I've had the pleasure of working with Rachel for a number of years and I believe Rachel to an exceptional director where she has a rare ability to create spaces where artists feel supported, challenged and genuinely seen. As a dramaturg, her insight, care and clarity bring out the very best in the artists and in their work."
Titilola Dawudu,
Artistic Director of HighTide
How can we work together?
I am the sort of creative that likes to respond to the need, so I start with a bunch of questions. I can then adapt my varied skill set to design a process that truly fits the task. Below are some ways and roles in which I am regularly working – but whatever you are looking for, reach out and we can have an intro conversation – it's nice to connect.
Dramaturgy
Writers who I am currently working with: Titilola Dawudu, Amelia Donkor, Demi Wilson-White and sorcha fhionntain.
As a dramaturg I have a bespoke approach depending who you are as an artist, what the story you want to tell is or the big question you want to ask is. For some, dramaturgy is accountability and structural support, for others it's research and language exploration etc. And, a lot of the time it's a little bit of everything. My experience as a director is formative in my approach as a dramaturg as I am always imagining what it might mean to take your material into a room with actors/artists which means we work towards the most ready version of something as possible.
I am a regular collaborator with Off West End Adopt a Playwright, Orange Tree Theatre Collective and Intent New Theatre.
I have a wealth of experience working with first time writers, writers working in english for the first time, writers wanting to rip up the rule books and writers speaking to a lived experience I might not share but can support in.
I will always make it as affordable as possible for independent artists so whatever your budget get in touch if you want to work together
Facilitation
My work as a facilitator is impressively broad and adaptable. I have delivered corporate training for big name brands (MasterCard, Selfridges) and creative workshops in prisons, in car parks and with emerging and established cultural institutions (National Theatre, Freud Museum)
I have extensive experience working with people in vulnerable circumstances through my work with Women In Prison, Advance and Crisis. I have further experience in emerging facilitator training.
I can design workshops and workshop packs that focus on an area of technique (Shakespeare, movement, acting, facilitation) or workshops that use theatre skills to enhance your team's welfare, communication style and collaboration.
Creative Consultancy
My unique experience means I am often brought onto a project for the work that is difficult to define in a neat title. Whether that's strategic thinking around budgets, or care guides, or perhaps it's practical support in terms of curating an event, or creative input and an outside eye, I bring my producing, curatorial and facilitation skills together to give your project its best life.
Education
I have worked at many of the leading drama schools as a director, lecturer and mentor on long term projects or one off sessions. Drama schools include CSSD, East15, LAMDA, Mountview, RADA and Royal Welsh.
I have worked with artists in training at YATI, ASL and have extensive experience working with young people across the UK and internationally in school and workshop settings.
I practice a care centred approach and am intensely trained in trauma informed practice and I am well versed in creating supportive spaces for different access needs.
I see each student-artist as an individual and work to maximise their creative potential whilst simultaneously focussing on the joy of the ensemble and training people in their collaborative skills as well as their technical skills.