAURIA - Associate Director & Founder
Marilia has worked with children and young people in a drama settings since 1997; both in her native Brazil and the UK. In 2011, she moved to New York where she is supporting a 5 years Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programme. She has a wealth of experience in developing workshops and training programmes for children and young people where the focus is on their own views and needs. Marilia was trained in mime and physical theatre and Stanislavski Acting Techniques. In 2008, she completed a MA in Applied Drama at Goldsmiths College, where Marilia met GSA fellow directors.
DAVID POLLENDINE – Project Manager for Rising Stars, juniors
David has written and directed numerous theatre projects in schools and theatre’s touring both in the UK and abroad. He has a passion for using drama as a tool to educate and raise awareness. David studied Physical Theatre and Acting Studies. He also completed a MA in Applied Drama at Goldsmiths College, where he met GSA’s directors. He runs his own theatre company called Scene Change Theatre and works as a freelance drama facilitator.
NIKKI WATSON – Project Manager for Dance initiatives
Nikki is a dance facilitator. Having worked with dance, creative practice and development for over 5 years, her aim is to bring dance to a wider audience. She has worked in a variety of community contexts with different age groups and abilities. She believes dance can be, and should be available to all. One of her main focuses is working within an integrated context and her aim in the community context is to push for inclusivity within dance and the arts. Nikki is the founder of CODA Dance – a London based dance company.
